Name: HADJI NABEL, Mohammad Nadhif R.

ID Number: 201955549
Subject & Section: FPE101, Sec. Bb6
Year level & Course: 2nd Year, AB Islamic Studies major in Shari’ah

1st MIDTERM EXAMINATION

Answer the following questions.

1. In working for peace, why is it important to invest on the common ground?

Answer:
It is important to invest in the common ground in working for peace because
this is where the targets are. I mean, the target are the people and we need to attain
peace for ourselves. Peace is a common interest of all the living human being, that is
the main reason why we need to invest more efforts and hard works on the common
ground.

2. What is peace in the Islamic perspective?

Answer:
Peace is Islam itself. The word Islam means peace and submission. Muslim
greet each other by saying Assalaamu ‘Alaikum meaning “peace be upon you.” Like
the majority of followers of other faiths, the majority of Muslims believe in seeking
a just and peaceful world.

3. What is peace in the perspective of Christianity?

Answer:
In the Christian view of peace is indispensable to justice and include the
dimensions or a spiritual dimension. The tradition of pacifism which Christians are
generally held before St. Augustine, argues that Jesus forbade Christians at all
involved in the war of arms.

4. Write an essay about “Universal values as foundation of peace”.

Answer:
Irrespective of differences of background, I believe that on the basis of
humanity, we are all joined together, and should therefore be united. All people and
all organizations must collectively endeavor to uphold human values, and strive to
make the world in which we live a better and far more harmonious place. 
Consequently, if human values and human rights are not upheld in one country or
region, it has a knock-on effect upon other parts of the world and such wrongdoing
can spread further afield.
 Conversely, if there is goodness, humanity and prosperity in one part of the
world, it will have a positive effect on other societies and other people. As a result of
modern forms of communication and transport, we are all now much closer
together and are no longer confined or bound by geography. Yet, it is a strange and
tragic paradox that even though we are more connected than ever before, we are
actually growing more distant by the day. It is extremely regrettable, and a source
of grief, that instead of uniting and spreading love amongst mankind, the world has
paid far greater heed towards spreading hatred, cruelty and injustice.

People are unwilling to take personal responsibility for their failures and so
each individual blames others and considers the division and conflicts of the world
to be the fault of everyone else but them. Consequently, we are passing through a
time of great uncertainty and no one can truly comprehend what the consequences
of our actions will be, both in the short term and in the long term.

In this age, when the fear of Islam is on the increase in much of the world, let
me reassure all of you that Islam is not what you commonly see or hear portrayed in
the media. As far as my knowledge of Islam is concerned, I only know of that Islam
whose teachings are based on its name. The literal meaning of the word ‘Islam’
is peace, love, and harmony and all of its teachings are based upon these noble
values. However, unfortunately, it cannot be denied that there are some Muslim
groups, whose beliefs and actions are in total contrast to this. In complete violation
of Islam’s fundamental teachings, they are perpetrating the most horrific violence
and terrorism in its name. In light of all this, I shall now seek to share with you
Islam’s true and peaceful teachings.

This esteemed venue, where you have courageously invited me, is not a house
of religion and probably there are many amongst you who are not personally
interested in religion. However, in your capacities as lawmakers, you will sometimes
have to deal with matters that affect the followers of religion. In this context, the
Holy Qur’an categorically states in chapter 2, verse 257, that “there should be no
compulsion in religion.” What a clear, comprehensive and unequivocal statement
that enshrines freedom of thought, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.
Thus, my belief and my teaching is that every person, in every village, town, city or
country has the undisputed right to choose his or her religion and to practice it.

Furthermore, every individual has the right to peacefully preach and

propagate his or her teaching to others. These freedoms ought to be guaranteed as
basic human rights, and so legislative assemblies or governments should not unduly
involve themselves in such matters, otherwise there is a risk that their intrusion
could be viewed as a source of provocation and lead to frustration and resentment.
Sadly, in today’s world, we are seeing how Muslim governments are themselves
interfering in such personal matters and this is a root cause of the instability and
conflicts in those countries. The only beneficiaries are extremist religious clerics and
militants who are taking advantage of the frustrations of people by promoting
barbaric violence and senseless conflict. However, it cannot be said that Western
governments, who claim to be truly democratic, are entirely innocent or blameless.
 Rather, here in the West, we also see that sometimes laws or rules are enacted that
are in conflict with Western claims of being beacons of universal religious freedom
and tolerance.

Laws are occasionally created that contradict the view that every person in
the Western world is free to believe whatever he or she desires and to have the
liberty to live peacefully according to his or her faith. It is not wise for governments
or parliaments to place restrictions on the basic religious practices or beliefs of
people. For example, governments should not concern themselves with what type of
clothing a woman chooses to wear. They should not issue decrees stating what a
place of worship should look like. If they overreach in this way, it will be a means of
restlessness and heightening frustrations amongst their people. Such grievances will
continue to exacerbate if they are not checked and ultimately will threaten the peace
of society. Of course, I am not advocating that people with extremist views should be
tolerated or free to pursue their beliefs.

The alternative does not bear thinking about, because if we continue as we

are then the world is charging madly towards a huge catastrophe in the shape of
another world war. May Allah grant wisdom to the world’s leaders and policy
makers so that the world we leave behind for our children and future generations is
a world of peace and prosperity and not with a crippled economy and malformed
children.

5. Make an essay of (minimum of 75 words) in this statement “Conflict is a natural process

and human interaction and is a way to solve social contradictions”.

Answer:
Conflict is a natural and normal part of any human interaction; there is
nothing unusual about conflict in itself. It is what we do about it when it occurs
which is. Mild or severe, interpersonal conflict is a natural outcome of human
interaction. People have very different personalities, values, expectations, and
attitudes toward problem-solving. When you work or interact with someone who
doesn’t share your opinions or goals, conflict can result. Conflict isn’t always
serious, though. Nor is it always negative. Learning how to recognize and work
through interpersonal conflict in productive, healthy ways is an important skill that
can help you have better relationships in your day-to-day life. The thing to
remember is, conflict isn’t always bad. Conflict can be very healthy. It increases
awareness of problems that exist and provides a reason for finding a better way
forward. When conflict is valued it encourages an environment where change is seen
as positive – a way of making things better. Innovation thrives. It also helps teams
make more effective decisions and strengthens relationships. When you think about
some of the conflict in your workplace at the moment, it’s worth identifying whether
it’s healthy conflict, or negative conflict. If it’s negative, then it can be helpful to
find ways to reduce the conflict, either directly or indirectly.

6. Is the conflict always a bad thing? Why or why not?

 Answer:
Peace does not mean the total absence of any conflict. Rather means the
absence of violence in all forms and the unfolding of conflict in a constructive way.
So it means that, conflict is not always a bad thing. Why did I say so? Because
having conflicts can

7. Discuss of causes of conflict.

Answer:
As for me, these were just some of the major causes of conflicts; 1) Poor
communication, everyone relies on communication to get tasks done or to share
what he feels or what’s on his mind quickly and successfully. However, there are so
many different ways to communicate, it is easy for wires to get crossed and messages
get delayed or unread. So sometimes, it becomes the cause of conflict, even
personally. Sometimes also, it depends on how the sender of the message utter his
words. 2) Misunderstandings. This occur when the receiver of the message did not
try to digest and understand what the message is all about, but rather, rely on his
standards. And 3) Personal differences. This is a common cause and cannot be
denied by anyone. But the most important on having personal differences is to know
that even if we are different, we need to understand and respect the opinions of the
other people, and the people themselves. Regardless of what the issue is, this can
lead to conflicts that must be resolved.

8. How do you feel when you ask to share your personal dealings with your family and
friends?

Answer:
As for me, when I ask and share my personal dealings with my friends, I feel
relieved. Because that’s really what friends are for, to be with you whenever you
need them. Matters such as family problems, financial problems, and even for
“infatuation” matters were the things that I usually share with my friends. But
when I share it with any of my family member, especially with my mother, I feel
more than relieved. It feels like I already reach the extent of my sharing point.

9. Discuss conflict tree as a tool for analyzing conflict.

Answer:
A Conflict Tree Analysis helps stakeholders to reconsider their perspectives,
which are often heavily influenced by emotions, misunderstandings, assumptions,
suspicions and mistrust. The purpose of this conflict tree is to stimulate discussions
about causes and effects of conflicts; help groups to achieve consensus on the core
problem; assist groups in taking decisions about priorities for addressing issues; and
relate causes and effects of a conflict to each other.
 Conflict tree is used with a group having difficulties in agreeing about the
core problem in their situation and with a group who needs to decide about which
issues of the conflict to address.

10. How do you feel about Mindanao?

Answer:
Mindanao is a place of oppressed muslims, yet the place of the brave fighters.
As what I believe to what peace is, it is understanding the differences, because if
there is understanding, there is peace, and then love and peace. The oppressors kept
on oppressing the Bangsamoro people but the Bangsamoro also fought for what is
right and for what we demand. For 40 years and above, the Bangsamoro people had
been fighting for their existence in this archipelago. Until Peace Talks between the
Bangsamoro and the Philippine leaders happened. And then here comes the
Bangsamoro Organic Law that had been ratified and became the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Obviously, we can see the development
of the fight of the Bangsamoro fighters. So as for me, Mindanao is a place of hope.