TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE: ISLAMIC LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSLIM RELATIONS, TREATIES, AND CONFLICT

Abstract

This study seeks to establish the Islamic foundations of Muslims’ contribution to global peace by examining the nature of relations with non-Muslims, their governing principles, mechanisms for putting human values into practice, and the rules governing engagement with international treaties. It employs a descriptive and analytical approach, a limited thematic examination of relevant texts, comparison of selected exegetical and juristic discussions, and the derivation of institutional recommendations from the analysis. It distinguishes the treatment of peaceful individuals, interstate relations, and the rules applicable during armed conflict. The study favours peace and fulfilment of covenants as the basis for contemporary international engagement, without presenting this preference as a juristic consensus or reducing disagreements over the grounds for fighting to a single position. It shows that dignity, justice, mercy and cooperation call for practicable measures, and that assessing a treaty under Sharia does not dispense with examining its entry into force, domestic effect and the admissibility of reservations. The study recommends preparing scholars and educational institutions for mediation and dialogue, developing humanitarian cooperation, and undertaking joint treaty reviews by specialists in Sharia and law. These recommendations are normative proposals, not findings from empirical evaluation.