It is astonishing to see how Islam, especially in the West, is falsely and unjustly presented as a religion of violence. Especially people who don’t know or understand anything about the religion, brand Islam in a negative light. However, the truth can’t be further from reality. Islam has been time and again misinterpreted by misguided Muslims, biased media and religious bigots.
Islam – A Religion of Peace
In fact, the very first verse of the Holy Quran reads: “In the name of Allah (SWT), the Most Merciful, the most Compassionate.” If you study the Holy Quran carefully, you will discover that most of the verses encourage the spirit of peace, brotherhood, unity and harmony in the world directly or indirectly. The above-mentioned verse is repeated in the Holy Quran 114 times; which clearly indicates that Allah (SWT) is full of mercy, compassion and tolerance.
Peace is the cornerstone of Islam!
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British author and scholar Karen Armstrong in her book, Muhammad – A Biography of the Prophet, states that “We often imagine Muhammad as a warlord, brandishing his sword in order to impose Islam on a reluctant world by force of arms. The reality was quite different. Muhammad and the first Muslims were fighting for their lives."
The 10:25 verse of the Holy Quran reads, “And Allah (SWT) invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path”, whereby the religion of Islam is oriented towards peace only.
The root of the word Islam is “silm”, which refers to as “making peace” which implies finding peace, finding salvation, attaining goodness, and so on.
A true Muslim is the one who truly follows Islam, someone who is at perfect peace, with himself and with others. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “A true believer (mumin) is he from whom people’s lives and wealth are safe.” ~ Tirmidhi and Nasai.
According to Islam, peace is not simply an absence of war. It encourages Muslims to involve believers of other faiths. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “In him, there is no merit who is not familiar with others and with whom others are not familiar.” ~ Sahih al-Bukhari
Parables from the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) Life - A Mercy to All Mankind
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was in Taif, where he hoped that this town might be receptive to his message, which had been rejected by most of the Meccans. However, the people of Taif turned out to be as cruel and intolerant. They ridiculed him and threw stones at him to chase him away.
At such point, an angel appeared before the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with an option: Have the whole town be destroyed, by Allah’s (SWT) will, for such intolerance.
Bleeding from head to toe, injured and exhausted, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had the choice to destroy the entire town. However, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) didn’t retaliate and prayed for their salvation.
In another instance, once a man came to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and requested, “O Holy Prophet (PBUH), give me a master advice which will enable me to manage all the affairs of my life.” The Holy Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Don’t be angry.”
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) once said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." ~ Sahih al-Bukhari
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| The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always encouraged Muslims to seek the path of peace! |
Even in the face of confrontation with the opponents and enemies; the Holy Prophet (PBUH) always encouraged Muslims to seek the path of peace and adopt the qualities of peace, compassion, love, and respect for others.
The Holy Quran states that if you deal with your enemy positively and return good for evil, even your enemy will become your closest friend.
“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better, then verily! He, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.” ~ The Holy Quran (41:34)
The Holy Quran explicitly states that, “O peaceful soul, come and enter my paradise and only those who have followed the path of peace in this world will be allowed an entrance into Allah (SWT) Paradise.”
Most teachings of Islam are based on the principles of peace and tolerance. Anything interpreted to the contrary is a distortion.
Prophet - A Role Model and a Peace Messenger for All Humankind
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is introduced in the Holy Quran as, “And we have not sent you forth but as a mercy to mankind.” ~ (Al-Anbiyaa’: 107)
Importance of Peace Emphasized in Hadiths
The two fundamental sources of Islam are the Holy Quran and the Hadith. While Holy Quran is the word of Allah (SWT); Hadith is the collection of the sayings, and actions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
There are many instances from the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) where he taught Muslims to follow the path of peace and spread harmony.
“O people, spread peace, feed the hungry, and pray at night when people are sleeping and you will enter Paradise in peace.” ~ Sunan Ibn Majah
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| Importance of Peace Emphasized in Hadiths! |
Narrated ‘Aisha (May Allah (SWT) be pleased with her): The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “The most hated person in the sight of Allah is the most quarrelsome person.” ~ (Sahih Bukhari)
Peace is the Cornerstone of Islam
Misguided Muslims creating violence under the pretext of Quran and Islam are hugely responsible for tarnishing the name of this beautiful religion.
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