CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN AN ISLAMIC CONTEXT: Some Conceptual Questions

This paper offers a set of conceptual questions for approaching the subject of conflict resolution processes in an Islamic context–as well as the implementation of Western models of conflict resolution in such a context. To address these issues, the paper first introduces the basic, preliminary questions which should be raised prior to initiating any study on this subject. Second, there is a brief comparison of the current Western and the traditional Middle Eastern approaches to conflict resolution. Based on this comparison, the third part of the paper discusses the conditions and questions which should be considered when studying Islam and conflict resolution.