Examination of the Influence of Al-Azhar Advocacy on Peace on the Realization of Peaceful Coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Mombasa County

Ramy Mohamed Abdel Salam Mohamed ^[2] | Dr. Hassan Kinyua Omari ^[2] | Dr. Caxton Nyahela ^[2]

Abstract: Individuals and faith-based organizations from a variety of religious traditions are increasingly active in attempts to end conflicts and to foster post-conflict reconciliation between warring parties in various parts of the world. Christians and Muslims seem to have a superficial co-existence in Mombasa evidenced by suppressed or silenced animosity besides the peace-building initiatives and attempts by different religious groups, partners and the government. This study sought to examine influence of Al-Azhar peace advocacy on the realization of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Mombasa County. Integrative ties theory, environmental theory and secular nationalism theory were used to guide the study. Descriptive research design was used in the study. The study targeted Madrassa teachers, Imams, church leaders, Sunday School teachers, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) leaders, Al-Wahda Muslim Teachers Association (AMTA) members, Al-Azhar delegation members, Members of Inter-religious Council of Kenya, security personnel, women leaders and youth leaders. A total of 384 respondents were targeted by the study out of which 327 participated by responding to questionnaires. Additional data were gathered using interview guides where 3 inter-religious council of Kenya members, 2 SUPKEM leaders and 3 AMTA members participated. Thus, a total of 335 respondents participated giving a response rate of 87%. Piloting was done to test on the validity and reliability of the study instruments. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered for the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 where descriptive statistics was used to analyze the quantitative data while content analysis techniques were used to analyze qualitative data collected through open ended questions. Regression and correlation analysis was used to test on the relationship between the studies variables. The analyzed data was presented in the form of tables and bar graphs with frequency and percentage distributions. The study found that Al-Azhar advocacy on peace has significantly contributed to the realization of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Mombasa County.

Keywords: Al-Azhar advocacy, peaceful coexistence, Christians and Muslims

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,

Pages: 1522 - 1529