ABSTRACT
Mu‘ammar al-Qadhdhafi’s commitment to the Islamic faith is evident. He has been known to interrupt meetings with heads of state and other important international dignitaries so that he could offer his prayers at their proper times. Qadhdhafi holds the traditional view that all branches of knowledge, moral principles and human aspirations have their basis in the Qur’an. Qadhdhafi’s attitude towards Islam is one as well of confident pride in a glorious heritage. This is an attitude shared by the vast majority of Muslims, an attitude which has sustained Muslim countries in times of humiliating defeat and colonization at the hands of Western powers. Libya, like other countries of North Africa, is a traditional country with an essentially desert society. It is far less touched by Western values than its neighbours. The political implications of Colonel Qadhdhafi’s views of other faiths are obvious. He is anxious to preserve and strengthen Arab unity across the religious differences between Muslims and Christians.
