Daily View/ Afghanistan, with its rich history and religious and ethnic diversity, has always been a home for peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions. However, in the last four decades, wars, foreign interference, and the emergence of extremist movements have turned this country into a battlefield of religious competition. The birthday of Imam Ali (AS) is an excuse to talk about the role of unity in Islamic society and to unravel some of the existing challenges. This article attempts to present solutions for Islamic convergence in Afghanistan by looking at the current situation.
Publish dateThursday 9 January 2025 - 15:38
Story Code : 304269
Why is unity among Muslims necessary?
Afghanistan is a country where different ethnicities and religions live side by side. While this diversity is an opportunity to strengthen social solidarity, it has also been a source of conflict in some cases. Contemporary history has shown that whenever religious divisions have intensified, internal and external enemies have benefited from it.
At the macro level, unity among Muslims can help reduce social and political crises. Religious convergence not only strengthens security and peace, but also paves the way for economic and cultural development. On the other hand, unity can be a successful model for other Islamic countries facing similar challenges.
Challenges to Unity in Afghanistan
1. Religious and Ethnic Prejudices
One of the major problems in Afghanistan is the existence of long-standing prejudices between ethnic groups and religions. These prejudices are rooted in history and have intensified during civil wars and foreign interference.
2. The growth of extremist movements
Taktifist groups have expanded their influence in Afghanistan by taking advantage of the atmosphere of religious differences. These movements have challenged peaceful coexistence by spreading extremist propaganda and promoting violence.
3. Lack of Public Awareness
The lack of educational programs that focus on common Islamic values has led to continued misunderstandings between ethnic groups and religions. This lack of awareness has fueled religious extremism and prejudice.
4. Misuse of religion in politics
Some politicians and foreign groups use religious differences as a tool to advance their goals. This has increased distrust among followers of different religions.
Strategies to strengthen Islamic convergence
1. Dialogue and interaction between religious scholars
One of the best ways to reduce religious differences is direct dialogue between Shiite and Sunni scholars. These dialogues should be held with the aim of clarifying misunderstandings and emphasizing common Islamic values. Holding joint religious meetings and conferences can also help create an atmosphere of understanding.
2. Reforming the education system
Education can play a key role in reducing religious prejudice. Introducing the common history and culture of Afghanistan’s ethnic and religious groups in textbooks and emphasizing human and Islamic values can pave the way for convergence.
3. Strengthening joint social activities
Collaborating on social projects, such as building schools, health centers, and charity projects, can bring people closer together. These activities not only help improve living conditions, but also strengthen relations between different ethnic groups and religions.
4. Using the media to promote unity
The media should play an active role in reducing religious tensions and promoting unifying messages. Programs that introduce Islamic commonalities or showcase successful experiences from other countries can have a significant impact.
5. Countering extremism
Combating extremism should be a priority. This includes identifying and removing extremist elements from religious institutions, promoting moderate discourses, and raising public awareness about the consequences of extremism.
6. Emphasizing common Islamic values
Love, justice, empathy, and respect for humanity are among the values that are common to all Islamic faiths. Promoting these values can play an important role in reducing tensions and strengthening solidarity.
7. Supporting religious and local leaders
Local and religious leaders who emphasize promoting unity should be supported. These leaders can act as mediators and help reduce tensions.
The role of the media in fostering Islamic convergence
The media can help reduce prejudice by producing positive content and emphasizing Islamic commonalities. Some of the suggested solutions in this regard include:
Covering positive news: The media should reflect successful efforts to build unity among religions.
Invite religious elites: Debates and expert talks can help clarify issues and reduce misunderstandings.
Explain the dangers of extremism: The media should inform about the consequences of extremism and the role of foreign enemies in exacerbating religious differences.
Introduce successful models: Experiences of other countries in the field of Islamic unity can be inspiring.
The role of the government in strengthening Islamic unity
The Afghan government should play an active role in reducing religious tensions. This includes:
Formulating supportive policies: Religious minorities should enjoy equal rights.
Supporting moderate religious institutions: Strengthening moderate discourses and confronting extremism is essential.
Promoting social justice: The government should work to eliminate religious and ethnic discrimination.
Conclusion
With a history of religious diversity, Afghanistan has great potential to become a model of Islamic unity and convergence. Unity among Muslims not only lays the groundwork for peace and stability, but also paves the way for economic and social development. The birth anniversary of Imam Ali (AS) is an opportunity to emphasize commonalities and take practical steps towards realizing the ideals of Islamic unity. This unity pact is what Afghanistan needs today.
Afghanistan is a country where different ethnicities and religions live side by side. While this diversity is an opportunity to strengthen social solidarity, it has also been a source of conflict in some cases. Contemporary history has shown that whenever religious divisions have intensified, internal and external enemies have benefited from it.
At the macro level, unity among Muslims can help reduce social and political crises. Religious convergence not only strengthens security and peace, but also paves the way for economic and cultural development. On the other hand, unity can be a successful model for other Islamic countries facing similar challenges.
Challenges to Unity in Afghanistan
1. Religious and Ethnic Prejudices
One of the major problems in Afghanistan is the existence of long-standing prejudices between ethnic groups and religions. These prejudices are rooted in history and have intensified during civil wars and foreign interference.
2. The growth of extremist movements
Taktifist groups have expanded their influence in Afghanistan by taking advantage of the atmosphere of religious differences. These movements have challenged peaceful coexistence by spreading extremist propaganda and promoting violence.
3. Lack of Public Awareness
The lack of educational programs that focus on common Islamic values has led to continued misunderstandings between ethnic groups and religions. This lack of awareness has fueled religious extremism and prejudice.
4. Misuse of religion in politics
Some politicians and foreign groups use religious differences as a tool to advance their goals. This has increased distrust among followers of different religions.
Strategies to strengthen Islamic convergence
1. Dialogue and interaction between religious scholars
One of the best ways to reduce religious differences is direct dialogue between Shiite and Sunni scholars. These dialogues should be held with the aim of clarifying misunderstandings and emphasizing common Islamic values. Holding joint religious meetings and conferences can also help create an atmosphere of understanding.
2. Reforming the education system
Education can play a key role in reducing religious prejudice. Introducing the common history and culture of Afghanistan’s ethnic and religious groups in textbooks and emphasizing human and Islamic values can pave the way for convergence.
3. Strengthening joint social activities
Collaborating on social projects, such as building schools, health centers, and charity projects, can bring people closer together. These activities not only help improve living conditions, but also strengthen relations between different ethnic groups and religions.
4. Using the media to promote unity
The media should play an active role in reducing religious tensions and promoting unifying messages. Programs that introduce Islamic commonalities or showcase successful experiences from other countries can have a significant impact.
5. Countering extremism
Combating extremism should be a priority. This includes identifying and removing extremist elements from religious institutions, promoting moderate discourses, and raising public awareness about the consequences of extremism.
6. Emphasizing common Islamic values
Love, justice, empathy, and respect for humanity are among the values that are common to all Islamic faiths. Promoting these values can play an important role in reducing tensions and strengthening solidarity.
7. Supporting religious and local leaders
Local and religious leaders who emphasize promoting unity should be supported. These leaders can act as mediators and help reduce tensions.
The role of the media in fostering Islamic convergence
The media can help reduce prejudice by producing positive content and emphasizing Islamic commonalities. Some of the suggested solutions in this regard include:
Covering positive news: The media should reflect successful efforts to build unity among religions.
Invite religious elites: Debates and expert talks can help clarify issues and reduce misunderstandings.
Explain the dangers of extremism: The media should inform about the consequences of extremism and the role of foreign enemies in exacerbating religious differences.
Introduce successful models: Experiences of other countries in the field of Islamic unity can be inspiring.
The role of the government in strengthening Islamic unity
The Afghan government should play an active role in reducing religious tensions. This includes:
Formulating supportive policies: Religious minorities should enjoy equal rights.
Supporting moderate religious institutions: Strengthening moderate discourses and confronting extremism is essential.
Promoting social justice: The government should work to eliminate religious and ethnic discrimination.
Conclusion
With a history of religious diversity, Afghanistan has great potential to become a model of Islamic unity and convergence. Unity among Muslims not only lays the groundwork for peace and stability, but also paves the way for economic and social development. The birth anniversary of Imam Ali (AS) is an opportunity to emphasize commonalities and take practical steps towards realizing the ideals of Islamic unity. This unity pact is what Afghanistan needs today.
avapress.com/vdcd9o0snyt0zx6.em2y.html
Top hits
