Learning to be a Peacemaker

If you are aged 18-30 and passionate about global change and Muslims’ contribution to it, then the Learning to be a Peacemaker course is for you!

About Learning to be a Peacemaker:

Learning to be a Peacemaker (LPM) is a course

on Islamic approaches to peacemaking
for young Muslims and their non-Muslim peers aged 18-30
designed and delivered by Imam and broadcaster, Ajmal Masroor, in association with Initiatives of Change.

Its aim is to offer:

Knowledge – providing factual information about the peacemaking culture in Islam and the wider context
Connection – offering relationship-building opportunities between young Muslims and their counterparts in wider society
Dialogue – empowering young Muslims and their peers of other beliefs to hold honest conversations
Networking – connecting young people who may find shared inspiration to take initiatives for peacemaking and building trust across divides.

Peace and justice are the two most sacred principles which underpin every aspect of a Muslim’s life. Therefore becoming a peacemaker is the most important role a Muslim can play. Learning about peace and justice is the first step towards this goal.

This programme believes that learning to be a peacemaker is key to developing a confident global Muslim identity and contributing towards global change.

Context

Young European Muslims were either born or brought up here. Their parents straddle ethnic and European cultures and often have an expectation that their children will be culturally more ethnic. However, many young Muslims are more familiar and at home with European culture, and Europe is ‘home’. This experience of young Muslims is not only limited to young European Muslims, but is experienced globally.

This programme defuses that tension and helps make young Muslims’ local and Islamic identities symbiotic. In the current environment of increasing hostility towards Islam, Muslims are often viewed with suspicion. It is imperative to help young Muslims form a confident Muslim identity. Islam requires Muslims to be at peace with themselves and others.

We are currently witnessing the proliferation of terrorism, extremism, death and destruction all over the world. Many cities across the world have suffered terrible attacks and many lives have been lost. Most of these attacks have been attributed to terrorism inspired by Islam. However, terrorism has no religion, race or colour. It is simply evil. The most serious consequence has been the fissure that has developed between communities.

This course will help young Muslims to understand that they can play an important role in bringing communities together. It will help them engage in honest conversation which brings root causes of conflict to light, builds trust and heals. In the same way, those who are not Muslims will gain a better understanding of their friends and neighbours who are Muslims, build better relationships and friendships, and consequently create a more cohesive society.

Content

Jurisprudence of Peacemaking – Ethics of Disagreement
Introduction to Islamic Law – the Objectives (Maqasid) of Islamic Law
War and Peace – Jihad: Concept and Practice
Overview of Peacemaking – Global context
Prophet and Peacemaking – Treaty of Hudaibiya
Violence and Extremism – The concept of reconciliation (Islah)
Loyalty and Citizenship – Understanding Citizenship
Inner Peace – The Contentment of the Heart
The Characteristics of Peacemakers – Makarim al-Akhlaq
Project Design & Implementation – Design your own project

Delivery

The course will be delivered by online live via zoom or prerecorded videos, and the link will be included in the message of acceptance of applications (see below).

The training style is interactive, with introductions to the subject-matter by Imam Ajmal, followed by Q&A and small-group discussions.

The online Course Handbook, including references and exercises, will be made available online to participants at the beginning of the course.

At the end of the course, participants will plan a practical project to undertake at home to demonstrate learning and commitment to peacemaking.

There will be a follow-up session after two months to report on progress regarding the project.

All the participants will be expected to complete the evaluation form.

Certificates of Completion will be awarded to those who attend all modules and carry out the project.

What previous participants said…

‘I have learned that if you have no peace within yourself, you can’t make peace.’
‘I learned how to acknowledge and appreciate others for what and how they are, without requiring them to change as I want.’
‘It was only when I met people from all over Europe who held me in their hearts, that I came to hold Europe in my heart.’
‘I have learned the importance of being a good citizen from an Islamic viewpoint and that it is important to serve your community where you live.’
‘The session on Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the Peacemaker was the most valuable lesson. Following and understanding his actions, would definitely make one a better peacemaker.’
‘As a non-Muslim, whilst my knowledge of Islam grew, conversations with friends from France, Sweden and the UK widened my understanding of what it means to be a Muslim today in a sometimes hostile society.’
‘Through the two programmes, I have seen the world better through the prism of Islam as a Muslim trained in peacemaking, and through the eyes of non-Muslim Europeans and how they see the challenges we face with immigration, identity and multiculturalism in the future.’

Applications

Applicants for the programme are expected to:

Be aged 18-30
Have a good standard of spoken and written English
Have a serious interest in the subject
Be actively involved in serving your community at community, national or international level
Actively participate in the whole programme
Undertake to carry out a project after the course
Email your CV to lpm@iofc.org