Islam and the myth of the other: The noble colloquy between st. francis of assisi and sultan al-malik al-kāmil

Abstract

This article aims to explore a profound ethical challenge confronting heterogeneous, multi-denominational, and ethnically variegated societies as they confront modernity, seek bonding capital, and come to terms with their own diversity. It does so by deconstructing the dialogue between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan al-Malik al-Kāmil in 1219.1 That striking colloquy provides intriguing insights on a wide range of issues, including celebrating transculturalism in the spirit of convivencia, advocating for mutual respect, and emboldening humanitarianism.2 Even more remarkably, this exchange occurred when the crusades were raging – at the apex of intense hostility between Muslim and Christian communities. At that time, Pope Honorius III demanded that crusaders, from far and wide, eradicate “evil” Muslims and liberate Jerusalem. Yet, despite that, St. Francis was eager to go among the Muslims, and eventually, met with Sultan al-Kāmil. The sultan, as Fareed Munir writes, was peace-loving, sagacious and a “man of honor,”3 indeed, no less magnanimous and courageous than Francis. The hospitality he showed to Francis, by hosting and attentively listening to him for nearly three weeks, is profound.4 Ultimately, that experience changed both men, and presumably others present. Bernard Lonergan describes such encounters as a “conversion” of sorts.5 Explaining, he says, “each individual [life] in their own specific horizon . . . reflects the confines of one’s vision and conceptualization of life.” Naturally, competing horizons often lead individuals or groups into social contestation.6 Particularly so, when “what in one is found intelligible, in another is unintelligible.”7 Yet, what is essential is the prospect of movement from one horizon to another. This creates a new, shared horizon that involves what Lonergan describes as an “about-face,” or the development of a fresh consciousness.