The purpose of this report is to explore the extent to which Muslim leaders have spoken out publicly to condemn the violent acts committed by extremists; and to identify growing efforts within Muslim communities to reach out peacefully to other communities and to reinforce the peaceful message of Islam.
Muslims in general and Muslim leaders particularly have often been severely criticized for not energetically condemning the violent acts of Muslim extremists. The uninformed often assume that extremists represent Islam’s mainstream. Violent extremists are on one edge of the Muslim community and are counter- balanced by a growing movement of Muslim peacemakers.
Key findings:
- It is common knowledge that some Muslims espouse extremist interpretations of Islam, and some of these extremists engage in religiously motivated violence. But what is much less widely recognized is the extent of peacebuilding within the worldwide Muslim community. A large majority of Muslims denounce religiously motivated violence and are disgusted by the abuse of their religion. Evidence of this can be seen in Muslim leaders’ widespread condemnation of terrorism and religiously motivated violence around the world after 9/11, as well as after recent events in India.
- Equally as notable as Islamic militancy but less noted are Muslims ’ widespread condemnation of terrorism and other violent acts; promotion of interfaith dialogue; education of Muslim youth and re- education of extremist Muslims; and promotion of peaceful conflict resolution. There are efforts by many Muslim organizations and leaders to promote more frequent and effective dialogue with Christians and Jews to enhance mutual understanding and create practical steps to improve relations. Efforts are also under way in many places to vigorously educate Muslim youth about the core Islamic teachings of tolerance, peace, and pluralism. In addition, governments and institutions in Muslim countries are working to re-educate Muslim extremists about the falsity of the doctrines they advocate and to find alternative nonviolent methods to express their discontent. Finally, there are growing indications of Muslim individuals and organizations promoting peaceful conflict resolution.
- The fact that the Islamic intellectual tradition is extremely diverse helps explain how disparate behavior and acts, including those relating to violence and nonviolence, can all be justified in the name of Islam. The diversity of interpretations within Sunni Islam is demonstrated by the fact that four major schools of thought developed in the eighth and ninth centuries. Shiite interpretations differ from these Sunni legal schools; however, historically, there are common legal, philosophical, and theological interpretations shared by Sunnis and Shiites. Contrary to popular characterizations of Islam, there is a strong and continuing tradition of interpretation and reinterpretation of Islamic principles to address changing times. The science of ijtihad, or interpretation of Islamic principles, has been more active during some periods of history, but it is a continuing tradition, and current circumstances make the practice of ijtihad timelier than ever.
Recommendations:
- While the number of Muslim peacebuilding organizations is rising, many are small and struggling financially. International donors could make an important contribution to world peace by aiding these organizations and strengthening their programs. Several American Muslim organizations have recognized the important roles they can play in reinforcing pluralism within Islam worldwide, and they should be encouraged and supported. Muslim leaders who promote nonviolence, pluralism, and tolerance should be recognized and their efforts publicized. Key Muslim organizations around the world are mobilizing to counter extremism within Islam, and they should be applauded.
