ISLAM AS A RELIGIOUS SYSTEM BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF VIRTUE AND PEACE

Abstract

In an era of increasing globalization and cultural interconnectedness, Islam has emerged as a significant factor shaping the modern global agenda. Its cultural and religious values, such as compassion, justice, peacefulness, and respect for others, contribute to the development of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, creating a solid foundation for enhancing international stability. However, Islam faces serious challenges due to negative stereotypes that often arise from political conflicts and acts of terrorism mistakenly linked to religious beliefs and principles. Such stereotypes foster biased perceptions of the Islamic community, influencing its reception in international and intercultural contexts and creating obstacles to constructive interfaith dialogue. These distortions are frequently exploited for political purposes, exacerbating the issue and further alienating Muslim communities from global society. This necessitates a profound understanding of the diversity of Islamic values and the variations in cultural and social practices within Muslim communities.
The article also examines Islam’s role in shaping national identities and political discourses in countries with Muslim-majority populations, which significantly impact their domestic and foreign policies. Furthermore, the interaction between Islam and Western values, as well as models of governance in the context of globalization, is analyzed as a dynamic aspect that generates both cooperation and cultural clashes. A scholarly understanding of these processes is critical for identifying effective solutions to intercultural and interfaith conflicts, making this analysis particularly relevant for establishing a sustainable platform for collaboration between religious and cultural communities in a globalized world.