My Peace Book ( part 1 )

by Yusuf Islam

In the name of God, the Giver of Peace

Belief, Love and Peace for All
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all live together on earth in Peace? Imagine, there'd be nobody stealing; nobody hurting or killing; no one shouting or swearing or calling names, people would love and look after each other. Wouldn't that be like heaven on earth?

Well. That's exactly what the Last Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was sent to teach us: how people, all over the earth, can learn to live in peace together, without fighting each other, and enjoy all the good things God has given us. How?

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "You will not enter heaven until you believe; and you will not believe until you love one another. Should I not guide you to a thing that if you do it will increase love amongst you? Spread "As salam' (peace be with you)" [1]

In this special saying of the Prophet, he mentions three important things: Belief, Love and Peace. Each one is important and they are all linked closely together. If we want to enjoy peace we should believe and want happiness not just for ourselves but for others as well. These three life-altering things could really change our world, if only people could practice them. Maybe it's because some, are just not looking for them in the right place, they look everywhere but sometimes forget to look at themselves, in their own hearts, where belief, love and peace begin.

Many Ways to Peace
A companion of the Prophet, peace be upon him, told us that he heard the Prophet say: "O people! Spread Salam (the greetings of peace), feed (the poor and needy), be kind to your relatives, offer prayer when others are asleep, and (you will) enter Paradise in peace."
Let's look now at some of the other things which the Prophet taught, to keep us out of trouble and make the world a better place:

Don't Be Angry
First, try not to get angry. Sometimes we're tested by being bullied or pushed, often there'll be someone who wants to show that they are better or stronger than you; they go out of their way to prove it and make you feel small. Well? What do we do?

The Prophet, peace be upon him, was once asked by a man to give him advice. The Prophet told him, "La taghdab!' Which means, "Don't be angry!' But the man didn't listen, and kept on repeating his request. The Prophet, peace be upon him, just kept on telling him the same answer, "Don't be angry! Don't be angry!'

Patience and Prayer
Patience and Prayer are the best ways to deal with any bad thing that happens. Being patient sometimes means to do nothing except wait for Allah to remove whatever is bothering us. Sometimes it means not to give up your belief and stand firm; not to be shaken. Whenever we need extra help, we should turn to God and pray. And if we are true believers, we won't only do this when we need something, but we will pray everyday. Then we will be closer God, and know that He will always be with us when we need Him.

Don't Bad-Mouth Anybody
Sometimes it's not others, but we who cause harm and disturb the peace. Think about it. Haven't you ever said something that might have hurt somebody's feelings or called them nasty names? Maybe we spoke badly behind their backs. That is called "Ghibah' or backbiting. When they hear about what you said it creates pain and hate in their hearts. So the Prophet, peace be upon him, taught us never to talk badly about others, and never to talk behind their backs.
However, if somebody does it to you, instead of getting upset, know that God is with you if you stay patient; try to learn to forgive them as you wish God to forgive you. Also, if you hear somebody talking badly about someone else, don't just listen; instead, stop them or try to say something good that would make the person they're talking about pleased. The Prophet, peace be upon him said, "Speak good or be silent.' This way, you create peace and harmony. Just listen to the silence of the Sunlight, which makes everybody warm and happy.

Source : http://www.mountainoflight.co.uk/talks_peace_notes.html