Religious institutions for conflict resolution in modern society: the case of Tatarstan

Religious institutions for conflict resolution are values, norms, rules and methods of resolving contradictions, which are enshrined in the religious tradition and implemented within the framework of religious associations. The main practices include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and judging. Believers in Judaism turn to rabbinical courts for help; in Christianity, people turn to parish leaders and church institutions. The Islamic system knows reconciliation (sulh), arbitration (tahkim), and judging (qada). Distinctive features of religious methods are their flexibility, a less degree of formalisation and cost. Although in the conditions of modernisation and secularisation religion is deprived of a dominant position in the sphere of regulating social relations, with the revival of interest in religion, traditions gain newfound relevance, albeit partially, with new content. The decisions of religious mediators, arbitrators and judges have no legal force, forceful coercion is impossible, so the appeal to the faith, consciousness and universal values of the parties, theological argumentation, and the search for a mutually beneficial way out of the situation come to the fore. In Tatarstan, examples of such activities include the work of the Muslim Religious Board imams and qadis, informal intermediaries from the business community, and experts in Sharia. Not all Muslims turn to the mentioned intermediaries; the value-normative and institutional preferences of believers in the field of marriage and family relations, division of inheritance, and the choice of alternative methods of resolving disputes depend on personal preferences, gender differences and the circumstances of the situation. Nevertheless, the revival of traditions in this area can serve as a good help in preventing violations in society and establishing communication at the family, religious and other communities level.