Friday, November 11, 2016

أهل السلام: المكسيك والرحمة والرفق بالحيوان في الإسلام


مما لا شك فيه أن تأخر المجتمعات الإسلامية والعربية لا يرجع فقط لكونها مجتمعات تحولت من الإبداع إلى التبعية، ومن الإنتاج إلى الاستهلاك، بل كذلك لكونها جعلت الأخلاق والقيم في آخر اهتماماتها، وحرمت الإنسان من الكرامة التي فطره الله عليها، والطبيعة من الجمال الذي وهبه الله لها، والحيوان من الرحمة التي خصه الله بها. وأنا هنا سأتكلم عن أهل السلام، وهم أناس يكرمون الإنسان، ويحافظون على البيئة ويرحمون الحيوان، وعن مواقف حصلت معي أو مع أشخاص أعرفهم، تؤكد أن السلام يتحقق عندما نساهم في التغيير، وأول ما يجب أن نبدأ به في مسار التغيير هو أن نغير ما بأنفسنا، كما جاء في الذكر الحكيم "إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ".

الموقف الأول الذي اخترته لسلسلة أهل السلام عشته شخصيا خلال تواجدي بالعاصمة المكسيكية، وذكرني بالأخلاق النبيلة التي تربينا عليها لكننا وللأسف ابتعدنا أو تخلينا عنها. كنت كلما خرجت من المنزل الذي أسكنه أسمع زقزقة العصافير وهي تعبر عن سعادتها وامتنانها لصاحب المنزل الذي يكرمها يوميا بالأكل والشراب، كما هو واضح في الصورة. في الحقيقة لم تكن العصافير وحدها تنعم بالسعادة، بل حتى السكان والجيران والمارة. وفي حديث مع صاحبة المنزل أخبرتني أنهم يقومون كذلك بحملات توعية لكي لا يقوم الناس برمي العلكة في الحدائق والشوارع، لأن الطيور غالبا ما تأكلها ويؤدي ذلك إلى موتها.

اهتمامي بالموضوع أثار فضول صاحبة المنزل، وبما أنها كانت تعرف أنني مسلم سألتني هل للحيوان حقوق في الإسلام، وهل تحدث القرآن عنهم؟ في البداية أخبرتها أن سبب اهتمامي يرجع لكون ما رأيته من إكرام الطيور والرحمة والرفق بها هو من الأخلاق التي يربي عليها الإسلام، الذي يخبرنا في القران أن الحيوانات هي أمم مثلنا "وما من دابة في الأرض ولا طائر يطير بجناحيه إلا أمم أمثالكم" ويوصينا بالرفق بها واحترام مشاعرها، فعن عبد الله ابن مسعود قال "كنا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في سفر فرأينا حمَرة، وهي طائر يشبه العصفور، معها فرخان لها، فأخدناهما فجاءت الحمَرة تعرش أي ترفرف بجناحيها، فلما جاء رسول الله قال: "من فجَع هذه بولدها؟ ردوا ولدها إليها".

ولقد روى النسائي وابن حبان أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "من قتل عصفورا عبثا عج إلى الله يوم القيامة يقول: يارب إن فلانا قتلني عبثا ولم يقتلني منفعة". وحتى في قتل الحيوان من أجل المنفعة فيجب الإحسان فيه كما جاء في الحديث الذي رواه مسلم وابو داود ومالك والترميذي، قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إن الله كتب الإحسان على كل شيء، فاذا قتلتم فأحسنوا القتلة، وإذا ذبحتم فأحسنوا الذبحة، وليحد أحدكم شفرته وليرح ذبيحته". 

بل أكثر من هذا، إذا كان هدف المسلم هو دخول الجنة فالرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم يخبرنا أن الرحمة بالحيوان قد تدخل صاحبها الجنة وعدمها قد يدخله النار. ويعلمنا في الحديث الذي أخرجه البخاري ومسلم، أن امراة دخلت النار في هرَة ربطتها فلم تطعمها ولم تدعها تأكل من خشاش الأرض. وأخبرنا كذلك أن في البهائم لنا أجر "بينما رجل يمشي بطريق إذ اشتد عليه العطش، فوجد بئرا فنزل فيها، فشرب ثم خرج، فإذا كلب يلهث يأكل الثرى من العطش فقال الرجل: لقد بلغ هذا الكلب من العطش مثل الذي كان بلغ مني، فنزل البئر فملأ خفه ماء ثم أمسكه بفيه حتى رقى فسقى الكلب، فشكر الله تعالى له فغفر له. قالوا يارسول الله وإن لنا في البهائم لأجر؟ فقال: في كل ذات كبد رطبة أجر".

استغربت المستمعة من كلامي وقالت لي هذا جميل ولكن هل قام المسلمون بتطبيق هذه التوجيهات والأخلاق الحميدة على أرض الواقع؟ نظرت إليها وسكت وكأنني أتذكر تاريخ الإسلام المجيد، بل تاريخ مرحلة هامة من الحضارة الإنسانية، وكادت السيدة أن تفهم أن صمتي هو تعبير عن عدم وجود نماذج للرحمة والرفق بالحيوان في تاريخ المجتمعات الإسلامية إلا أنني قطعت صمتي قائلا: بالطبع قام المسلمون بتطبيق هذه التعاليم وقاموا كذلك بتأليف مجموعة من الكتب التي تتكلم عن أحكام الرحمة بالحيوان في الإسلام، منها ماجاء في كتاب الدكتور مصطفى السباعي، الذي أخبرنا أن الفقهاء المسلمين كانوا يقرون بوجوب النفقة على الحيوان من مالكه، فإن امتنع أجبر على بيعه أو وضعه في مكان يجد فيه رزقه ومأمنه. وأقروا وجوب النفقة في حال لجوء قطة عمياء إلى بيت شخص وعدم قدرتها على الانصراف منه.

ومن الجميل في تاريخ الإسلام أن الخلفاء كانوا يأمرون الرعية بالرفق بالحيوان، حتى أمر عمر بن عبد العزيز الولاة أن ينهوا الناس عن ركض الفرس في غير حق، وكان من وظيفة المحتسب وهو بمثابة الشرطي في عصرنا، أن يمنع الناس من تحميل الدواب فوق ما تطيق، أو تعذيبها وضربها أثناء السير، فمن فعل ذلك تتم معاقبته. والأجمل أن الحيوانات كانت تستفيد من أوقاف خاصة لتطبيب المريضة منها، وأخرى للحيوانات المسنة العاجزة، ومنها أرض المرج الأخضر بدمشق سوريا، البلد الجميل الذي نحبه جميعا، التي كانت وقف للخيول العاجزة ترعى فيها حتى تموت، وبدمشق كذلك كان هناك وقف للقطط تأكل منه وتعيش بأمان. وبطنجة في المغرب مازلت أتذكر فيلا في وسط المدينة بساحة ايبريا كانت تسكنها المئات من القطط، وتتواجد بنفس المدينة مقبرة للكلاب ببوبانة، استعملت عندما كان الإنسان مكرم، والطبيعة محمية، والحيوان مرحوم، أما واقعنا اليوم، فأغلب القطط والكلاب لكي لا نعمم، تشردت وأصبحت تعيش في الشوارع، لأننا تخلينا عن قيمنا الإسلامية والإنسانية وقسونا وعنفنا الإنسان قبل الحيوان.

انتهى لقائي مع السيدة المكسيكية وتوصلت إلى خلاصة مفادها أن الأمم لا تسعد ويصبح أهلها أهل السلام إذا لم تضمن الكرامة الإنسانية للناس جميعا، بغض النظر عن اختلاف ألسنتهم وأديانهم وألوانهم، وتعطي للأخلاق دورها في بناء مجتمع انساني سليم، يقوم على الاحترام والتعاون والتسامح والرحمة واحترام حقوق الإنسان والطبيعة والحيوان.

سعيد بحاجين
دكتور في دراسات السلام الدولية وباحث في كرسي اليونسكو لفلسفة السلام باسبانيا

Monday, November 7, 2016

Peace and Conflict Transformation instruments in Islam: Pacts


In Muslim societies the use of agreements is very important to transform their conflicts and regulate relations with others. Such agreements or pacts are made between two or more parties to seek a mutually convenient situation, choosing collective over individual interests.
The Quran emphasizes the importance to make pacts and respect commitments. Quran says «Fulfill God's covenant when you have taken it, and do not break your oaths after ratifying them. You have made God your guarantor, and God knows what you do» (Sura: 16, Verse: 91), and also says «And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned» (Sura: 17, Verse: 34).
From an Islamic perspective a pact is understood as a grace ni`ma that leads to peace. Hence the talk of the pact between God and his servants, which allows them to enjoy peace and get into paradise «I am with you; if you perform the prayer, and pay the alms, and believe in My messengers and support them, and loan Allah a goodly loan; I will remit your sins, and admit you into Gardens beneath which rivers flow» (Sura: 5, Verse: 12).
Consequently, the pact does not only benefit individuals but the whole community, because it is a pact that creates a space of peace and transform conflicts, allowing enemies to become friends, through God's grace. For this reason, according to the Quran, a pact must be respected even with the polytheists «Except for those among the polytheists with whom you had made a treaty, and did not violate any of its terms, nor aided anyone against you. So fulfill the treaty with them to the end of its term. God loves the righteous» (Sura: 9, Verse: 4).
Therefore, Islam gives importance to respect and compliance with the pacts «O you who believe! Fulfill your commitments» (Sura: 5, Verse: 1) because they are guarantors of peace, and may contribute to the peaceful transformation of conflict.
Among the Islamic pacts we have as example the pact that the Prophet Mohammed signed with Christians of Najran and the Covenant of Umar made by the Commander Umar Ibn Khattab with the people of Ilia’ (Jerusalem).
Finally, it can be concluded that all societies in their cultures, religions and way of life, have their own ways to transform conflicts. Muslim societies have also their own instruments such as communication (Attawāsul), dialogue (Al-hiwār), mediation (Al-wasāta), arbitration (Attahkīm) and reconciliation (Ṣulh). These instruments and others such as compassion (Arrahma), amnesty (Al-ʿafw), pacts (Al-ʿahd), recognitions (Al-iʿtirāf), empowerment (Attamkīn), consultation (Shura) and the use of feeling (Al-ʼahāsīs), which don’t contradict those used in Western societies. Therefore, they can be used to peacefully transform their conflicts at both local and global level without the imposition of other instruments.
Dr. Said Bahajin, 
Researcher at UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain

Monday, October 31, 2016

Peace and Conflict Transformation instruments in Islam: Forgiveness


Forgiveness is a peaceful response to conflict which allows the parties involved to achieve positive change. At the same time, it is a sign of power and generosity, and a characteristic of the Prophets and God. The Quran says «And it is He who accepts repentance from his worshipers and pardons the sins, and He knows what you do» (Sura: 42, Verse: 25).
There are several verses of the Quran that emphasize the importance of forgiveness as opposed to answering evil with evil, which surely contributes to transform conflicts and improve relations between people and nations «And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward lies with God. Indeed, He does not love the unjust» (Sura: 42, Verse: 40).
This verse shows that if the believer wants to be rewarded by Allah he/she should not answer evil with evil, acting violently and seeking revenge, but learn to forgive, knowing that forgiving the other means to win God’s forgiveness. Quran says: «Those of you who have affluence and means should not refuse to give to the relatives, and the needy, and the emigrants for the sake of God. And let them pardon and overlook. Do you not love for God to forgive you? And God is forgiving and merciful» (Sura: 24, Verse: 22).
The Prophet gave many lessons to show the importance of forgiveness to transform conflicts and improve relationships between people. The best example is with those who persecuted and tortured him and his followers in Mecca. Once he returned peacefully he forgave them and let them live with Muslims in Mecca.
Therefore, forgiveness can be applied as a local instrument for peacefully transforming many of the current conflicts in Muslim societies or with other communities. We only need to instill the Islamic ethics and values to Muslims and explain that Allah loves and forgives the doers of good «Who give in prosperity and adversity, who restrain anger, and who forgive people. God loves the doers of good» (Sura: 3 Verse: 134).
Dr. Said Bahajin, 
Researcher at UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Peace and Conflict Transformation instruments in Islam: Compassion

In Islam, mercy, besides it being one of Allah’s characteristics and is the mission for which the prophet Mohamed was sent. The Quran states «And we have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to mankind» (Sura: 21, Verse: 107). Therefore, the mercy of the Prophet was not only for Muslims but for all of humankinds, animals and nature.
One of the clearest examples of mercy to animals is the saying hadith of the Prophet that tells the story of the man who felt very thirsty. He found a well and went down to it and drank water. When he came out of the well he saw a dog that was also very thirsty. He again went down to the well, filled his leather socks with water and gave it to the dog. For this act, God forgave him all his sins. The followers of the prophet expressed surprise and asked: «O Prophet of God! Have we any reward (for our acts) in regard to animals?” The Prophet said, “There is reward (for every good act done) in regard to every heart fresh of life».

There are abundant Hadiths reporting the life of Prophet Mohamed that show the importance of compassion as a tool to make peace, not only among Muslims but between all human beings. Ibn Dakhil, published in his book entitled The religion of compassion, a hundred sayings of the Prophet related to compassion, among them we can highlight «Allah is only merciful with those who show mercy to others», «Be merciful to those on the earth, so the One above the heavens will be merciful to you».
This compassion is what all believers must apply in their daily life with families, friends and even neighbors, whether they are Muslims or not. Prophet Mohamed may God’s blessings and peace be with him says «[The angel] Gabriel continued to advise me to treat neighbors well until I thought he would make them my heirs». Therefore, Muslims should be kind to their neighbors whether individuals or states, using compassion as peaceful instrument to transform their conflicts with others.
Dr. Said Bahajin, 
Researcher at UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Peace and Conflict Transformation instruments in Islam: Reconciliation

«According to Islamic law (Shari’a), “the purpose of sulh is to end conflict and hostility among believers so that they may conduct their relationship in peace and amity». (Irani, 2001: 182). Therefore, Islam gave great importance to reconciliation "Sulh" which appears alongside other synonyms about 179 times in the Quran.
From an Islamic perspective reconciliation always brings good and is beneficial to all parties. The Quran says «Reconciliation is best» (Sura: 4, Verse: 128). Hence, in case of struggle between two sides the Quran advises to use reconciliation to establish peace between them «If two groups of believers fight each other, reconcile between them […]. The believers are brothers, so reconcile between your brothers, and remain conscious of God, so that you may receive mercy» (Sura: 49, Verse: 9-10).
Thus, reconciliation not only benefits the people reconciled, but also benefits the third party, the reconciler, who wins the mercy of God and a great reward «There is no good in much of their private counsels, except for him who advocates charity, or kindness, or reconciliation between people. Whoever does that, seeking God's approval, we will give him a great compensation» (Sura: 4, Verse: 114).
Therefore, Prophet Mohamed indicates that the value of reconciliation is better than fasting, praying and giving charity to the needy. The Prophet may God’s blessing and peace be with him said: «Do you want me to tell you of what is better than the rank of fasting, prayer and charity?” The Companions said, “Yes, O Messenger of God. He said, “Making peace between people among whom there is discord, as the evil of discord destroys mankind».
One example of reconciliation in Islamic History is "Sulh al-Hudaybiya" which refers to the treaty signed in the year 628 between the Prophet Mohamed representing Muslims living in Medina and the Quraysh tribe representing the pagans of Mecca. A treaty that emerged when Muslims wanted to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the Quraysh prevented them from entering the city. The Prophet did not seek war, but preferred reconciliation and signed a treaty based on four points that were not in favor of Muslims interests.
This event shows that reconciliation goes beyond the present; it seeks to engage the parties in conflict to be recognized and respected for a better future, even at the expense of the interests of one party. Therefore, the Prophet Mohammed accepted the treaty even though it did not benefit Muslims who had to return without making the pilgrimage. Prophet Mohamed knew that reconciliation will be beneficial for the present and future. Firstly, it gave a direct recognition from the Quraysh to the Muslims, and secondly, it gave the Muslims sufficient time to preach Islam in peace.

Dr. Said Bahajin, 
Researcher at UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Peace and Conflict Transformation instruments in Islam: Arbitration


Arbitration is one of the oldest forms of international adjudication. Similarly, it has been one of the essential instruments in the peace conflict transformation in Muslim societies, even before Islam it was used in tribes living in the Arabian Peninsula.
Therefore, in Mecca existed the conference house (dār annadwah), where the nobles and chiefs of tribes met to discuss and resolve conflicts between them. Among those conflicts that would end a war between the tribes, and was resolved through arbitration is the black stone conflict and the reconstruction of the Ka'ba (house built by Abraham and place of pilgrimage of Muslims in the present). For five days, the heads of the Arab tribes were not agree on which of them would put the Black Stone in its place after the reconstruction of the Ka'ba, until the eldest, Abū Umayya, proposed by referee to take first person to enter the premises where they were. By chance, the first to enter was Mohamed (before prophethood), and all accepted him as referee for his good reputation and be known as Al-Amin (the faithful). Mohamed ordered them to bring a blanket, put the stone in the middle and asked each of them to take the blanket from one end and carry it where they had to put the black stone and he laid it on his place.
It is important to note in this regard that in Quran, the Prophet Mohamed is considered an arbitrator who is entitled by God to make peace among believers and they should accept his arbitration as a sign of faith. Quran says: «But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they call you [Muhammad] to arbitrate in their disputes and then find within themselves no resentment regarding your decisions, and submit themselves completely» (Sura 4, verse 65). However, while believers must accept the prophet as arbitrator, he also accepted the arbitration of the others as Salmi Ralph said «The prophet had at least twice accepted arbitration: in one case involving the Jewish clan of Qurayzah, and the other with the Arab tribe of Al ‘Anbar».
Definitely, they are several verses in Quran that encourage believers to opt for arbitration as a way to transform their conflicts. Among these situations is the marriage relationship, if this is fear of separation or divorce between couple, the Quran advises appointing an arbitrator of each family to reconcile between them. The Qur'an says: «If you fear a breach between the two, appoint an arbiter from his family and an arbiter from her family. If they wish to reconcile, God will bring them together. God is Knowledgeable, Expert» (Sura 4, verse 35).
It should be noted that in Islamic history, there are several examples of the use of arbitration to transform conflicts. Undoubtedly the best known example is the famous battle between Ali Ibn Abi Talib; the fourth successor of the prophet and Mo'awiya, governor of Syria. In this incident, there were two arbiters-one nominate by each party, which eventually reached an agreement that gave the caliphate to Mo'awiya.
Finally, from Islamic perspective, God is the ultimate arbitrator on the judgment day. This is what we can understand from this verse «The Jews say, "The Christians are not based on anything;" and the Christians say, "The Jews are not based on anything." Yet they both read the Scripture. Similarly, the ignorant said the same thing. God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection regarding their differences» (surat 2, verse 113).

Then consider God as a referee judgment day, and the prophet Mohamed as arbitrator between believers in his life, shows the importance that Islam gives to this instrument to transform conflicts in which Muslim peoples are involved.

Dr. Said Bahajin,
Researcher at UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Peace and Conflict Transformation instruments in Islam: Communication and Dialogue


According to Mahdi Elmandjra, cultural communication based on respect for cultural diversity is a condition for peace; hence dialogue is an admired value in Islam and an essential component in its doctrine. Thus Islam, as other religions, emphasizes the importance of communication, seeing that most human conflicts result from misunderstandings and misinterpretations caused by lack of communication. Through permanent and constructive dialogue, or what Quran calls Al-jidāl, people can transform their misunderstandings in a peaceful manner.
Al-jidāl, a word used generously throughout the holy Quran actually means “beyond dialogue”. In fact, besides finding a Sura in the Qur'an entitled discussion Al-mujādala, the word Al-jidāl meanings the art of dialogue appears twenty-seven times while the word “dialogue” only is mentioned three times. This example displays that Islam puts more emphasis on the term Al-jidāl specifying that it should be with the use of good manners and based on knowledge, especially with the People of the Scripture «And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in the best manner possible, except those who commit injustice among them. And say, "We believe in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to you; and our God and your God is One; and to Him we are submissive» (Sura: 29, Verse: 46). Also says «Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and debate with them in the most dignified manner Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided» (Sura: 16, Verse: 125).
From an Islamic perspective, Muslim communities should practice the ethics of dialogue, which is based on choosing the right words that do not disrespect others, regardless of religious differences. The Quran tells the story of Moses and his brother when God commanded them to talk to the Pharaoh and taught them to speak to him respectfully; even he has tyrannized «Go, both of you, to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed and speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah]» (Sura: 20, Verse: 43-44).
It is very important in Islam to choose appropriate and good words in a dialogue so that the results benefit all parties. Fadl Allah Mohamed Hussain says in his book “The dialogue in the Quran”, that Islam distinguishes between two styles of dialogue:
The first is violent, uses harsh words and methods that harm the others, humiliate them and deprive them of his dignity, regardless their feelings and emotions.
The second is the non-violent or peaceful, using love as a basis for conflict transformation, starting from the basic rule of Islam that considers the use of good words and manners that open hearts to justice essential.
Hence, Islam focuses on peaceful dialogue insisting on using good words, so that the conflict is peacefully transformed and the enmity becomes amity. Quran said «Not equal are the good deed and the evil; Repel evil with good, and the person who was your enemy becomes like an intimate friend. But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none will attain it except the very fortunate» (Sura: 41, Verse: 34). According to Fadl Allah, a peaceful manner is expressed as the good deed or (hasana), while the word evil or (sayi'a) describes a violent manner.
This verse is profound because on the one side it shows that Islam opts for peaceful means to transform conflicts, and on the other hand it makes clear that the results of peaceful means are positive and able to transform enmity into amity. Moreover, it affirms that patience is an essential element in such process and also in the transformation of any conflict.
At the same time, Islam gives importance to the virtue of listening to others so that dialogue can be fruitful. Listen to others is a duty and a right of others as ElMandjra said, and means applying communicative solidarity that allows everyone to express themselves in their own words, gestures and silences according to París Albert and Martínez Santamaría. “Therefore, Communicative Solidarity occurs when the parties perform their duties during the communication process: sender who does adequately express his messages and who plays receiver receives correctly. Thus, it is possible that all of them, express their own voices and even their views through their silences”
Therefore, communicative solidarity is achieved when the parties involved in the conflict fulfill their duties properly during the process of dialogue, accepting the other and recognizing their right to be wrong and be right. Quran says: «Say, Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth? Say, God. And either you or we are rightly guided or in evident error» (Sura: 34, Verse: 24). In that way, Allah teaches his Prophet Mohamed to dialogue with those who did not believe in his message, recognizing their opinions which can be well guided.
Hence, in Islam it is imperative to recognize the others and their opinions and not ignore or hurt them by using words, gestures or silences that can damage the dialogue process. This is actually forbidden in the Quran because it can cause a hostile reaction from the others. According to the teachings of the Quran «Do not insult those they call upon besides God, lest they insult God in enmity without knowledge. We made attractive to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return and He will inform them about what they used to do» (Sura: 6, Verse: 108).



Dr. Said Bahajin,
Researcher at UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Peace and Conflict Transformation Instruments in Islam 1


The question of peace and conflict transformation instruments and the international implementation of such instruments are increasingly subject of discussion in the face of current world events. The situation in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries, the growing concerns about what we call Islamic extremism, the impact of ISIS and the use of all type of violence in the name of Islam to solve conflicts affecting Muslim societies have brought Muslims and the way they transform their conflicts to the forefront of the political debate in the world.    
We know that the transformation of conflicts is the path to peace between societies; however we cannot achieve peace in Muslims societies without understanding the instruments they use to transform their conflicts within their societies and between them and others. Without knowledge, fundamentalists can easily depict a violent image about Islam threatening the stability and security of entire communities. For this reason, and in order to overcome our common challenges we have no choice but to learn more about Muslim societies and motivate them to know and use their own conflict transformation instruments. «By implementing Western strategies in an Islamic context without any modification or adaptation procedures, scholars and policymakers commit the mistake of imposing an alien set of beliefs» (Abu-Nimer, 2001: 134).

It is especially important to point out that Muslims and Westerners share the idea that conflict is not a threat but rather an opportunity to change and to increase understanding of oneself, of others and nature. Simultaneously, they share the same conflict transformation instruments such as communication (Attawāsul), dialogue (Al-hiwār), mediation (Al-wasāta), arbitration (Attahkīm) and reconciliation (Ṣulh). These instruments and others such as compassion (Arrahma), amnesty (Al-ʿafw), pacts (Al-ʿahd), recognitions (Al-iʿtirāf), empowerment (Attamkīn), consultation (Shura) and the use of feeling (Al-ʼahāsīs), are promoted by Islamic law (Sharīʿa) and are practiced in every traditional Islamic society. Consequently, the basis of Islamic conflict transformation instruments is in harmony with Western instruments and can be effective not only on the local level but also between Muslim and Western societies.

Dr. Said Bahajin,
Researcher at UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain.