Leadership Practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Conflict Resolution, and Its Relevance to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16

There is an increasing need in the world today for leaders who prioritize peace, justice, equality, and fairness in their approach to governance. Since conflicts occur almost everywhere in the world today, it is crucial that they be settled peacefully in order to bring about world peace and justice. Settlements of these conflicts require leaders who possess qualities that promote tranquility and harmony. The leadership qualities and abilities of leaders and decision-makers frequently affect how the goals of peace, justice, and serenity can be achieved. This research shows that Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon Him (PBUH) had exemplary leadership qualities, which have influenced millions of people for centuries on a global scale. His leadership practices were based on compassion, humility, and a strong commitment to justice, all of which has led to the creation of a just and equitable society in the Arabian Peninsula. The principles of social justice and equality he established more than 1400 years ago are still relevant today, and his many leadership techniques and strategies have been studied and emulated by modern-day leaders. This thesis analyzes the leadership practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in resolving conflicts and establishing peace and justice as compared to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which aims to ensure access to justice for all by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development and recognizing the critical role that leadership plays in achieving these objectives. The alignment of SDG 16 with the leadership practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shall be investigated. By examining the Prophet’s (PBUH) leadership styles and how they align with SDG 16's tenets, this thesis demonstrates that his leadership abilities are in line with the current debate regarding the role of leadership in advancing sustainable development goals and building just and equitable societies that foster peace. This thesis also investigates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) leadership practices and its association with fairness, equality, humility, and social justice, and evaluates how his leadership practices can provide valuable insights for modern-day leaders who seek to achieve similar goals. It also aims to take a step towards combatting Islamophobia and providing clarification on misunderstandings about the practices of the Prophet (PBUH). It is critical to keep in mind that Islamophobia is a serious issue with potential real-world repercussions for Muslims all across the world. This research attempts to clarify some of the false information in order to combat destructive trends and advance a more accepting and inclusive society for all. Thus, this research will explore questions like: •How does the teaching of Islam applied through the Prophet’s (PBUH) practices help in resolving conflicts? •How did the practices of the Prophet (PBUH) contribute to building a society based on peace and justice? •Can the world today benefit from reading and comprehending the practices and actions of the Prophet (PBUH) in relation to SDGs? The study employs secondary qualitative methodology to critically assess conflict resolution strategies. It concludes that the Prophet (PBUH) applied several strategies, and tactics for resolving disagreements. It will contribute to ongoing efforts to resolve conflicts that are linked to modern historical theories and more specifically, to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.