The Role of Arabic Language in Promoting Inter-Religious Dialogue in Taraba State

Nigeria's complex religious landscape, particularly in states such as Taraba that lie along the fault line between predominantly Muslim and predominantly Christian populations, demands innovative approaches to inter-religious communication and coexistence. This study investigates the role of Arabic language competence and Islamic literary traditions in facilitating inter-religious dialogue initiatives in Taraba State, exploring how Arabic-educated Muslim scholars and community leaders deploy shared textual and philosophical frameworks to build bridges with Christian counterparts. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research documents three inter-religious dialogue programmes conducted between 2021 and 2024 in Jalingo, Wukari, and Bali, gathering data through participant observation, focus group discussions with Muslim and Christian dialogue participants, and in-depth interviews with programme coordinators. The study finds that Arabic-educated Muslim participants contribute distinctive intellectual resources to dialogue processes, drawing on Islamic scholarly traditions of theological debate and ethical reasoning to articulate shared values across religious boundaries. However, linguistic asymmetries and the absence of Arabic-literate interlocutors on the Christian side sometimes limit the depth of engagement. The research recommends expanded community-based Arabic literacy initiatives as part of inter-religious peace-building strategies in Taraba. Keywords: Arabic language, inter-religious dialogue, Taraba State, Muslim-Christian relations, peace-building.