Peace in Islam
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Declaring Human Brotherhood and Bringing
Glad Tidings of the Universal Idea
Islam came to announce human brotherhood and give glad tidings of a call to universality, to eradicate all forms of discrimination, and to establish this noble system using all the practical and theoretical means at its disposal.
Reaffirming Racial and Ethnic Unity
Islam has reaffirmed the racial and ethnic unity of all mankind; the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
‘For, man is from Adam, and that there is no supremacy of an Arab over a non-Arab and no supremacy of a black man over a red man except in piety’
The wisdom behind dividing people into tribes and nations is nothing more than the creation of variety, so that they may come to meet each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect and co-operation, and not for the promotion of hostility and difference. Sharing and caring and competing only for righteous deeds and holy virtue, competing for the benefit of the masses and individuals and seeking the pleasure of Allah who is the Lord of all, and who watches this brotherhood, protects it and calls all his servants to practice and establish it. The Holy Qur’an declares all these meanings very clearly when Allah says:
‘O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created His wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relation of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is watching over you.’
(The beginning of Surat-an-Nisaa’(4))
Allah also says:
‘O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, That you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable among you in the sight of Allah is that (believer) who has piety and righteousness.’
(Surat-al-Hujuraat (49), ayah 13)
Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) says in his famous sermon during the farewell pilgrimage:
‘Allah has relieved you from the burden of ignorance with its pride in the fathers and the ancestors. You are all from Adam, and Adam is from dust. There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab, nor between a black man and a red man except in piety"
He also says:
‘He who calls to tribalism is not one of us, nor is he who fought for it, nor is he who died for it.’ (Abu Dawood).
With this declaration Islam totally forbids racism and tribalism - a trend which is still alive in modern western societies.
Reaffirming the Oneness of Religion
Islam has reaffirmed the oneness of religion in its general principles which assert that the laws of the almighty Allah stand on firm foundations of Imaan (faith), righteous, work and brotherhood. Islam also came to remind us all that all of the holy Prophets came with a message from Allah, the High in praise, that all of the heavenly books are revelations from Him and that the believers, regardless of their background, are His righteous servants deserving of honour in this life and the hereafter. Islam tells us that disunity, fragmentation and hostility in the name of religion are a sin totally inconsistent with its teachings and beliefs. The duty of humanity, therefore, is to adopt this religion and unite under it. This is the one true path and the natural way for mankind. In this regard Allah says in the glorious Qur’an:
‘He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which he ordained for Noah, and that which we inspired in you (O Muhammad), and that which we ordained for Abraham, Moses and Jesus, saying you should establish religion, and make no divisions in it.’
(Surat-al-Shuraa (43), ayah 15)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says:
’My likeness and that of the other Prophets before me is as the likeness of a man who built a house and did so with great perfection, except for a gap in one corner, which he left unfilled. This caused much surprise among the people who kept commenting, "Would it not have been better if you would have put a brick in this empty space?". It is I who am that missing brick and it is I who am the seal of all the Prophets.’ (Bukhari, Muslim)
Islam has shown us an unprecedented route in its attempt to unite religions. For it is obligatory upon a believer to believe in all the Prophets that preceded Muhammad (PBUH), and every book that came before the Holy Qur’an. To respect every law before Islam, and to praise every nation of believers that existed in the past. The Holy Qur’an orders this and ordained it for the Prophet and his companions:
‘Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibraaheem, Ismaa’eel, Ishaaq, Ya’qub, and to Al-Asbat, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and to Him we have submitted.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 136)
The Qur’an then follows this by declaring that this is truly the route to unity. That if the peoples of other religions had faith in this then they would be among those who are guided, and if they reject this straight path then surely they will drown in the darkness of difference and conflict. Allah (SWT) says:
‘So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided, but if they turn away, then they are in opposition. So Allah will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 137)
Allah also supports this unity among the religious and the believing people on two clear bases, that only the arrogant would contest: First- accepting Abraham as the father of all Abrahamic religions. Abraham is without doubt the source of the three famous Prophets whose messages became widely known and followed. These great Prophets are Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (may the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon them all). Secondly - the stripping away of all subjectivity and self desire from religion and the referral to Allah as the ultimate authority. One reads in Surat-al-Baqarah :
‘And who turns away from the religion of Abraham (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.’
‘Our Sibghah (religion) is the Sibghah (religion) of Allah (Islam) and which Sibghah (religion) can be better than Allah’s? And we are His worshipers.’
Later, Allah (SWT) says:
’That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned. And you will not be asked of what they used to do.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayahs 130-141)
The Holy Qur’an adulates all of the Prophets. He (Allah) talks of Moses:
‘He was honourable in the sight of Allah’
(Surat-al-Ahzaab (33), ayah 69).
And describes Jesus as:
‘..the son of Mary, held in honour in this life and the hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.’
(Surat-aal-Imraan (3), ayah 45)
And:
‘His mother a righteous women.’
(Surat-al-Maa’idah (5) ayah 75)
honoured by the angles:
‘And (remember) when the angels said: "O Mary! Indeed, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of man kind."’
(Surat-aal-Imran (3), ayah 42)
Allah also talks about his previous books with great praise. He says about the Torah:
‘Verily, we have sent the Torah (to Moses), therein was guidance and light...’
(Surat-al-Maa’idah (5) ayah 44)
And about the gospel
‘... And we gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirmation of the Torah that had come before it, and a guidance and an admonition for the pious.’
(Surat-al-Maa’idah (5), ayah 46)
They, and the Holy Qur’an are lamps of guidance to mankind:
‘It is He who has sent down the Book (the Qur’an) to you (Muhammad) with truth, and confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Torah and Gospel.’
(Surat-aal-Imran (3), ayah 3)
Furthermore, the children of Israel, the nation of Moses, are a good nation so long as they believe and are straight:
‘O Children of Israel! Remember My favour which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to the mankind and Jinns (of your time-period.)’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 122)
And the followers of Jesus are talked of as upright and virtuous people so long as they are sincere and honest:
‘.. And we ordained in the hearts of those who follow him, compassion and mercy...’
(Surat-al-Hadeed, (57) ayah 27).
The relationship of Muslims with people of other convictions is one based on mutual social benefit and the for good of all mankind:
‘Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of you homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity. It is only those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out , Allah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the wrong-doers - those who disobey Allah.’
(Surat-al-Mumtahinah (60), ayahs 8-9).
Any debate should only be conducted in a way that is polite and proper - except with those who transgress. Such a discourse is based on reminding one another of the ties between the heavenly messages and the monotheistic unity of faith and conviction:
‘And argue not with the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner), except with those who do wrong, and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and that which has been revealed to you; our God and your God is One, and to Him we have submitted."’
(Surat-al-‘Ankabut (29), ayah 46).
It is through this that Islam has overcome all sources of conflict, disagreement, hatred and hostility between the believers of different religions, and reminded them all of the need for uniting around the laws of Allah:
‘Verily those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear , nor shall they grieve.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 62)
If they shall persist, however, on staying in conflict with one another and seeking a judgement other than Islam, then Islam, its laws and followers accept no responsibility for what they do:
‘Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad) have no concern in them in the least. Their affair is only with Allah, Who then will tell them what they used to do. Whoever brings a good deed shall have ten times the like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed shall only get the like thereof, and they will not be treated unjustly. Say: "Truly, my Lord has guided me to a straight path, a right religion the religion of Abraham - to believe in One God, and he was not those who worshipped others with Allah." Say: "Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds."’
(Surat-al-An’aam (6), ayahs 159-163)
Confirming the Oneness of the Message
For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a universal Prophet and not a regional one. The Holy Qur’an declares this universality in many verses; one of which is:
‘Blessed be He Who sent down the Criterion (of right and wrong) that He may be a Warner to the worlds.’
(Surat-al-Furqaan (25), ayah 1)
And said:
‘And we have not sent you except as a giver of glad tidings and a Warner to all mankind, but most of men know not.’
(Surat-Saba’ (34), ayah 28)
In Surat-al-A’raaf He says:
‘Say (o Muhammad): "O mankind! Surely, I am sent to you as a messenger of Allah - to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He); it is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe In Allah and His messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write; who believes in Allah and His Words [(this Qur’an) the Torah and the Gospel and also Allah’s Word: "Be!" - and he was i.e. Jesus-son of Mary], and follow Him so that you may be guided."’
(Surat-al-A’raaf (7), ayah 158)
Prophet Muhammad’s message was the final revelation, and he was the seal of all the Prophets. There will be no message after his and no Prophet shall follow him:
‘Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah, and the last of the Prophets, And Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything.’
(Surat-al-Ahzaab (33), ayah 40)
Thus, he was given an ever-lasting miracle, which is this Holy Qur’an:
‘And verily, it is an honourable respected Book. Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind (it was) sent down by the All-wise, Worthy of all praise (Allah)’
(Surat-Fussilat (41), ayahs 41-42).
In the past, many people used to wonder as to how one man, from one nation, can be sent as a messenger to humanity as a whole. But with the coming of this age, an age in which distances have shortened, and communications cover the globe, the interests of the different peoples and nations mixed until they became ‘one nation’. An era in which the atmosphere is filled with news allowing the events and affairs of the east to be heard in the west, in which the aspirations of the reformers are concentrated in ‘the one world’, ‘the one system’, for ‘social security’ and for ‘world peace’. This, the struggle for world unity, is a great sign and another miracle for the Prophet and the laws of Islam; because it proves the urgent need for a comprehensive system of world government.
Islam is a practical religion. It does not stop at prescribing the theoretical base for this universal unity, but proceeds to detail the means of fulfilling it, and establishes the rites and laws through which to strengthen this idea in the hearts, and consolidate it in society. This is the difference between philosophical approaches to social change and practical reforming programs, or between the philosopher and the reformer. For, the philosopher outlines the theory and the reformer draws the principles of implementation and supervises its execution. This is why Islam is both a theoretical and a practical religion, and upon these tenets the foundation for its rites and laws are built, the rituals through which Islam managed to achieve what it called for in terms of universal humanity and true brotherhood between people regardless of differences in skin colour or national identity. Among these rites are:
Qiblah (direction of prayer): It is an obligation of all believers to direct their faces, hearts and minds, at least five times a day, towards the Qiblah (Ka’bah), which was built by Prophet Abraham - the father of all the Prophets (PBUH). Every one of them (the believers) feels the true meaning of brotherhood and the all-encompassing unity between all the people of the world, contained in this noble symbol. Circumbulating the honourable Ka’bah in the pilgrimage is also another means of reaffirming these sentiments. Some of those who have little knowledge in the wisdom and foresight of Islam claim that Islam still carries some of the ignorant pagan ways of the ancient Arabs; and that the seven encirclements of the Ka’bah and the touching of the Black Stone are nothing but manifestations of those old rituals. This is far from the truth. The Muslim, who circles the Ka’bah or touches the black stone, firmly believes that these are but stones, the only significance of which are the deeply symbolic meanings they carry; the promotion of human brotherhood and the advancement of universal unity. It is worth remembering in this regards Allah’s words:
‘Allah has made the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, an asylum of security for mankind’
(Surat-al-Maa’idah (5), ayah 97)
Symbolism is, in many circumstances, the only language through which to communicate the most delicate and intricate of meanings. These meanings that are impossible for verbal discourse to articulate and phrases to explain: he who glorifies his national flag, knows that in its essence the flag is but a piece of cloth worth nothing, but he realises that it is not the flag that is respected, but the symbolic significance it has that he holds high. This to him embodies the finest of national feelings. By the same logic, the sacred Ka’bah is Allah’s flag on this earth, portraying the clearest meanings of brotherhood, and providing a symbol, to the people, for their unity and coming together. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about it is that it was built by Abraham the father of all the Prophets:
‘And (remember) when Abraham and (his son) Ismaa’eel were raising the foundations of the house (saying), "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! you are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 127)
The Black stone is a starting point; and at it the pledge with the Lord of the earth and the heavens takes place. A pact for belief, faith, righteous works and loyalty:
"O Lord our faith is in you, not in the stone, and our belief is in your Book, not the myth, our loyalty is in your covenant (Pure monotheism), and the following of the traditions of your Prophet (PBUH), the destroyer of the idols."
So how can this beautiful symbolism be compared to those pagan practises before Islam? The Ka’bah is an ever-standing, ever-lasting figure. Islam has built the holiest and highest values of universality and brotherhood between all the children of Adam:
‘And when We made the House a place or resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the place of Abraham as a place of prayer, and we commanded Abraham and Ismaa’eel that they should purify My House for those who are Circumbulating it, or staying, or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer).’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 125).
The Language: Just as Islam has united the Qiblah, it has also united the language and declared Arabic to be the language of the Qur’an:
‘We Verily, have made it a Qur’an in Arabic, that you may be able to understand (its meanings and its admonitions)’
(Surat-az-Zukhruf (43), ayah 3)
Sociologists confirm that language is one of the strongest binding factors in any society and the easiest way to bring people together. Islam has recognised this fact, and obliged the Believers to use the Arabic language in their payers and all other forms of worship. Hence the Arab nationality is not based on race, but language, and it encompasses all those who come to speak it. Al-Hafidh Ibn Asaakre says that Qais Ibn Mataatiyah came to a study circle, at which Suhaib the Roman and Bilal the Abbysinian were present, and said: "The Aws and Khazraj (two Arab tribes living in Madeenah) have protected this man (meaning the Prophet), what business have they here?" (pointing to the non-Arabs among those present). Muaadh Ibn Jabal stood up, walked to him, grabbed him and took him to the Prophet (PBUH), and explained to the Prophet what this man had said. In great anger the Prophet (PBUH) stood up and walked to the mosque where the prayer was called for by the mu’adhin. Everybody came to the mosque in response to the call. The Prophet said: " O people!, the Lord is One, the religion is one, and being Arab is not by the father or the mother of any of you. It is but a tongue. So whoever speaks it is an Arab."
What better encouragement than this is there to learn the language of the Arabs and spread it among the people so that it becomes the universal ‘Esperanto’ which ties the whole of humanity together. Some may argue that this is a dream that will never be realised. The answer to this is that: did the spiritual, and moral strength of the companions not realise this dream and will not the conforming to these ways realise it again. Dreams are only dreams when they are accompanied with weakness. The realities of today are the dreams of yesterday, and the dreams of today are the realities of tomorrow. The ideal way should not be ridiculed just because it is deserted by the majority. This is truly the path to unity, "And whoever walks on the right path will reach his destination".
Adhaan (the call to prayer): You hear the loud voice of the mu’adhin calling for prayer every morning, evening, noon, and at the time of sunset: "Allah is great, Allah is great. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger. Come to prayer. Come to the successful works. God is great, God is great. There is no god but Allah.". Do you see in this call any propagation to ethnic racism, or special attention to a specific group? Nothing except the glorification of Allah and the emphasis on good deeds and obedience; prayer, and guidance through the good example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH.)- the messenger of Allah.
Rights and responsibilities and the manifestations of worship: Absolute equality is the core of Islam in all the duties, responsibilities and manifestations of worship. The whole of the human race is elevated above the rest of the creation:
‘And indeed We have honoured the children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with lawful good things, and preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked difference.’
(Surat-al-Israa’ (17), ayah 70)
The whole of humanity is called to in this Islamic message. Frequently the Qur’an Starts with the general call of "O Mankind!" showing equality between people in terms of rights and responsibilities. The religious rights, let alone the civil, political, individual, social and economic ones, are affirmed and guaranteed to all alike. There has never existed a nation to which Allah did not send a messenger:
‘And there never was a nation but a warner has passed among them.’
(Surat-Faatir (35), ayah 24)
The manifestations of worship and the manner of performing them is shared among all and offered in total equality. For, they are in prayer as if a solid structure. They are in pilgrimage united as if all possessing one heart. They are all in these great practices as if the teeth of one comb - no master and no servant:
‘Verily, the believers are Brothers’
(Surat-al-Hujuraat (49), ayah 10)
The same can be said of other forms of worship.
Reaffirming the Qualities of Mercy, Love, Altruism, and Piety
Islam has supported its theoretical consideration and practical plans with the spreading of the best of human sentiments in the hearts and souls. These feelings of love of the good for mankind and the attitude of altruism, even at the time of need:
‘And give they preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that (which they have given). And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.’
(Surat-al-Hashr (59), ayah 9)
‘And do good. Truly Allah loves the good-doers.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 195)
‘We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner.’
(Surat-al-Kahf (18), ayah 30)
‘Verily, Allah enjoins justice and Righteous deeds’
(Surat-an-Nahl (16), ayah 90)
The ordaining of good-deeds is not restricted only to dealings involving other humans, but it extends to include our dealings with animals as well. For, the doors of paradise are opened to he who gives water to the thirsty dog, and hell swallows a women for imprisoning a kitten - not feeding it nor allowing it to even feed itself. Many other examples are narrated in the Hadeeth to the extent that the companions of the Prophet (PBUH.), in utter amazement once said: "Is it so that in the good treatment of animals there is a reward for us, O Prophet of Allah?", "Yes, in the kind treatment of every ‘soft livered’ being, there is a reward for you." (Narrated by Muhammad).
There is no doubt that these compassionate virtues cultivate, the qualities of love and lead one to appreciate the value of universal brotherhood.
The Universal Humanity in Islamic Societies
History tells us that the Islamic society prospered with the implementation of these values in all the generations in which the message of Islam flourished, and where the believers practised it correctly. For instance, at the time of the Prophet, Salmaan the Persian was side by side with Suhaib the Roman next to Bilaal the Abbysinian and with them Abu Bakr the Quraishite, all bound together with the brotherhood of Islam:
‘And remember Allah’s favour on you, for you were enemies one to another, but he joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren.’
(Surat-aal-Imran (3), ayah 103)
They knew not any of this ethnic racism except on the day when they had no belief in true Islamic teachings and were surrounded with the evils of blind ignorance.
Following the Second World War, the leaders of the world promised universal brotherhood and called for a unified happy world. One which would be overwhelmed with peace, justice, freedom and prosperity. Have they achieved any of that, or even sincerely tried? And has the United Nations attempted to equate the sons of South Africa, or forced America to overcome discrimination on the basis of colour? Nothing of the sort has been done, and nothing will be done until all souls are cleansed with the pure water of divine revelation, and nourished from the bounties of faith, and become sincere to Islam - the religion of brotherhood, unity, humanity and peace:
‘In this, there is a message to a worshipping people. And we have not sent it except as a mercy to the words’
http://www.youngmuslims.ca/online_library/books/peace_in_islam/index.htm
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