About The Book

Forging an interfaith dialog between traditions that typically stand at odds, this groundbreaking book explores the scriptural and spiritual tenets of Islam and Buddhism in relation to one another, creating a basis for comparison and analysis of the two traditions.

The discussion juxtaposes foundational principles and practices by linking underlying principles and fostering a mutual appreciation between followers of both religions. This interfaith initiative focuses upon metaphysical and ethical aspects of Islam and Buddhism, placing them in context with each other, thus encouraging understanding, and providing a point of reference for continuing and deepening reciprocal respect and collaboration.

In their respective introductions to this book, H.H. the Dalai Lama states that the book helps demonstrate that Islam is indeed a 'path of salvation; while leading Islamic scholar of jurisprudence, Prof Mohammad Hashim Kamali, asserts that on the basis of this book one can argue that Buddhism is an authentic 'deen' or religion.

This is an important and pioneering book, which seeks to find common ground between the teachings of Islam and of Buddhism. It is my hope that on the basis of this common ground, followers of each tradition may come to appreciate the spiritual truths their different paths entail, and from this develop a basis for respect for each others’ practice and beliefs. This may not have occurred very often before, because there has been so little opportunity for real understanding between these two great traditions. This book attempts to set that right ... From a Buddhist point of view, the practice of Islam is evidently a spiritual path of salvation.

- His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama

With compelling evidence, drawing upon a dazzling interplay of scriptural and spiritual authorities from both traditions, the reader is led on a pilgrimage to the respective hearts and foundational principles of these great revelations. This results in an unusually profound enrichment and understanding of the two faiths, when juxtaposed, on subjects varying from Ultimate Reality to worship.

By exploring our mutual longing for ethical and spiritual community, we can find the means to reach the goal of peaceful engagement. Common Ground is both informative and inspiring. I am grateful for this initiative and believe that Muslims and Buddhists who live together, from America to Malaysia, will benefit from this scholarship and guidance."

- Ingrid Mattson, Professor of Islamic Studies, Hartford Seminary; and President of the Islamic Society of North America

[This is] the essential aim of the Common Ground project: inviting into our tent the stranger who may not look, worship, or be like us in many ways, because he or she is a creation of God, here for a purpose, and someone to be honored as a fellow guest of God .... Buddhists are heirs to a very powerful spiritual training.

- Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson (from his essay in this volume)

[Common Ground is] .... an earnest attempt to help Muslims to see Buddhism as a true religion, and Buddhists to see Islam as an authentic Dharma.

- Professor Dr. Hashim Kamali (from his Foreword)

- Reviewed by Elena Lloyd-Sidle, Yale Divinity School in Parabola Magazine, Spring 2010.