AL-MUʼASSASAT AL-DINIYAH WA DAWRUHĀ FI TARSIKH AL-SALĀM WA MUWĀJAHAT AL-TAḤADDIYĀT: AL-AZHAR AL-SHARIF UNMŪDHAJAN [THE RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN PROMOTING PEACE AND FACING CHALLENGES: AL-AZHAR AL-SHARIF AS A MODEL]

Abstract

Abstract: The research aims to highlight the role of religious institutions, represented by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, in establishing the values of peace and love among all human beings regardless of their different religions, languages, and races... based on the precise application of true Islam, as peace in Islam is the name and title, and it is the essence and content. The means and the goal are life and the hereafter, and peace does not separate from Islam or deviate from it, whether in small or large matters. Islamic religious institutions are merely the translation of all of this, in order to play their role in highlighting the civilizational dimension of Islam, as Islam is not only a religion, but a religion and a civilization. Islamic religious institutions in our current era, led by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, have combined their efforts to consolidate peace and reject violence and terrorism. I limited myself to highlighting the role of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Foundation in consolidating peace, as it is a model against which other institutions can be measured. Methodology: The study followed inductive and analytical method. Research findings: The research reached several results, the most important of which are: Peace is a “principle” that the Messenger, peace and blessings of God be upon him, applied in his relations with those who disagreed with the “peaceful” belief. Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has a pioneering role in implementing the true religion with regard to consolidating peace, throughout its history, which extends over a thousand years until now. Contribution: The researcher’s contributions lie in revealing the efforts of religious institutions to consolidate peace, spread affection and respect for the values of peaceful coexistence with followers of different religions, and reject violence and terrorism in all its forms.