Efforts of Muslim Faith-Based Organisations and Initiatives to Counter International Terrorism

Abstract

The article examines responses by Muslim faith-based organisation to address Islamic international terrorism. After describing the root causes of international terrorism associated with Islam, it assesses traditional national and international responses and finds that they have globally failed to address the root causes of the problem. It then considers responses emanating from the Muslim community, particularly indigenous and innovative solutions promoted by faith-based organisations. These have created mechanisms, notably the ‘Amman Message’, to exclude extremists and to strengthen mainstream Islam. In other instances, for instance in the case of the Muhammadiyah organisation in Indonesia, they act daily with their communities and others to promote dialogue and understanding, notably. The article tries to assess their impact in providing hope, in enlarging the base for peaceful and mainstream Islam and in countering Islamic extremism.