– Saima Obaid
Peace has been a long cherished dream of humanity since ancient times; but its relevance and scope in the modern world has increased a lot. The term ‘peace’ has innumerable suggestions, and it remains one of the greatest concerns of man. All religions attach much importance to it. But Islam’s concept of peace is different. All the teachings of Islam are oriented towards the goal of peace.
Peace is the Core Principle of Faith
The relationship between Islam and peace in general is quite controversial but Islam is a religion in which one of the names and attributes of Allah described in the Qur’an is ‘As salaam’, which means peace and security.
The very word Islam (is from the Arabic ‘silm’) which means peace. The messenger of Islam, Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a mercy for all humankind and His goal was to spread peace and safety in society. The Qur’an is the book of Allah, whose divine guidance is linked to the path of peace. It is stated in the Qur’an,
يَهْدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضْوَٰنَهُۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَٰمِ وَيُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِۦ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
“By which Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darknesses into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path.” (Al Qur’an 5:16)
Peace is not just the absence of conflict or war; rather, it is a comprehensive state of physical, spiritual, and societal dimensions. The concept of peace in Islam is deeply rooted with the core principles and teachings of Islam, emphasising compassion, justice, and balance in all aspects of life.
The Path to Inner Peace
Inner peace lies in two major things, serving humanity and in the remembrance of Allah. Islam has put great emphasis on both of these things.
Muslims believe that ultimate peace comes from having a close and harmonious relationship with Allah (God). Peace in Islam is achieved through acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and seeking forgiveness. Surrendering oneself to Allah’s will and living life by His guidance is seen as a path to inner peace and tranquillity but Islam also emphasises the virtues that create inner peace such as kindness, empathy, charity and justice in society.
Allah says in Quran:
أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ
“Surely it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find peace.” (Al Qur’an 13:28)
Those who are suffering from severe mental health issues and do not find a particular reason for always being depressed and having mood disturbance, should turn to Allah for help. People who are having these symptoms are needed to look at their issues in the light of the Qur’an, because there is hope and cure in Islam to overcome such problems.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.” (20:124)
In today’s world, with mental health issues at unprecedented levels, millions struggle with anxiety, despair, and feelings of emptiness. While modern psychology may offer various solutions, Islam presents a spiritual path, practised for over fourteen centuries, towards mental wellness and inner peace.
Jannah: The Home of Peace
According to Islam, the Paradise is the ideal human abode, and is called as Daar-as-Salsm i.e. ‘home of peace’. A place of ultimate tranquillity, safety, and closeness to Allah, but it also signifies the ideal state of a peaceful life. It is also mentioned that the people of Paradise will greet each other with the word, ‘salaam’ (peace). This greeting signifies complete safety from all harm, enemies, and negative aspects of the world.
“They will not hear in it any laghw (idle or vain talk) or ta’thim (sinful speech). But only the saying of: Peace, Peace!” (Surah al Waqiyah – 25:26)
Emphasising Prayers for Peace
Islam is a religion in which every Muslim is obliged to greet each other with peace when they meet. “Salaam” is an Arabic word; its literal meaning is ‘peace’. It is used for harmlessness, benefit, and protection from evils. Salam is the name of Allah Almighty and the meaning of ‘Assalamu alaikum’ is “May the blessing of His name descend upon you.” Hence when someone greets Salaam to another, it is as if he/she is saying to him/her “I am offering you safety and security and I have no intention to harm you anywhere.”
It was narrated by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “The Muslim has five rights over his fellow Muslim: he should return his salaams, visit him when he is sick, attend his funeral, accept his invitation, and pray for mercy for him when he sneezes.” (Bukhari)
Encouraging Forgiveness
Forgiveness is considered a virtuous act in Islam. The Qur’an describes believers as those who
ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِى ٱلسَّرَّآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَٱلْكَٰظِمِينَ ٱلْغَيْظَ وَٱلْعَافِينَ عَنِ ٱلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
“Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people and Allah loves those who strive for excellence.” (The Qur’an 3:134)
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasised the value of forgiving others and seeking reconciliation, fostering an atmosphere of peace in Islam and reconciliation.
During the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Hamza, the beloved uncle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was killed by a slave whose name was Wahshi. Wahshi’s master, Jubair Ibn Mut’im, had promised Wahshi freedom if he killed Hamza. Hamza was very brave and no one could get close to him in the battle, so Wahshi used a spear to kill Hamza. When the Prophet ﷺ saw Hamza’s body (with his ears and nose cut off, his abdomen slashed, and his liver taken out), he was greatly saddened. Later, after the Conquest of Makkah, Wahshi ran away for fear of retaliation. But when he heard of the Prophet’s great mercy, he presented himself to him. Here Wahshi relates his story to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and asks for forgiveness.
The Prophet of Islam, also known as rahmatul lil alameen (mercy for mankind) forgave the man who had killed his Beloved Uncle, Hamza. Despite the deep personal loss and grief, the Prophet’s mercy prevailed. This is Islam’s commitment to peace.
Aman and Sulh in the Qur’an
Islam encourages peace within the home through Aman (mutual respect and mercy) and Sulh (Reconciliation). A peaceful family becomes the foundation for a peaceful society and a peaceful society creates justice and safety for humanity.
Peace during conflicts,
While Islam values peace, it also recognises that sometimes conflicts may arise. In case of self-defence or protection of the oppressed, Islam permits the use of force but strictly within just and ethical limits. The aim is to restore peace in Islam and stability rather than provoking violence.
Peace in Relationships
Islam stresses the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in all interactions. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasised forgiveness, kindness, and empathy in dealing with others. Conflict resolution is encouraged, and reconciliation between disputing parties is highly valued. Muslims are encouraged to be just, fair, and respectful in their dealings with family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers.
Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ promoted peaceful means of resolving disputes and conflicts. He encouraged dialogue, mediation, and arbitration to achieve reconciliation and justice. He said, “Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer, and almsgiving? Making peace between people; for discord among people is a shaver.”
Protecting the Weak and Vulnerable
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the champion of the rights of the weak and vulnerable members of society. He condemned oppression and exploitation and encouraged Muslims to defend the rights of orphans, widows, and marginalised individuals.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ discouraged unnecessary violence and bloodshed. He instructed his companions to avoid killing women, children, the elderly, and non-combatants during conflicts. Islam teaches that the taking of a single innocent life is akin to killing all of humanity.
The Prophet emphasized the importance of treating non-Muslims with kindness, respect, and fairness. He urged Muslims to uphold their commitments and agreements with people of other faiths, as long as they did not engage in hostility towards Islam.
The Treaty of Hudaibiya is one of the greatest historical examples of the Prophet’s preference for peace over conflict even when the terms seemed unfavourable to Muslims.
Misconceptions about Peace in Islam
Misconceptions and stereotypes about the concept of peace in Islam often arise due to the misinterpretation of certain teachings or historical events of the religion. One common misconception is associating Islam with violence based on isolated acts of terrorism committed by certain individuals.
In reality, Islam’s core teachings emphasise peace, compassion, and justice, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad’s peaceful diplomacy, his teachings for non-violent conflict resolution, and his emphasis on brotherhood with people of different faiths. Stereotypes also overlook the fact that the vast majority of Muslims worldwide are peaceful individuals who actively seek to promote peace in Islam and harmony in their communities, reflecting the true essence of Islam as a religion of peace.
Peace is also the presence of justice and the creation of conditions in which humans can realise their full potential. Human beings’ nature is inclined to peace, and violence comes because of how we were educated, not because of our nature. Faulty education gets us disconnected from our compassionate nature. Wrong education describes humans as evil and selfish and this is the core of violence.
Qur’anic Guidance for Peace and Conflicts
The teachings of the Qur’an aren’t coincidental; they showcase that the religion is structured to promote peace both internally and externally.
The occurrence of aggression in Islam: “And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not commit aggression; Allah does not love the aggressors.” (Surah Baqrah:192)
The principle of proportion for peace: “Whoever commits aggression against you, retaliates against him in the same measure as he has committed against you. And be conscious of Allah, and know that Allah is with the righteous.” (Surah Baqrah:194)
The necessity for anger in Islam: “And fight them until there is no oppression, and worship becomes devoted to Allah alone. But if they cease, then let there be no hostility except against the oppressors.” (Surah Baqrah:193)
The reaction of Muslims against oppressors: “The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them harshly, they say words of peace.” (Surah Furqan: 63)
Why does Islam lay such a great emphasis on peace? Because all the good things Islam wants to see in human life can be brought about only in a peaceful environment. Constructive activities such as character building, spiritual upliftment, educational activity, social welfare, worship and prayer – all of this can be only done in a peaceful environment.
The emphasis is no peace, no progress; no peace, no development. Hence, the importance of peace is for a greater purpose.
