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Title Islamic Response to Radicalization: Issues and Challenges in Higher Education Institutes of Islamabad-Pakistan

Author(s) Samina Batool Shah

Abstract From the past two decades, Pakistan has seen the worst terrorist attacks on schools, mosques, madāris (Islamic Religious institutions), and law enforcement agencies. The War on Terror has caused great damage, in terms of lost precious lives and millions of dollars’ worth of business. With the rise of militancy in the country, a specific discourse on Jihād has also prevailed, creating a huge chasm between the national narrative on terrorism and popular discourse in the country. The phenomenon of radicalization or extremism is not new in Pakistan, but a dangerous turn came when it seeped into the educated university-going youth of the country. Educated youth have committed numerous unfortunate incidents as planned acts of violence. The term ‘Radicalization’ ‘itself needs clarification as there is no agreed-upon definition. The first chapter is related to introduction and significance of the study, research questions, hypothesis and research design. In the second chapter the phenomenon of radicalization has been compared with Islamic concepts of Ghūluw fi ad-Dīn, Hirabah and Al Wala wal Bara in understanding radicalization in Pakistan along with explaining the significant drivers of radicalization in society and academia that have been identified by the interviewees and previously held studies. The third chapter shed some light on formation of Muslim identity in Sub-Continent and particularly in Pakistan. Keeping in view the diverse educational systems in the country, the issues and challenges are discussed at the HEIs. The fourth and fifth chapters have explored the Islamic scholar's response to radicalization, especially in the academic circles of Islamabad, resulting in devising a de-radicalization strategy based on Islamic principles of moderation, justice, compassion, and tolerance. The research adopts a qualitative paradigm with analytical approach to reach to the conclusion. This thesis has explored the challenges of growing radical views and intolerance in our youth. The research set out to test this claim by conducting semi-structured interviews with Islamic Studies instructors and Islamic scholars/experts to confirm whether there is any radicalization support within academic settings. Scholars suggested that radicalism persists in the region if there is active or passive support for this in society. The findings of this study indicate that Islam inherently denounces all forms of radicalization and instead fosters a culture of peaceful coexistence, ethical engagement in dispute, and meaningful dialogue with individuals of differing perspectives. This study proposes the implementation of technology-based refresher courses for instructors of Islamic Studies, uniform single curriculum for all and the promotion of peacebuilding initiatives.

Type Thesis/Dissertation PhD

Faculty Social Sciences

Department Islamic thought & Culture

Language English

Publication Date 2024-09-06

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