| By Laila307,
on 05-03-2007 19:33
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Pearls of Iraq
Islamic Peacebuilding, Part One and Two
(End Notes to be posted...at the end)
I have received emails asking about Islamic peacebuilding. Therefore over the next few posts I will explain some of the paradigms and theories behind Islamic peacebuilding and dialogue versus Western traditional frameworks. Some of this material will be taken from my Master’s thesis, “Iraq International Educational Leadership Role in Dialogue, Nonviolence and Peacebuilding Initiatives.” This paper directly answers the question; it may raise more questions and was combination of six years of committed research and practice. I am not an Islamic scholar, but relied on the advice of Islamic scholars and other Muslim scholars. I ask Allah and readers to please forgive me in advance if there are any errors, as I am only human. This was written in love and dedication to my Iraqi people whose strength through difficult times never seems to waiver.
The world is watching Iraq. The Iraqi government and people are emerging as role models for strategic development and implementation of pioneering approaches to dialogue, conflict resolution, mediation and peacebuilding. A good reason for this is that Iraq is a country with a majority Muslim population. Islam is a religious system which not only includes spirituality and theology, but also a very detailed, structured and vast system of law and meditation. Its foundation is the essence of the Qur’an’s principles of behavior, coupled with the Sunnah (Grand Tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
The Islamic approach toward peace is a leading framework in addressing conflict, peacebuilding and the various forms of dialogue. Applying the Qur’an and Sunnah to all echelons of conflict has been employed for 1400 years by the Muslims with great results in most cases (witness the glory of Andalucia). Advanced studies of Islamic forms of dialogue and peace-building have recently renewed interest and research by prominent Islamic scholars, both Muslim and non-Muslim. The research and practice of Islamic dialogue is structured into a curriculum of education for the purpose of further study, development and understanding within the Islamic Umma, reconciliation with other religions, cultures and socio-political institutions. Commitment to co-existence and transformation using Islamic principles in dialogue, nonviolence and peacebuilding is coming to the forefront to peace studies and compliments the conventional, Western frameworks.
In Yemen, Judge Hamoud al-Hitar demonstrates success with an aspect of Islamic approach in his program using Islamic dialogue to counter Iraqs Al- Qaeda prisoners with an Al-Jadal style debate and he is succeeding. Al-Hitar describes this approach, “"Before the dialogues began, there was only one way to fight terrorism, and that was through force," he says, "Now there is another way: dialogue."
This form of Islamic dialogue used by Judge Hitar is called Al-Jadal (dialectics), a discussion similar to a persuasive debate through provable documentation and logic. Other types of Islamic dialogue include Al-Hewar (transformative) and Al-Tahâwur (discussion) and the less desirable forms: Al-Jidâl (eristics), which is similar to Al-Jadal, but implies a higher escalation of the debate into argument. The fifth term is Al-Mirâ’ (dispute, quarrel), which means an escalated conflict communication. All of these are elements of Islamic dialogue. Unfortunately, most traditional conflict specialists are completely unaware of these different types of Islamic communication.
Educating and facilitating Islamic principles of dialogue, nonviolence and peacebuilding to the new generation of peacemakers is important for Iraq, for Islam (nearly 25% of the human population) and for humanity. When asked why I feel so strongly about Islamic frameworks for peace and dialogue my reply is simple: The Holy Books were given to creation for guidance. Wudhu, the act of rinsing the nose and mouth, and washing one’s face, hands and feet is conducted before reading the Quran and any other religious function. It is done out of respect for the Holy Word. Shouldn’t Muslims respect the guidance in the Qur’an and Sunnah by actively pursuing and applying the principles to peace and nonviolence? The Qur’an and Sunnah were given to humanity for this application, solving problems and for peaceful co-existence.
The benefit of the Islamic approach to dialogue, nonviolence and peacebuilding in combination with other developed theories and methods provides the Iraqi people with tools needed to continue rebuilding their country. A proposed school on Islamic peacebuilding and dialogue would exemplify Iraq as a global role model in the field of peacebuilding and will give an understanding of Islam and traditional cultural societies to non-Muslim cultures, particularly in the West.
Abdul Aziz Said, Director of American University s Center for Global Peace and the Mohammed Said Farsi Professor of Islamic Peace once stated in an interview, "This is perfect timing for an Islamic school of dialogue and peacebuilding. The frameworks are in place and many people are now ready (educated in these studies) to make it happen.” It should be noted that Dr. Said has worked tirelessly during his whole career to develop the Islamic aspect of dialogue and peacebuilding. He hopes that this methodology will soon be revived. Such a school would be a bridge to the diverse society within Iraq and offer education and better comprehension of the Islamic culture, regional and local subcultures.
Such a school would be a bridge to the diverse society within Iraq and offer education and better comprehension of the Islamic culture, regional and local subcultures. Additionally, participation and studies of the minority religions and their cultures -- including communication – would be researched and included in the curricula.
Here are the following recommendations building upon Iraq’s current foundation:
Committee for Islamic Dialogue, Nonviolence and Peacebuilding: Establish a committee with a diverse representation of Iraq’s population. This committee’s role is to explore and take action in establishing different educational frameworks to strengthen the existing peaceful and true paradigm of Islam in all systems -- including social, economic, community, educational, political and to equally involve all religions and ethnicities. The committee will build upon the following:
1) a combination of established Islamic frameworks for dialogue, nonviolence and peacebuilding,
2) applied research and development of innovative and fresh approaches to peace and
3) implementation of cross-cultural, multi-religious and Western theories and applications for International studies
Education: Development of the Iraq Islamic School of Dialogue and Peacebuilding with its own degree/certification program(s) incorporating proven Islamic approaches to dialogue and other equally strong methods for peace building, reconciliation and mediation. A firm foundation exists in all of these areas. Scholars and practitioners are ready to collaborate with Iraqi Muslim scholars in the development of the curriculum. This field of study will be taught to students and further research and development will be recommended.
It is imperative that this school be developed by the Iraqi people; scholars and experts in conflict analysis and resolution; and, most importantly, scholars of Islamic and inter-religious backgrounds.
This does not require a process of “re-inventing the wheel”, but merely the transmission of research and knowledge, and proven applications of Islamic principles to practical aspects of civil society. The school will support Iraq’s economy indirectly through education, training and jobs, but, more importantly, offer positive transformation for the Iraqi people within the local communities and organizations. These applications have positive influence when applied to development projects providing a constructive outcome.
This will be an unique school in the world, a premier institute in the field of Islamic international peace and conflict resolution. Graduates will be able to teach and apply their education and skills in Iraq and overseas. It is a strong national and international diplomacy strategy.
International Islamic Center for Global Peace: Establish the International Islamic Center for Global Peace as a working “think tank” structure to balance with other similar organizations and educational institutions in the global community working together for cross-cultural and interfaith understanding and activities. This center will with cooperate and partner with the Iraq Islamic School of Dialogue and Peacebuilding within Iraq. Its mission will be to support and foster research, conferences, skills training and diplomacy, including mediation. Additionally it will be a leading research and training center for the global community. Iraq has historically been a cultural, educational and spiritual center in the world. The school and the center are two symbols of this leadership.
Iraq National Initiatives: Develop long term goals as established by the Ministries incorporating the teaching of cross-cultural communication and mediation on all levels of the Iraq education system in diverse forms. One example may include skills training in youth community centers focusing on development, dialogue and positive approaches to conflict and mediation, thus providing a safe environment and support structure for the Iraqi youth.
Next Steps
The establishment of the above recommendations will propel Iraq into a leadership role internationally and diplomatically in the field of peacebuilding, dialogue and mediation. Islamic scholars/practitioners and people of other religions and cultures are working tirelessly together incorporating and instructing new frameworks and structures addressing conflict nonviolence, cross-cultural communication, peacebuilding and positive, sustainable development. Educational organizations and NGOs are cooperating collectively in teams to serve humanity and bring society to peaceful co-existence to society. A concrete educational structure and institute is the next step.
One of the major problems in the world, and this was tragically illustrated in Iraq between the US coalition and the Iraqi people, is the lack of education, understanding and misperceptions about both the culture and religious diversity in Iraq, including Islam. The above measures will be a historical landmark in education, understanding and bridging of the global society.
Thus, immediate action is recommended to establish the Committee for Islamic Conflict Nonviolence and Peacebuilding by June of 2006 or sooner. Also, further recommended is the development of the Iraq Islamic School of Dialogue and Peacebuilding with its own certification program under the Committee, in conjunction with the International Islamic Center for Global Peace and the appropriate Iraqi ministries.
Summary
Iraq, a role model and a leader in prolific solutions will continue to expand its respect and determination concerning innovative methods for peaceful co-existence and diplomacy in national and foreign policy. This paper discusses the argument for the recommendations, expands on the vision and provides an overview of the implementation of the recommendations.
To be continued…
Last update : 05-03-2007 19:33
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