Islam created a society more
free from prevalent cruelty and social tyranny than any society that has ever
been in the world before. The peaceful atmosphere is required for the spiritual
and moral progress of the individual. A good society can be developed in the
atmosphere of peace. Islam does not permit rampant violence. But there is
considerable prejudice against Muslims and they are viewed with suspicion.
Peace is a natural state which attracts each and every individual. It is a
condition that everyone is looking for. Good person do not like to create
turbulence that affects the peace. Peace is disturbed when the balance of rights
and responsibilities between individuals and societies is lost. The lack of
fulfillment of responsibilities and encroachment of rights can lead to deep
wounds. These irreparable rifts can ultimately lead to full-fledged war.
Normally the meaning of peace is understood by individuals according to their
culture, interest, benefits, and wishes. In every culture the meanings of peace
are understood differently. The universal meaning of peace defines a state that
provides inner satisfaction which in turns has a positive influence or impact on
the outside environment. The dilemma in today’s world is that every country
claims peace but indirectly every country somewhere somehow supports other
countries that are working against peace or want to look at peace according to
their benefit. It is interesting to note that the world has been under the
influence of different socio-political ideologies over time. Every concept
gained popularity on the basis of peace. However the result was an enigma.
Democratic states or republics like United States of America, Islamic Republic
of Pakistan, or India, engage in international bloc politics since they need
help from each other. However their vested interests come in the way of
universal peace and peace gets chosen only for particular regions, nations,
groups and states. ‘Peace for all’ is just a slogan and is used just as a modern
terminology. So, promotion of peace is now benchmarked by aid or benefit from
another state and is purely meant for the interest of the nation and it could
also be used for the expansion of illegitimate power.
The world in the recent past was a bi-polar system with the standing powers of
USSR and USA. However with the defeat of the former in Afghanistan, the single
power now rests with the USA making for a uni-polar system. However world
politics is again changing faces. China is another emerging power, a strong
contender soon to change the political topography to bi-polar again. China is
strengthening its economy with massive world trade. It does not send its troops
into any of the peace keeping missions or recent wars. This way it is
preserving, protecting and strengthening its republic.
Another challenging contender is the Islamic Republic of Iran. There has been an
historic gulf between Iran and USA, perhaps related to the American hostage
history. Currently, Iran has pressure from the world to stop nuclear production.
However, Iran wants to continue its research and production of nuclear
technology. It argues that it is doing so for peaceful purposes. The countries
making demands on Iran to curb its nuclear industry are themselves profusely
engaged in it. If China talks about peace then it has its own interest in it. If
USA talks of peace then it has its own interest in it. Similarly, if India or
any other country talks about peace, they have their own vested interests in it.
Peace is therefore being promoted for one’s own interest and not for humanity.
It has been true that many things done in the name of God would be hateful to a
gentle deity. But, with terrorists attacking innocent civilians in Pakistan,
Afghanistan and Iraq and Muslims shot down in Kashmir, Palestine and in other
countries; this seems like an especially bad period for the abuse of religion.
Religion is like a knife that can be misused to unjustly kill an innocent
person, or rightfully employed to cut bread to feed the hungry. It is not the
religion that is to blame; but the people who implement its Laws. The Laws are
Divine, however the implementation is human. And it is the implementation of any
law that dictates its effectiveness, not the theoretical law itself. The
religion cannot be blamed for any unwelcome changes and for violent acts that
disturb the peace of the society.
Islam is the religion of peace. The word "Islam" in Arabic is “Salama” which
means submission of desires to the will of Allah. Personal peace can be attained
by totally submitting of oneself to God. As Allah says in Holy Quran: “And we
were ordered to submit to the Lord of the worlds”. Even the greetings favored by
Muslims means “May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.” Prayer itself
is completed with the announcement of peace, once to the right and once to the
left. The spirit of this religion is peaceful submission to the Lord of the
worlds: As Allah says in Holy Quran: “Yes, but whoever submits his face
(himself) to Allah and he is a good-doer, then his reward is with the Lord, on
such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”.
The Islam teaches the Muslims that peace is achieved through tolerance,
forgiveness, responding to evil with good and proactive good deeds that bring
happiness to others. The Holy Quran calls the Muslims the people of the ‘middle
path’. It says, “There is no compulsion in religion.” The Quran calls for
coexistence with other religions in the verse which says: To you your religion
and to me mine.” The Quran clearly tells Muslims to protect the Christian
church, the Jewish synagogue, and places of worship of all other peoples as much
as they defend their mosques. This is clear evidence of the emphasis that Islam
has laid on tolerance and co-existence with other religions and civilizations.
The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “You are all born of
Adam and Adam was made out of clay. An Arab has no superiority over the
non-Arab. Neither does a white man enjoy superiority over a black man, nor a
black man over a white man except by piety. Remember that your lives and
properties are sacred and inviolable among one another.” Islam also gives a
distinct system of human love, which relates to the dealings of Muslims with the
whole world. In this regard, the Quran says: “The believers are brothers to each
other; therefore make peace between your two brothers and fear Allah, so that
you may gain mercy.” A western scholar Mr. James Michener said: "More than most
religions, Islam preaches the brotherhood of all races, colors and nations
within its fold. Muhammed (peace be upon him) himself probably had the same skin
coloring as Jesus, a very suntanned white, but today his followers embrace all
colors: black men from Africa, yellow men from China, brown men from Malaya,
white men from Turkey.”
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was described as “mercy for the two
worlds.” In his conduct, he was tolerant, ever merciful and forgiving. He signed
treaties of peace with the Jews and the Infidels. The history books detail the
treatment of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) by the community in Mecca when
they were brought the blessing of the message of Islam. In the early years,
majority of the Meccans were against the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). They
inflicted much pain, performed numerous open transgressions and oppressions
against the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions. They had been
boycotted to the point that no one was allowed to trade with them. The Holy
Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his companions the patience and forbearance
that is needed whenever one is engaged in doing what is right. During the
incident at Taif when the Holy Prophet’s (peace be upon him) blessed feet were
injured and his (peace be upon him) blessed sandals were filled with blood and
his (peace be upon him) blessed skin was separating with it. At this point, the
angel Gabriel came to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) saying that he could
crush these people if he (peace be upon him) so commanded. However, the Holy
Prophet (peace be upon him) having the full power and authority to make this
happen, instead, chose to forgive these transgressors and said, “I sense the
fragrance of belief from their generations.” And he (peace be upon him) prayed
for them. This is why it is said in the Quran: “Forgive the mistakes of people
and adopt the trait of overlooking.”
The atrocities of the rejecters of the message of Islam reached their heights
when they exiled the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and Muslims out of their
birth town, Mecca. However, when the tides turned and the Muslims were granted
clear victory over infidels, and returned to Mecca. During their entry into the
blessed city, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions did not
display any signs of revenge. No one was killed, no transgressions were
committed, no women or children were harmed, and no old enmities were brought
out. Instead, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) announced a general amnesty
in Mecca. It is important to keep in mind that the atrocities and transgressions
that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Companions had been subjected
to by the disbelievers of this city were not trivial. The Victory of Mecca is a
unique example in human history of a non-violent, bloodless, peaceful conquest
that had no casualties, no collateral damage, and no fallout, except one of
creating a universal example of forgiveness and returning evil with good for the
world to follow.
It seems that these Islamic qualities of compassion and tolerance have been all
but forgotten, and even negated, by some of those who have lately assumed the
mantle of champions of Islam. They represent a revengeful Islam. Some of them
carry a permanent frown on their faces and their language is harsh and
threatening. It is also surprise that these people have so greatly tarnished the
image of Islam in the world. It is unfortunate that extremists like Osama bin
laden have come to represent Muslims even though they actually represent the
lunatic fringe amongst the Muslims.
Ever since the fall of the Soviet-led communist bloc, terrorism has emerged as
the number one enemy for many countries. Unfortunately, in their perception,
much of the terrorist activity is associated with Muslim groups. In particular,
after the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, 2001, the US-led war
against terrorism has already targeted two Muslim countries, Afghanistan and
Iraq. This in turn has fuelled unprecedented anti-Americanism in the Islamic
world. There has been talk of a clash of civilizations and religions, even a new
crusade, giving rise to the perception amongst some Muslims that the Islamic
world in under siege.
It is evident that the West and other countries are concerned about the growth
of terrorism in some Muslim circles. Unfortunately, it seems that the West and
others have failed to understand that, in most cases, terrorism is bred by a
deep sense of injustice. The Muslim world feels aggrieved over the injustice
that has been done to the Palestinian people. Israel has disregarded UN
resolutions. The US is seen as the protector and ally of Israel. Israel has
unleashed state terrorism against the Palestinians almost on a daily basis. In a
response, some Palestinians and Arabs have resorted to suicide bombings, leading
to a inhuman circle of violence and counter-violence. The terrorism of Osama bin
Laden and other militant groups, and their virulent anti-Americanism, is the
outcome of Arab and Muslim desperation over the continuing injustice to the
Palestinian people. Similarly, there is a parallel in the Kashmir situation
where India has been using force to deny the right of self-determination to the
Kashmiri people. Hindu-Muslim riots in India are the major threat to peace as
shown by the events of Ahmedabad, and the Babri Mosque.
In Pakistan, Muslim sects such as Wahabi, Shia, Sunni, Deobandi, Barelvi, Ahle
Hadith have fought against each other and have caused civil disturbance.
Differentiation of Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Pathan, Mahajir, Saraiki is also an
obstacle to peace in Pakistan. Iraq itself has seen constant civil unrest with
conflicts between Sunnis and Shias occurring after the American invasion.
Lebanon is facing social strife caused by differences between Muslim and
Christian groups. In Afghanistan the language factor of Pushto and Persian
further creates problems. Therefore language can become a barrier to peace as
well. Some groups get themselves organized based on their language or region
that can bring hatred among them.
Personal Representative (Mr. Picco) of the Secretary-General for the UN Year of
Dialogue among Civilizations has said: “History does not kill. Religion does not
rape women, the purity of blood does not destroy buildings and institutions do
not fail. Only individuals do those things.” It is really astonishing as to how,
with the passage of time, these circles have come to occupy the center-stage in
many Islamic societies. They exhibit an intolerant and rigid attitude. They are
against the education of women and indeed against modernism in all forms. They
are intolerant of religious minorities and even of the unorthodox groups amongst
the Muslims themselves. They portray a merciless God Who is only interested in
punishing man. Even amongst Muslims, they find fault with everyone’s religious
beliefs and practices. On the smallest of pretexts, they are willing to declare
their opponents as being outside the pale of Islam. Their ideas are based on
extremism, militancy and obscurantism. The image of Islam projected by such
bigots is far from the Islam practiced by Muslims over the centuries.
It is time for Muslim societies and governments to disown such extremists and
project the humane and conciliatory face of Islam. There is a need of dialogue,
understanding and compromise. There must also be tolerance and flexibility.
However, human experience shows that peace can be durable only if it is based on
justice and fair play. The restoration of balance of rights and responsibilities
is called justice. This is why the famous slogan “If you want peace, work for
justice” rings to one’s core. However there is a higher moral ground, one that
goes beyond justice. It is one that calls for forgiveness, generosity,
beautification, pro-active love and compassion. It is the concept of turning the
other cheek instead of taking an eye for an eye. The aspirants of this formula
forfeit their rights for the benefit of others. They give out more than what is
simply needed. They return evil with good. They are like the tree in the Islamic
Sufi tradition, that when it is shaken, in response, sweet and nourishing fruits
fall off from its branches for the perpetrator to savor.
Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has said: “The Merciful has mercy on the
merciful. O people! Have mercy on the people on the earth and the Merciful of
the skies will have mercy on you.” Making peace among mankind is equated to
virtuosity and piety in the following verse of the Quran: “And do not make Allah
a target of your oaths, by pledging against being virtuous and pious, and
against making peace among mankind; and Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing.”
Also, making peace is highly encouraged as in the following verse: “And if they
incline towards peace, you too lean towards it, and trust Allah; indeed He only
is the All Hearing, the All Knowing.”
So, Muslims will have to discover higher standards of social values by
developing the universal spirit and co-operation towards others. If the true
understanding of the Islam is effectively spread, a broadminded and tolerant
Muslim society can be charted out. The lives of Muslims should represent true
essence of Islam that can connect with the rest of world in a way that promote
peace for all. Amen.