Building Moderate Muslim Networks

Research Summary

q       This book follows two earlier works in the similar lines named ‘The Muslim World After 9/11’ and ‘Civil Democratic Islam’, aiming to improve public policy by way of an objective research report.

q       The book addresses a crucial issue of ‘war of ideas within Islam’ making a comparison between the radical and moderate networks within Islam, and their implications to the Muslims and the world at large.

q       Though the radical and jihadist terrorist groups are a minority everywhere, in several areas they hold advantage due to their extensive networks often reaching Muslim communities even in North America and Europe, which has become a serious threat affecting the security of the west.

q       On the other hand, moderate and liberal Muslims have not created strong networks though they are a vast majority in most Muslim countries and communities.

q       Fostering the moderate Muslim network and helping them spread is one of the potential ways of counteracting radicalism and to protect the west from violence and intimidation.

q       However, since most moderates do not have the resources to create these networks by themselves, an external catalyst is the need of the hour to support this cause.

q       The authors observe that during the cold war, the US has derived a considerable experience in fostering free and democratic ideas, which might be used under the present scenario to foster and encourage moderate networks.

q       Suggesting a strategic roadmap to achieve this end, the book discusses building on the issue like democracy, acceptance of nonsectarian sources of law, rights of women and religious minorities, and opposing terrorism.

q       The book brings to surface certain potential bases for developing moderate networks like liberal Muslims, Moderate Traditionalists, Sufis and European Muslim Organizations, Moderate religious educational institutions, Secular Muslim Organizations, Humanist Organizations, and online platforms.

q       The significant areas of the study extend into Regional focus, role of American Muslims, selecting appropriate partners, democracy building in Iraq, and working through secular and humanist Muslim organizations for building moderate Muslim networks.

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