Dr. Salah As-Sawi, secretary-general of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America (AMJA), states: Calling for reconciliation is a general term: If what is meant by it is coming together in the political sphere or for the sake of interests shared by both sides, it is an acceptable call. In fact, it is necessary in order to spare lives, to bring security to the masses, and to make it possible for people to journey far and wide in safety. Actually, this is the essence of political stability and social development. This is a field that by its very nature is suitable for diplomacy and tolerance, if not giving up certain rights when necessary. Level-headed people on both sides should call for this, especially considering the disasters and atrocities we are witnessing nowadays.
If what is meant by reconciliation is in the sphere of `aqidah (creed), this should mean to clarify the truth, provide evidence for it, and debunk the myths that surround it, with the gentle and mild approach necessary for the topic, and in accordance with the guidance of the texts (of the Qur’an and Sunnah) in terms of wisdom and good preaching. It is not permissible at all for the intent to be approving falsehood or allowing sin in word or deed.
If those engaged in dialogue and the call for reconciliation follow this principle, there is neither danger in it nor any blame on those involved. It should not be that the campaign for truth be taken from da`wah to their right to repeatedly present their beliefs and bring people’s hearts to acceptance of them.
This is my opinion on the issue of reconciliation. It appears that the trouble is in mixing the spheres of politics and creed, allowing the mechanisms and goals of one of them to be used in the place of the other. If the two spheres remain distinct and separate in the way explained above, the confusion will be eliminated and a combination of benefits will be achieved without exaggerating or crossing the line.