Essay on Islamic Perspectives on Peace and Violence
http://deenrc.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/islamic-perspectives-on-peace-and-violence.pdf
B r i e f l y . . .
• Islam and the West share cultural roots, including a shared commitment to peace, but Islam and the West are out of touch with each other. The clash between the two,
however, is one of symbols rather than of civilizations.
• Contrary to stereotypes, Islam advocates numerous non violent and peacebuilding values and expects Muslims to live by them. Despite these ideals set out for Muslims, various societal forces pose obstacles to their implementation.
• Terrorism finds some historical precedent in a few heretical Islamic sects, but Islam does not teach Muslims to kill innocent people in the name of a political agenda.
• Although there is no justification for the terrorist acts of September 11, American support for authoritarian regimes in the Muslim world both breeds radical opposition in these countries and stimulates anti-American sentiment.
• When moderate Muslims remain silent, extremists speak for all. It is time that Muslim moderates rescued Islam and Muslim causes from the clutches of extremists.
• Moderate Muslims must fight against all forms of prejudice, hatred, and intolerance within Muslim ranks and must militantly advocate peaceful resolutions of conflict
both within and outside the community.
• The West and Islam need to actively engage each other and learn the best that they each have to offer.