LocationsStrength in unity: Inter-mosque agreement to Prevent Violent Extremism in Sharqa
May 25, 2022
Photo: A mosque in Sharqat, Salah al-Din
There is no better way to face difficulty than with a united front. Religious leaders in Sharqat, Salah al-Din have joined forces to combat violent extremism following a dialogue session facilitated by UNDP Iraq, in collaboration with Un Pont Per and local partner Iraqi Ashur Foundation for Relief and Development.
On 21 April, the Director of the Sunni Endowment in Shirqat, clerics, sheikhs, local police, and youth representatives met to discuss moderate religious discourse as a part of UNDP’s project to strengthen the resilience of society to prevent violent extremism in select areas of return in Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salah al-Din, supported by the Government of Germany. Initiatives under the project build the capacity of local officials, community leaders, civil society, and peace actors to prevent violent extremism through law enforcement, education, and community awareness.
At the dialogue session, an agreement was reached with the Sunni Endowment in Shirqat to direct 5-7 mosques to discuss preventing violent extremism during the next Friday sermon. As many areas of Salah al-Din fell to control by ISIL in mid-2014, society is still recovering from the many rifts created during the multiple years of conflict that followed, and waves of displaced returnees re-claiming their homes.
Photo: Dr. Younes Kamel Ahmed. 2022.
“Extremism is a curse by which the ignorant are exploited, and it is necessary to educate and educate to fight it.”
-Dr. Younes Kamel Ahmed, 54, Scholar and Advocacy Guidance Officer.
Photo: Othman Ghanem. 2022
"Extremism is the opposite of coexistence and development. Let us unite so that we do not let the weak find a way to the dark.”
- Othman Ghanem, Imam and Khatib.
Photo: Ali Muhammed. 2022.
“Both dialogue and moderate discourse have a vital role in society, and we must increase our efforts to combat extremism.”
-Ali Muhammad, Preacher.
UNDP Iraq has launched in 2020 a dedicated 5-year Social Cohesion Programme to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq.
Photo: A mosque in Sharqat, Salah al-Din