Seeking Common Ground While Respecting Differences

Abstract

This study aimed to systematize and validate a conflict resolution framework for Thai Sunni Muslims, particularly the Salaf, based on Muhammad Rashid Rida’s principle of “seeking common ground while respecting differences.” The framework was first constructed through normative systematization based on qualitative analysis of primary Islamic sources—the Qurʾān, Ḥadīth, and Rida’s works—alongside historical and contemporary scholarly texts, ensuring alignment with the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamaʿah. To test its practicality, five public online conflicts involving Thai Salafi scholars on social media and television were examined through the framework. Findings from the case studies were subjected to expert validation, which was conducted through in-depth interviews with four purposively selected expert Thai Salafi scholars, each with over twenty-five years of teaching and leadership experience. While suggesting conditions for its application, the experts confirmed the framework’s relevance and applicability to solve issues of permissible disagreement among the Salafi community. Overall, the study illustrates a double validation process through practical cases and expert validation and shows that Rida’s principle, though often considered modern, is consistent with classical Sunni methodology distinguishing core beliefs from secondary issues, as well as consensus from interpretive reasoning.