Editorial

Abstract

In this April 2016 issue of IAIS Malaysia’s flagship journal, Islam and Civilisational Renewal, I am pleased to present six substantive articles (all with actionable policy recommendations) and four viewpoints, in addition to five event reports. With some sadness, I also include the obituaries of four well-known Muslim scholars.

The first article is my own, entitled ‘Peace in the Islamic Tradition: One Vision, Multiple Pathways’. A comprehensive overview of how peace, jihad and conflict
resolution are understood by the Islamic tradition, I conclude that: 1) Islam’s core principles emphasise peace and Muslims must return to them while considering broader objectives and eschewing literalism; 2) Muslim countries must prioritise good governance, social justice and the rule of law as the bedrocks of peace; 3) peaceful interpretations of jihad must rise to the fore; and 4) major international actors must consider how their actions impact upon the peace and security of weaker
Muslim countries.