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PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT

Amr Abdullah

The purpose of this paper is to discuss potential principles for interpersonal dispute resolution models within an Islamic context. Such a task requires an Islamic researcher to walk a fine line in order to avoid falling in one of two methodological traps. The first trap is to draw upon western literature on conflict analysis and resolution without sufficient consideration of whether and how that literature may be applied in an Islamic setting. The subtle assumptions underlying most of the conflict intervention models developed in the west have gone undetected, until recently. 1 The other trap is to embark upon a review of the existing Islamic literature relevant to conflict. This approach leads directly to entrapment in circles of legalistic interpretations developed centuries ago, which lack the spirit of conflict resolution as a movement for social change and an interdisciplinary field of research.

However, to accomplish the task of framing appropriate principles, there is no escape from combining the two approaches, while developing the tools necessary to avoid the shortcomings of each. In this regard, this work takes an approach that is appropriately cognizant of the advances made in the west in the field of conflict analysis and resolution. These advances need not be dismissed merely because of concern about cultural appropriateness of western models for Islamic settings. Instead, western literature should be reviewed carefully in order to extract principles, models and techniques which could properly inform an Islamic model; and exclude or set limitations those which are bound by specific western cultural conditions.

This article, while informed by various western-based models of conflict intervention and resolution, 2 is mainly grounded into two Islamic foundations. First, this article argues that historical misuses, abuses and misinterpretations of Islamic sources have diluted the strong emphasis on justice, equality and freedom in Islam as a value system. These centuries-long practices have been so enmeshed with the original messages of Islam that unjust, abusive institutions and structures now appear to be part of the Islamic heritage. Therefore, for an Islamic conflict intervention model to be of benefit to Muslim communities and individuals, its major principle should be to restore to Islam its principles and values of justice, equality and freedom.

The second foundation of this article is the unique status of Islam as a religion and as a value system so cherished by its followers. Islamic sources are rich with conflict intervention principles, values and models that are ready to be explored, researched and articulated in a language that would prepare them for contemporary practice. In addition, the interdependence and “culture of relatedness,” 3 which are characteristics of Islamic communities could be employed to improve conflict intervention; they should not be ignored simply because western models for interpersonal conflict intervention are built upon assumptions of individualism and autonomous existence. Therefore, an effective Islamic model of conflict intervention will adapt a variety of techniques which are compatible with Islamic principles, and which best correspond to each conflict stage or condition. A successful conflict intervention will also benefit from the many strengths associated with “the culture of relatedness” by drawing upon the community to get involved in the process of conflict intervention and resolution.

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