Religious leaders remain crucial allies in peacebuilding, wielding moral authority that often surpasses that of state institutions. Their influence extends beyond spiritual guidance, as they act as mediators in conflicts, advocating for social justice and fostering interfaith dialogue to bridge divisions. Faith leaders have historically mobilized relief efforts in crisis-stricken areas, responding to major disasters in Asia, including the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake, the catastrophic 2010 and 2022 floods in Pakistan, as well as numerous other calamities across the continent. Faith leaders not only provide immediate relief but also play a key role in long-term recovery and resilience-building by supporting displaced communities, rebuilding infrastructure and ensuring sustainable development.

Religion has long been a defining force in shaping Asia’s socio-political landscape, serving as both a moral compass and a source of resilience for its diverse populations. As the birthplace of several of the world’s major faiths and alongside various indigenous spiritual traditions, the continent reflects a vast tapestry of religious diversity. Faith influences not only personal beliefs but also culture, governance and the daily lives of millions

In times of crisis, religious buildings such as mosques and madrasas have served as shelters for the displaced, offering food, medical aid and psychological support. They have also maintained peace and harmony, a critical factor in disaster-stricken regions where trauma and shock often lead to social unrest and conflict. Faith leaders, in collaboration with humanitarian aid workers, have ensured that relief efforts are distributed fairly and equitably, preventing exploitation and mitigating tensions that could escalate into further crises. Their presence provides a sense of stability and hope, reinforcing ethical principles and moral responsibility even in the most challenging circumstances.

Beyond disaster response, religious institutions actively contribute to policy advocacy and social reforms that uphold human dignity, justice and the protection of vulnerable populations. By leveraging their networks and moral credibility, faith leaders influence decision-makers, promote humanitarian principles, and encourage collective action for the greater good. Whether addressing poverty, education, gender equality or environmental sustainability, religion continues to be a powerful catalyst for change in Asia, shaping societies through its deeply rooted ethical and moral imperatives.

However, while religion has historically been a unifying force, its role in peace building is not without challenges. The role of religion in fostering stability and peacemaking across Asia is transformative. Religious leaders, grassroots mediators, and peace-oriented religious teachings have been at the forefront of conflict resolution efforts. Examining their contributions offers valuable insights into the ways in which faith can be leveraged to promote societal harmony.

Religion in Stability and Peacebuilding

Religion has long been a cornerstone of society, offering not only a spiritual foundation but also shaping ethical norms, legal frameworks and governance structures. It serves as a guiding strength, instilling values of compassion, justice and reconciliation within individuals and communities. Nowhere is this influence more pronounced than in Asia, where spirituality is deeply embedded in cultural identity. Religious leaders and institutions hold a position of immense trust not just as spiritual guides but also as social reformers, mediators and community builders. Their role in conflict resolution and peace building is both historic and ongoing. (1)

Religion has historically played a pivotal role in shaping societal values, ethical norms, legal frameworks and governance structures. Religious teachings often provide moral and ethical guidelines that influence personal behavior and societal attitudes toward justice and human rights. For instance, many major religions promote values such as compassion, forgiveness and respect, which become fundamental to human interaction and are reflected in laws and social norms. (2)

In Asia, where spirituality is deeply embedded in cultural identity, religious leaders and institutions hold significant influence as spiritual guides, social reformers, mediators and community builders. Their roles in conflict resolution and peacebuilding are both historic and ongoing. For example, in Afghanistan, religious scholars known as Ulema play an essential role in setting moral and ethical standards, often working as peace brokers respected at all levels of society. Traditionally, local disputes have been resolved with their intervention, a tradition that continues today, especially in parts of the south with no formal judicial system. (3)

Similarly, in Bangladesh (4), religious leaders from Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist faiths have been involved as voluntary agents of change to address safety and security issues and promote peace. Their unique positions of trust and respect enable them to provide feedback on local priorities and communicate them to government officials and development professionals. By using their influential platforms, these religious leaders have been able to safely and effectively address local concerns, such as the negative effects of early marriage, drugs and harassment.

In the context of Islam, peace, justice and mercy form the core principles that guide its teachings. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly emphasize dialogue, conflict resolution and coexistence, making Islam inherently aligned with modern peacebuilding efforts. Throughout history, Islamic scholars and institutions have mediated disputes, championed social justice, and provided humanitarian relief in times of need. The principle of Sulh, or peaceful settlement, has served as the foundation for resolving disputes in various regions of Asia.
Islamic scholars, through peace councils such as Jirgas and Shuras, have brokered truces, drawing upon Islamic jurisprudence to mediate conflicts. Similarly, the principle of Adl, or justice, has been instrumental in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and ensuring equitable social structures.

Religious leaders often serve as mediators and reformers, transcending political and ethnic divisions to foster dialogue. In Pakistan, Islamic scholars have led reforms in education, modernizing curricula to emphasize inclusivity and counter-extremism, while also preaching the importance of environmental stewardship and girls’ education in the light of Islam. Beyond mediation, faith-based organizations have played a pivotal role in humanitarian relief and social justice initiatives. The Islamic concepts of Zakat (charity) and Waqf (endowment) have long sustained social welfare networks, ensuring stability in vulnerable communities.

The Islamic principle of La Ikraha fid-Deen (“There is no compulsion in religion,” Quran 2:256) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of religious tolerance. Faith-based initiatives have also been instrumental in interfaith collaboration, strengthening the social fabric through inclusive programs and joint humanitarian efforts.

Success Story: How Religious Leaders in AJK Became Champions of Climate Action

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has long faced the devastating impacts of climate change melting glaciers, erratic rainfall, landslides and flash floods. While the government and various organizations have been working to mitigate these challenges, one groundbreaking initiative has transformed climate advocacy in an unexpected way, through the power of faith.

It all began when the Ulama Council, under the Religious Affairs Department, issued a directive to religious scholars across AJK, urging them to include climate change and environmental protection in their Jumma Prayers. This simple yet revolutionary step sparked an unprecedented movement, making climate action a religious and moral duty.

In a region where mosques serve as community hubs, Friday sermons took on a new dimension. Imams began delivering powerful messages, reminding people of their responsibility as stewards of the Earth. They quoted verses from the Quran and Hadith, emphasizing that protecting nature is not just an environmental necessity but a religious obligation. The impact was immediate. Sermons inspired people to take action and the message of environmental protection spread rapidly. “We never thought about climate change this way before,” shared Ahmed, a local farmer. “But when the Imam explained that planting a tree is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), it changed how we see our role in protecting the environment.”

They took their mission beyond the mosques, mobilizing communities to actively participate in environmental protection efforts. Tree plantation drives were launched, resulting in thousands of trees being planted across AJK, when people heard that Ulma now supports the environment campaign, particularly in landslide-prone areas.

Inspired by a Hadith that emphasizes the reward for planting trees, entire communities participated enthusiastically. Water conservation awareness campaigns were initiated, with mosques educating people on saving water. Religious leaders highlighted how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced minimal water usage, even during ablution. This led to a shift in daily habits, with many households adopting water-saving practices. Cleanliness drives were organized, reinforcing the well-known saying, “Cleanliness is half of faith.” Communities actively engaged in waste management campaigns, reducing plastic usage and promoting sustainable waste disposal methods. Environmental education was integrated into Islamic seminaries (Madaris), ensuring that future generations grew up with a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

Recognizing the movement’s potential, NGOs and government agencies joined hands with religious scholars. Climate experts conducted workshops, equipping scholars with scientific knowledge to complement their faith-based teachings. Organizations provided saplings for tree plantations and eco-friendly initiatives.
Climate awareness became widespread, with people across AJK embracing climate action as a religious duty, leading to greater participation in environmental programs. Behavioral change was evident, as surveys showed a significant increase in tree planting, water conservation, and waste management practices. Stronger partnerships were established between government agencies and religious institutions, ensuring continued climate advocacy.

This movement has changed our perspective, when faith and action come together, real change happens. This success story from AJK demonstrates how faith-based engagement can be a powerful tool for climate action. By integrating religious teachings with environmental awareness, communities became motivated to protect their natural surroundings not just for themselves, but as a sacred duty for future generations. As AJK continues to fight climate change, the role of religious leaders remains stronger than ever, proving that when faith leads the way, transformation follows.

Call for Action

Enhancing collaboration between religious leaders, government institutions and civil society can strengthen faith-based contributions to national development, fostering inclusive and ethical governance. Religious institutions, trusted by communities, are key partners in promoting climate action, social welfare and peace building. Integrating religious teachings with modern development frameworks helps address poverty, environmental challenges and social inequality.

Formalizing faith leaders’ roles in policymaking, education and disaster response enhances governance and community resilience. Engaging religious scholars in legislative discussions ensures policies reflect ethical values, promoting inclusive decision-making. Faith-based institutions can also educate communities on climate change, gender equality and disaster preparedness, equipping them with essential knowledge and resources.

Interfaith collaboration fosters social cohesion, counters extremism and promotes tolerance. Religious leaders mediate conflicts, advocate for human rights and engage youth in peace building, reinforcing justice and coexistence. Faith-based media and digital platforms amplify these efforts, reaching wider audiences and inspiring collective action.

Aligning religious efforts with national strategies empowers faith institutions as agents of positive change, bridging tradition with modernity. Through environmental stewardship, social protection programs and conflict resolution, religious leaders can drive sustainable and inclusive growth across Asia, ensuring ethical values guide development.

Footnotes

(1) Pathoni, A. (2024, 05). ‘Togetherness in our diversity’: Pope Francis preaches unity at south-east Asia’s largest mosque. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/05/pope-francis-indonesia-visit-jakarta-istiqlal-nasaruddin-umar

(2) Cary, D. (2024, 04). The Role of Religion in Shaping Societal Values – Imbas [Blog]. Imbas: World Religions Blog. https://www.imbas.org/the-role-of-religion-in-shaping-societal-values/?utm

(3) Religious leaders efforts to foster peace reinforced. (2020, January 15). UNAMA. https://unama.unmissions.org/religious-leaders-efforts-foster-peace-reinforced?

(4) Religious leaders inspiring greater peace in Bangladesh. (n.d.). Saferworld. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.saferworld-global.org/en-stories-of-change/religious-leaders-inspiring-communities-for-greater-peace-in-bangladesh?

Additional References

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.unaoc.org/

Global Peace Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://globalpeace.org/

International Center for Religion & Diplomacy. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://icrd.org/

Religions for Peace Asia – Asian Conference of Religions for Peace. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://rfpasia.org/