Displaying items by tag: unity

There are two groups promoting the concept that Islam is tolerant of terrorism. The first is those wishing to hijack Islam for their political purposes and who have distorted and misquoted religious text to justify their abhorrent actions. The second are those who wish to spread fear and hatred of Muslims to suit their political or economic agendas, and similarly distort and misquote religious text to claim that Islam condones such abhorrent actions. However, mainstream traditional Muslims are and always have been very vocal in condemning both such extremist groups.......... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

by Katherine Marshall, Executive Director, The World Faiths Development Dialogue (WFDD), Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs (Georgetown University – Washington D.C.)

 

Read more from the event link here >> IAIS Seminar,  Monday 9^th August 2010

 

The energy required for transforming Muslim thinking and action must arise from within Islam itself. Jihad is one of Islam’s most potent concepts having a complex history and tradition. The challenging task of re-conceptualizing Jihad is a matter of great urgency. Islamic Peaceful-Action is offered in humility and with an awareness of its possible perceived inadequacy among many Muslims. This is a sketch demanding more refined comprehensive treatment, and testing in different Muslim societies. Yet there is utility in this example of re-conceptualization if it helps to provoke other attempts at re-appropriating critical concepts. And God knows best......... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

In Islamic experience Jihad joined two primary meanings:  Peaceful Striving inviting to revealed truth as an individual inner spiritual discipline through self-sacrifice and suffering; and Combative Struggle as the external social and political manifestation of this primary interior attitude. This basic distinction between individual and communal levels of activity provides the ideal goal for Muslim religious striving in all its forms. This essay offers a concise overview of Jihad and its continuing existential significance for the Muslim community today.......... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

What was the original context and significance of ‘peace’ in Islam? The concept of salm ‘peace-security’ in early Muslim experience is re-examined from linguistic and historical aspects, and aligned with the contemporary understanding of Human Security......... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

The centrality of peace in Islam is manifested by its nomenclature: Islām signifies peace, and then also in the daily greeting of Muslims: “as-salām alaykum / peace be upon you.” As-Salām is also one of God’s Most Excellent Names (al-asmā’ al-ḥusnā); while God praises those who act with humility and peace: “the servants of The All-Merciful are those who walk the earth with humility, and when the ignorant address them, they reply: peace!” (al-Furqān 25:63). On the other hand, instigators of violence and war are condemned: “Whenever they kindle the fire of war, God extinguishes it. They strive to create disorder on earth and God loves not those who create disorder” (al-Mā’idah 5:64)........ Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

The terms ‘unity’, ‘integration’ and ‘diversity’ have multiple layers of meaning in the religious context. While religions emphasize unity and integrity, they also address the issues of diversity.

 

When understood properly, unity does not mean uniformity and thus does not invite oppression and closure. By the same token, diversity does not mean chaos and lack of order. Both unity and diversity have a function within the larger context of things. But this context is not confined to the socio-political dimension alone. A broader understanding of these terms will help us understand the religious discourses of unity, diversity and integration. It will also lead to a more critical assessment of the Enlightenment and western modernity.......... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)