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Philosophy of Peace in the Light of Islam
Every religion in the world teaches peace and harmony. No faith believes
in spreading hate among fellow human beings. The concept of ‘peace’ in
Islam draws its origins from the Arabic word “Salaam” which means
"secured, pacified, or submitted." Islam believes in spreading the
message of peace and harmony by personally greeting every fellow Muslim
they meet. The word “Assalam Alaikum” which literally means “Peace be
upon you”.
The roots of Islam are explained beautifully by the first verses of Holy
Quran which says: It reads: “In the name of God, the Most Merciful, and
the Most Compassionate”. This is self explanatory that Allah Almighty is
most merciful and showers HIS blessings on everyone irrespective of
their belief.
Concept of Peace in the Light of Holy Quran
Islam is definitely a peace loving nation. It endorses love, respect,
and harmony among all human beings.
Muslims are strictly instructed to follow Allah Almighty’s book of law.
The regard for peace, righteousness and justice is to be maintained by
the Muslims above all else.
“O believers! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses for the
sake of God, even (if this may go) against yourselves, or your parents,
or your kin.” (Holy Quran 4:135)
“O You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not
follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you.” (Holy
Quran: 2, 208)
In the verse above, Islam essentially calls for peace and fosters a life
in absolute genuineness and honesty before Allah Almighty. Therefore, it
is crucially important for an individual to believe in Allah with his
own will and aspiration, and observe HIS commands through personal
meticulous gratification.
“You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you
but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors.” [2:190]
According to these Holy verses, Muslims cannot preemptively initiate a
war. Even during the war times, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) has
commanded Muslims not to cut a tree, not to kill or harm child, sick
person, old people, monk or priest. Instructions are also clear about
not destroying a temple/ church, a building, not to disfigure dead body,
and not to kill who surrender or run away from battlefield. Enforcing
Islam on non followers is also not allowed.
The revelation of the Holy Quran brought with it the angels of peace and
therefore, that particular night is declared as the “Night of Peace”.
Holy Quran mentions in Surat-al-Qadr (97:1-5):
“Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr
(Decree). And what will make you know what the night of decree is. The
night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months. Therein
descend the angels and the Ruh (Jibreel) by Allah’s Permission with all
Decree, Peace! Until the appearance of dawn.”
In a Nutshell
Islam teaches peace and harmony above all. Violence and brutal killings
has no place in Islam. It is either the misconception about Islam that
is prevailing in today’s world that Islam sponsors terrorism or the
vested interest of evil forces who wishes to malign the image of Islam.
Peace is the primary duty of Islam and its adherents must come to show
to the world that we are for peace and settlement not for violence and
destruction. World has witnessed a lot of bloodshed in the name of God
since the past two decades. Time has arrived when practical and positive
initiatives can portray the true message of Islam. |