Author(s): Ali Bouterfas
Our research will highlight the importance of inter-religious dialogue for human development, security, social justice, liberation, and peace. This leads us to ask the following question: do social media have a great potential for inter-religious dialogue? Can we currently speak of the existence of new methods of real interreligious and intercultural dialogue via social media in Morocco? Morocco may serve as a model for a comprehensive discussion on this subject. Morocco is committed to fighting the ideologies of extremism amplified by social media by reaffirming the true values of Islam, of the “happy medium” (dîn al wasat), of acceptance of other religions, and of constructive dialogue between civilizations. This scientific research is of big interest. Effectively, the use of modern information and social media is essential to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue. In this sense, the main aim of this project is to create an international ‘code of conduct’ concerning the use of social media.
This could protect users against certain religious communities that use social media negatively, with the main objective to diffuse hate and instigate conflicts. We should highlight that social media can simultaneously present positive and negative characteristics. Incidentally, Islam recognizes the importance of human communication and interaction between different societies. Our research on interreligious dialogue is of crucial importance. Effectively, the use of social media as a sophisticated language and as a contributor to dialogue problems between individuals and groups is an essential element in the upkeep of peace and will favour human development, without excluding the impact of political action.