Principles of Conflict Resolution: A Quranic Perspective

Abstract

The pre-Islamic era especially the Arab society was plagued by blood feuds, conflict and violence. People used to resolve conflicts with unrestricted power and dominance therefore Allah has revealed the Holy Quran to guide humanity to resolve conflicts with justice, equality and peace. The universal principles and values mentioned by Allah in the Holy Quran were adopted by various judicial systems across cultures and societies in order to avoid conflict and minimise the negative outcomes of conflicts. This article was organized to document those verses and texts directly narrated by Allah in the Holy Qur'an regarding conflict and conflict resolution mechanisms. The study was based on secondary method of research by quoting only those narrations and texts of the Holy Quran which deals with conflict and conflict resolution in human society. This study found that Allah has narrated that conflict is always harmful which weakens the morale and dilute the social and moral strength of the individual, group and communities. Moreover, Quran urges to avoid conflict, social rifts, and dissension and want us to remain in love, peace, brotherhood and avoid conflict and confrontation. Furthermore, Quran not only urges for peace but also suggest practical ways and means how to effectively deal with any given conflicting situation. It is concluded from the study that Quran negates fundamentalist, rigid and violent approaches of conflict resolution while approves mediation, negotiation and reconciliation as the best possible conflict resolution mechanisms.

Keywords

• Conflict
• Society
• Quran
• Peace
• Reconciliation