Conclusion and Recommendations

This chapter puts forward a number of actionable proposals and policy recommendations that arise from the various parts of this book on a variety of themes. Attention is drawn to the importance of action plans, project works, and measures that can help reduce tension within communities and address the causes of extremism and violence beyond national borders. Good action plans are naturally nurtured by accurate understanding of the nature of issues and conceiving of proportionate responses to address them through peaceful means. Government leaders, media personalities, universities, teachers, and religious leaders are instrumental in advancing the causes of peace and moderation through enlightenment and better understanding of Islam in conjunction with the realities of our time.

Character and Lifestyle

This chapter draws attention to pervasive imbalances in consumption and wastage of food, and the resulting obesity and health problems. Then follows a review of the Qur’an and hadith, and a selection of scholarly opinion on personal lifestyle, from eating and drinking, speech and humor, to religiosity and worship, work and leisure, art and music. The question in all of this is how to make wasaṭiyyah a guide to conducting personal, lifestyle, and social relations. Another question posed is whether Islam has visualized, if at all, a model personality that integrates the best attributes of moderation, one that can be emulated by others.

The Moderating Role of Ikhtilāf (Reasoned Disagreement)

Difference of opinion and interpretation is a well-recognized feature of law and theology in Islam, originating in the fact that the bulk of the textual data of the Qur’an and hadith is open to interpretation. This has led, in turn, to the emergence of a large number of legal and theological schools throughout the Islamic history, many of which have survived to this day. This chapter reviews scriptural evidence in the Qur’an, hadith, and Islamic scholarship that support freedom of expression and interpretation in various ways, including consultation, sincere advice, independent reasoning, and constructive criticism, all pointing to the reality of ikhtilaf, diversity and pluralism in Islamic thought.

Manifestations of Wasaṭiyyah

This chapter advances a perspective on how Islam has manifested wasaṭiyyah in the exposition and implementation of its precepts and principles. Thus, it is noted that wasaṭiyyah has helped keep Islam focused on its center, although not entirely neglecting the peripheries. Reconciling and balancing the interests of continuity and change, and those of the individual and society, of past realities and future prospects, of this world and the hereafter through rational methods, consultative engagement, practical wisdom, and ijtihad (independent reasoning) has all in all manifested the reality of wasaṭiyyah in Islam. Suitable illustrations to support some of these statements are also provided.

Hallmarks and Types of Extremism

This chapter begins with a conceptual characterization of extremism and then outlines its principal indicators and types, such as the fanatic pursuit of one particular view. The extremist tends to be self-righteous, power-hungry, willing to inflict harm and hardship on others, and also inclined to confusing the essential with that which is subsidiary and negligible. The chapter then reviews and differentiates certain varieties of extremism from one another and illustrates them with relevant examples. There are references in this connection to Arab Spring, ISIS, Boko Haram, and Charlie Hebdo. Towards its conclusion, the chapter highlights a potential solution in decreasing the draw of extremism in the Muslim world. This solution includes efforts toward poverty eradication, job creation, and protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens.

A Round-Up of Modern Opinion

This chapter presents a selection mainly of twentieth-century scholarly opinion, both Sunni and Shi’a, on wasaṭiyyah and its role and manifestation in the textual data and historical development of Islamic scholarship, as well as the management of community affairs. Wasaṭiyyah relates closely to justice, but it is multifaceted and tends to influence almost all aspects of the individual conduct, as well as relations in society and with the outside world. The chapter discusses how wasaṭiyyah begins in the inner self of the individual and from there spreads out to influence relations with others and one’s surrounding environment, concluding with the point that rejecting extremism and embracing moderation are the keys toward treating others with dignity, accepting our differences, and coexisting with each other in peace and harmony.

Definition and Scope of Wasaṭiyyah

Wasaṭiyyah is often given different meanings, contextualized and equated with concepts such as “appeasement,” “mediocrity,” “compromise,” and “weakness.” It is necessary, therefore, to provide clarification and an accurate review of the meaning and definition of wasaṭiyyah, as well as some of its allied expressions, which is what this chapter has attempted to do. The chapter proceeds to review the Arabic usages of the wasaṭiyyah in the Qur’an, hadith, and linguistic usage of the Arabs while drawing attention also to the renewed importance moderation acquired in the aftermath of the September 2001 attacks, their devastation effects on Islam-West relations, and a fresh cycle of radicalization, extremism, and violence the world has experienced ever since.

Wasaṭiyyah and Globalization

This chapter advances a perspective on advantages and disadvantages of globalization, as well as how it is perceived by the weaker economies, and the Muslim world generally. On one hand, globalization has the potential to provide for easier communication; a more effective means of addressing matters such as human rights, public accountability, women’s issues, and dealing with corrupt dictators; and an expansion of trade and foreign investment, which, in turn, often accelerates social mobility and strengthens the middle class. On the other hand, globalization tends to bring about greater disparity between the haves and have-nots, as well as popularizing a consumer culture and placing greater emphasis on materialist possessions that erode traditional values. After delving into both sides of this phenomenon, the chapter discusses the view that the Islamic principle of unity (tawhid) has strong pro-globalization characteristics.

Harm (Ḍarar) Must Be Eliminated

This chapter highlights one of the cardinal maxims of Islamic law, both Sunni and Shi’ah, on the prevention of harm and hardship. The maxim is supplemented, in turn, by a number of other maxims and guidelines, which help to preserve normalcy and equilibrium in society and human relations. The chapter also examines the role that this principle can play in protecting the natural environment by enabling individuals and governments alike to curb abusive practices and take remedial action against the violators who inflict harm and make the earth and its environment hazardous to humans and other inhabitants of planet earth.

Institutional Developments

This chapter reviews the institutional developments and practical measures taken by Muslim countries and leaders in order to entrench wasaṭiyyah in the conduct of their domestic affairs and in their relations with the outside world. Almost all of the six institutional setups discussed in this chapter, alongside the two landmark initiatives, namely the Amman Message, and “A Common Word,” show the efforts that Muslims are making in developing a constructive conversation with other faith traditions and civilizations. The chapter also reviews three other developments, namely the Inter-Civilisational Dialogue initiative, the UN Alliance of Civilisations, and the Global Movement of Moderates.