RELIGIOUS PEACEBUILDING IN CONFLICT ZONES: THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORKS AND CASE STUDIES

Abstract

Religious peacebuilding has emerged as a potent strategy in mitigating conflicts driven by ethnic, cultural, and theological divides. This article examines the theological foundations underpinning peacebuilding efforts, particularly within Islamic and interfaith paradigms. Using qualitative case study analysis from regions including Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Balkans, the research explores how religious leaders, texts, and institutions contribute to reconciliation and peace. The study identifies key theological doctrines such as sulh (reconciliation), adl (justice), and rahma (mercy) as central to Islamic peacebuilding, while highlighting challenges such as politicization of religion and doctrinal rigidity. Two graphs illustrate the correlation between interfaith engagement and reduction in conflict, and the role of religious actors in post-conflict reconciliation.