The Arab region stands at a crossroads, grappling with the challenges of extremism, conflict, and socio-political upheaval. Against this backdrop, the urgent need for an authoritative religious vision for the future cannot be overstated.

Islam, a faith grounded in mercy, compassion, and coexistence, has often been distorted by extremists to propagate narratives of division and violence. It is time to reclaim its true essence, restore its ethical core, and align religious discourse with the region’s aspirations for peace and progress.

At the heart of any religious vision for the Arab region must be a reaffirmation of Islam’s foundational principles of mercy and justice. Extremists have weaponised selective interpretations of Islamic texts to justify their agendas, creating a distorted image of the faith. Yet, the Quran and the Sunnah offer a powerful counter-narrative.

The Quran repeatedly emphasises the sanctity of life and the importance of coexistence. For instance, in Surah al-Ma’idah (5:32), it declares that saving one life is akin to saving all of humanity. Likewise, the Prophet Mohamed’s (Peace be upon Him) life exemplifies tolerance and compassion, even in the face of hostility. His interactions with people of different faiths in Medina stand as a timeless model of societal harmony.

To reclaim Islam’s true message, religious scholars and institutions must engage in a proactive intellectual revival. This involves addressing contemporary challenges through the lens of classical Islamic principles while emphasising flexibility, diversity, and ijtihad (independent reasoning). This renewal is not merely a theological exercise but a moral imperative to counter the rigidity and exclusivity of extremist ideologies.

Religion and diplomacy have often been treated as separate domains, but their integration is critical in shaping a peaceful future for the Arab region. Diplomatic efforts must align with the ethical and moral frameworks provided by Islam, emphasising justice, mutual respect, and the sanctity of human life.

Diplomats, working in tandem with religious scholars, can play a pivotal role in reshaping global narratives about Islam and countering the stereotypes perpetuated by extremist actions. These efforts must focus on fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogues to build bridges between communities and nations.

Moreover, long-term partnerships between nations, institutions, and communities are essential to addressing extremism’s multi-dimensional nature. Regional organisations like the Arab League, as well as global entities such as the United Nations, should collaborate with respected Islamic institutions like Al-Azhar and the Dar Al-Iftaa in Egypt. These partnerships can amplify moderate voices, create educational frameworks to promote tolerance, and develop global strategies to combat extremism.

Diplomacy also holds the key to addressing structural issues such as poverty, inequality, and political disenfranchisement, which extremists often exploit. By combining religious principles with diplomatic initiatives, the Arab world can forge a path towards sustainable peace and development.

The challenges facing the Arab region are too vast and complex to be tackled in isolation. What is required is a collective commitment from religious scholars, diplomats, policymakers, and civil society leaders. Each of these groups has a unique role to play in dismantling extremist ideologies and fostering a culture of coexistence.

Religious scholars bear the responsibility for reclaiming the narrative. They must engage with modern tools and platforms to reach younger generations, using digital media to present Islam’s authentic teachings in a relatable and accessible manner. Scholars should also work to debunk extremist propaganda, offering counter-narratives that resonate with contemporary realities.

Diplomats and policymakers must champion policies that address the socio-economic and political grievances that extremists exploit. This includes promoting inclusive governance, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and investing in education systems that foster critical thinking and ethical reasoning.

Civil society, including NGOs and grassroots organisations, must also rise to the challenge. By building resilient communities, promoting interfaith initiatives, and fostering dialogue across divides, these organisations can create environments where extremism finds no fertile ground.

At its core, this vision for the Arab region is about reclaiming Islam’s identity as a faith of peace and progress. It is about empowering religious institutions to guide societies towards justice and compassion while leveraging diplomacy to build a more inclusive and cooperative world.

But above all, it is about collective action. Scholars, diplomats, and community leaders must unite to address not only the symptoms of extremism but also its root causes. This unified approach can reclaim Islam’s true essence, ensuring that the Arab region emerges from its current challenges stronger, more cohesive, and better positioned to lead the world in the values of mercy and coexistence.

In doing so, the Arab region has the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the world – as a beacon of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of faith to heal, unite, and inspire. Let this vision guide our shared journey towards a peaceful and harmonious future.

The writer is a senior adviser to the Grand Mufti of Egypt.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 12 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly