Sulha derives from the word “Sulh,” meaning “to make peace” or “reconciliation” in Arabic. It is a term signifying an agreement or settlement.
This traditional Middle Eastern method for resolving conflicts through negotiation with the two parties selecting a respected individual to mediate the conflict has its historical roots before Islam; its historic emergence is found in early Semitic writings and in later Christian records dating from the first century A.D.
It is typical to Arab societies and generations have passed the practice down over thousands of years. Traditionally, Sulha was an original means for passing and enforcing rulings and subsequently utilized over centuries to prevent acts of revenge and tragic feuds, etc. among tribes of the region.
Sulha incorporates four common elements from the Arabic culture (forgiveness, reconciliation, ritual, and honor) to build a lasting resolution between conflicting parties.