Arif, Nasr Muhammad. “Reform, Public Interest, and Reconciliation: A Study in the Epistemological Foundations for Arab Reconciliation,” Year 1, Issue 2 (Fall 1416 AH/ 1995 CE), Pp. 113-134.

Abstract

Nasr Muhammad Arif calls for the need for epistemological projection of the political issues of concern to the Arab world – as a historic entity – through the study of three concepts, reform (iṣlāḥ), public interest (maṣlaḥah), and reconciliation (taṣāluḥ), and concluding that the unit of significance in all three indicates correlation and interdependence, where reconciliation requires reform to achieve best public interest. Arif questions why we need Arab reconciliation and how it may be accomplished. The study examines the meaning of iṣlāḥ, the relationship between the ruler and the ruled and between the state and society, and the interaction between the units within the Arab entity. It then examines the concept of maṣlaḥah in light of the current Arab reality and the concept of taṣāluḥ, and concludes with criticism and rejection of the notion of “The New Middle East” which is meant to harmonize with the requirements of the “new world order.”