Pan-Somali Council For Peace and Democracy

Title:

Israaca Policy Statement on the Role of Islam

<img align=right src="sawir/logo.gif" id=right border=0>ISSUE ANALYSIS: Article III, Section B of the Pan-Somali Council for Peace and Democracy Articles of Incorporation clearly states the organization's commitment to support freedom of conscience, expression, thought, assembly and movement that are consistent with Islamic and constructive Somali cultural values. Indeed, the language of the above statement assumes a comprehensive yet moderate approach to guarantee many core democratic and Islamic ideals while ensuring a safety valve to prevent social chaos and moral corruption. Throughout history, epic nations and civilizations have risen as a result of their military might, wealth, knowledge, etc. But, more often than not, those nations and civilizations have fallen because of their moral decay. Needless to say, that the lack of moral order leads to moral bankruptcy which then leads to both social and political disintegration. Incidentally, Somalia, through a pivotal process dating back three decades earlier, has found itself riding on a slippery slope of moral corruption where decency, integrity, and equitability have become sign of weakness, and where snobbery, treachery, and the embezzlement of public resources have become traits of honor. It was through those three decades when the Somali society has inured the worst in social and political abominates. Though Barre�s attempt to suppress and eradicate religion has by and large failed, he has undoubtedly succeeded to uproot all that was good in the Somali cultural and values system. In over two decades of military rule, Somalis have witnessed the unfortunate dividends of tyranny and oppression, and the rewards of kleptocracy and nepotism. Alas, that was a lesson only to a few. Subsequent to the ousting of Barre, the Barrenstien Monsters (warlords who wanted to walk his footsteps) have filled the power vacuum, and have thrown Somalia into the Dark Ages (Jahiliyah). OPTIONS and RISKS: On a debate that lasted three weeks, discussants took part of a rigorous discourse over the appropriate role of Islam in the next Somali republic. In that debate, three different points were introduced and solicited by respective proponents that UIUS should advocate for: 1) That the next republic be an Islamic state which operates solely by Sharicah (Sharia). 2) That the next republic be a secular, democratic state that keeps religion out of the state affairs. 3) That the next republic be a modern democratic state that operates within the framework of Islamic ethos, and all that is good in the Somali culture. In the course of their discourse, discussants have examined how each of the proposed options could meet the need, and alter the critical condition of the Somali nation. Equally importantly, how each option is relevant and feasible within the current Somali state of affairs? In short, the proponents of each option had to make a case that their proposal could potentially bring about a sustainable peace, justice, and unity. On the first option: proponents of an Islamic Somali republic have alluded that the current rise of Islamic movement in Somali- both in the social and political fronts- serves as a testimony and a vote of confidence by the average citizen that Somalia be lead toward Islamic statehood or theocracy. But in spite of relatively popular sentiments even within some Somali intellectuals, there is no solid evidence indicating that the numerous Islamic organizations in many different parts of Somalia are indeed devoid of clan politics and loyalty! Equally important, perhaps, is the absence of any indication that all the stated organizations and movements are from the same Islamic school of thought. On the second option: proponents of a secular Somali state have centered their argument around the need to compete on an ever-progressing world, and that religion, though it is the right of each Somali to practice it, has nothing to offer in terms of governance and statehood. Furthermore, they cited their disillusionment on some Islamists commitment to shun modernity because of what it connotes, and how that could prove to be disappointing to the international community of nations, especially the West, whose relations, they argue, is crucial to the future of Somalia. On the third option: proponents of a modern democratic Somali state with Islamic values have argued that the next republic ought to be unique and befitting to the needs of the Somali people. And as such, it ought to combine the better of the two worlds-the world of superior ethical and moral values as provided by Islam, and the world of technological and economic progress as provided by the modern democracies. Of the three proposed options, the third one, as a middle ground option, has proved to be the most favored by the discussants. Over and again, the overwhelming majority of UIUS members who participated in the debate have expressed their support to any such system as indicated in the third proposed option. Islam, in their opinion, has to be the central pillar of the next Somali republic, because only through Islamic reconciliation process could a lasting peace be achieved in Somalia? <newpage> CONCLUSION: Perhaps more than any other force, religion, has, though out history, directed mores and shaped distinctive characters of societies by regulating their social, political, and even their economic affairs- Somalia is not an exception. As a predominantly Muslim nation who holds a sacred affinity to the religion, Somalia provides a natural ground to experiment the compatibility of democracy with Islam. Thus, incorporating Islamic values in the next Somali system of governance is neither impossible nor outlandish. While adopting any other system of governance devoid of Islam (which were proved as failure) is absolutely obsolete, if not down right offensive to the Somali people. If the current trend of religious renaissance, both in the Diaspora and in the homeland, is any indication, the average Somali is more keen to trust and support a modern system of governance that upholds Islamic values than otherwise. Needless to say that Islam remains to be that solid foundation which by the severely damaged Somali sociopolitical structure still stands. STRATEGIES and INTERIM STEPS: As a pivotal force gearing to advocate for the establishment of a democratically vibrant and morally scrupulous Somali republic, UIUS must help. 1- Create an environment conducive to the sustainability of the stated system of governance (constitutional declaration, transparency, etc.). 2- Employ Islamic principles and processes for reconciliation, trust and peace building, and for implementation of justice. 3- Promote the teachings of true Islam which humility, moderation, and tolerance are three of its central tenants- this will gradually eradicate claims to clan superiority. 4- Revive the Masaajid (mosques) as independent institutions that could foster brotherhood and unify people, sustain harmony, and promote law and order. 5- Encourage religious and cultural discourse to improve understanding and enlighten the masses. 6- Promote the value of personal accountability, and not zealous individualism. 7- Negate any and all social and political values that threaten, devalue, and damage the Islamic values that are inherent in the essence of the Somali social fabric. By championing these above stated strategies, UIUS would indeed sow the seed for a better future- the establishment of a scrupulous modern Somali state that values its citizens for each is, rather than granting each a subjective birthright entitlements. The next Somali republic must be a state, which values its citizens despite their differences; a republic, which recognizes its citizens like the limbs of a human body that work together for support and survival. Furthermore, the Somali society, in general, Should continue promulgating laws that are based on Islamic precepts, while at the same time assimilating the best practices of the materially advanced secular world.

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03/20/2004

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Pan-Somali Council for Peace and Democracy

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