Islam and Peace-Building in the Asia-Pacific Region

By Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman

Book Description

This comprehensive exploration examines how Islamic communities navigate relationships with diverse faith traditions across one of the world's most religiously complex regions. Drawing from extensive research across multiple nations, the work reveals the intricate dynamics between Muslim populations and their neighbors of different spiritual backgrounds.

The study unfolds through three distinct perspectives that illuminate the varied experiences of Islamic communities. The first section investigates current tensions and harmonies between Muslims and other religious groups in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines, while highlighting how Muslim institutions actively contribute to peacebuilding efforts in each country. The second portion shifts focus to cosmopolitan environments, examining how Muslim residents in Australia, Indonesia, and Japan engage meaningfully with interfaith neighbors in urban settings.

The final section delves into the complex relationships between religious practice, government authority, and social structures in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Through this multifaceted approach, readers gain insight into how historical migration patterns and indigenous Muslim presence have shaped contemporary interfaith dynamics.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers valuable perspectives for anyone seeking to understand how spiritual communities can bridge differences and build mutual understanding. The book presents both challenges and opportunities that emerge when diverse faith traditions share common spaces, providing thoughtful analysis of how religious identity intersects with citizenship, community belonging, and peaceful coexistence in rapidly changing societies.