ISLAM IS PEACE There can be no greater argument supporting Islam as a religion of peace than the name of the religion itself. ‘Islam’ literally means peace, therefore, it seems quite unnatural that a religion that names itself peace can teach or preach something that is violent or full of aggression. Allah Almighty in Quran has encouraged establishment of peace and has told the followers of Islam to be moderate in their behavior and adopt the qualities of kindness, love and respect for others. The biggest allegation against Islam is that it resorts to aggression because it wants to spread itself. This notion is wrong as in Islam there is no such compulsion when it comes to religion. As Allah Almighty says in Quran: “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.” (2:256) From the ayah it is clear that there is no compulsion in Islam when it comes to matters of religion, therefore, considering Islam as a violent religion because it wants to force others towards Islam is wrong. All Islam wants is peace for its followers and all the other dwellers of the world. “ (O Prophet) ‘We have not sent you except to be a mercy to all mankind:” Declare, “Verily, what is revealed to me is this, your God is the only One God, so is it not up to you to bow down to Him? ‘But if they turn away then say, “I have delivered the Truth in a manner clear to one and all, and I know not whether the promised hour (of Judgment) is near or far.” (21:107-109) These ayahs clearly state that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as nothing but mercy to all the mankind and His instructions regarding preaching was just to tell people about the truth and not compel them. Therefore, if the bringer of a religion is nothing but mercy and in His brought Truth there is no compulsion then the notion that Islam promotes violence seems absurd. Thus, Islam in its true preaching is nothing but peace.
JUSTICE A society cannot survive without justice. It is the establishment of justice that enables harmony and peace in the society where all the members know their rights and keep care of the rights of others as well. If the element of justice is removed from a society the consequent result is anarchy and tyranny. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in one of His hadiths: “O My slaves, I have forbidden injustice for Myself and forbade it also for you. So avoid being unjust to one another.” (Muslim) From the hadith it is clear that injustice is forbidden in Islam and a Muslim cannot be unjust to the other, whether the other is a Muslim or non-Muslim. Islam encourages its followers to strictly observe justice in society and when it comes to standing for justice a Muslim is to stand strongly with justice and oppose any kind of injustice. In Quran, Allah Almighty says: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor….” (4:135) This hadith clearly resonates with the ideals of justice where justice is without any bias and nepotism. Therefore, if a religion promotes such kind of justice ideals, then the notion that Islam is a religion that does not care about justice is plainly wrong, the fact of the matter is quite contrary.
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