Yousof Qorashi; Saeed Shokoohi; Roohollah Farhadi
Abstract
The paper discussed the role of religions and specifically, religious leaders, in peacebuilding. To achieve the purpose, in the first place, authors shed light on the controversial ...
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The paper discussed the role of religions and specifically, religious leaders, in peacebuilding. To achieve the purpose, in the first place, authors shed light on the controversial issue among scholars perceiving religion as a source of conflict, that is more common, or a tool for peacebuilding. Accepting the constructive and productive role of religions, in general, and Islam, in particular, in peacebuilding, the paper also explored the role of concepts such as forgiveness, patience, and human dignity in peacebuilding. Having applied this conceptual framework, this article studied peacebuilding in post-war Iraq. The findings revealed that the role of religious leaders (Marjaiah), mainly Ayatollah Sistani, was significant. He played his crucial role by means of revival of human dignity in light of public will, pursuing justice in terms of the Constitution, self-restraint as a basis for political stability and, religionization of forgiveness and tolerance. Data is accumulated through content analysis of Sistani’s speeches and Fatwas.
