The First Annual Muslim Peacebuilding, Justice, and Interfaith Dialogue

Abstract

The First Annual Muslim Peacebuilding, Justice, and Interfaith Dialogue
was held on 28-30 April 2006. Sponsored by the Salam Institute for Peace
and Justice (SIPJ) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), it was
made possible through a Conflict Transformation Grant, in part with the
Fuller Theological Seminary, and the generous support provided by the
Mohammed Said Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace at American University.
The conference was opened by Mohammed Abu-Nimer (SIPJ) and
Louay Safi (ISNA). Abu-Nimer explained that this event was being held to
“systematically think about the Islamic perspectives of peacebuilding, conflict
resolution, and interfaith dialogue, and to attempt to bring it into the
American public context.” Safi mentioned that “it is crucial that we learn
how to prevent and resolve these inevitable conflicts.” After these opening
remarks, the panel sessions began.
Panel 1, “Peace through Development: Experiences from Muslim Communities
and the Muslim World,” discussed the effect of development practices
in Muslim communities on the peace and sustainability of both these
communities themselves and their outside interactions. Kathleen Meilahn
spoke about the United States’ inability to create a sustainable peace in Iraq
due to its lack of cultural and religious understanding. She was followed by
Ayse Kadayifici-Orellana, who presented the SIPJ’s study on Muslim
Peacebuilders in Africa and the Balkans. Her major findings included the
use of and the need to expand the concept of tawhid (that all of creation
emanates from God) and therefore must understand unity through plurality.
Putut Widjanarko’s presentation focused on the Muslim community’s contribution
to reducing ethnic differences within Islam.
Panel 2, “Intra-Muslim Dialogue,” focused on the need for intra-faith
dialogue among Muslims. The presenters pinpointed the Sunni-Shi`ah spilt,
differences between converted Muslims and born Muslims, and ideological ...