THE ROLE OF MU?ĀLA?AH IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

This paper deals with the role of mu?āla?ah in conflic resolution among Muslim societies using a historical approach. From a historical analysis it is concluded that the concept of ?ul? and mu?āla?ah have predated Islam, and played a vital role in resolving disputes and conflicts among clans in pre-Islam Arab societies. In the period of Islam, as in the case of Fat? Makkah (winning over Mecca) and ?ul? al-?udaybiyyah (peace treaty at ?udaybiyyah). In resolving conflicts, there are principles employed by the Prophet Mu?ammad, such as tolerance, non-violence, patience, forgiveness, peace, harmony and mercy.