A Beginner’s Definition of Islam
“Islam” is the name the religion that Muslims follow. The people who practice Islamic teachings and follow Islamic directives are Muslims, similar as those who practice Christianity are called Christians, those who practice Judaism are Jews, those who practice Buddhism are Buddhist and so on and so forth.
Literal meaning of Islam
The term or word “islam” comes from the root Arabic letters s-l-m, which are the same root letters for the word “peace” (salam). And although the term “islam” itself does not mean peace, still it implies peace due to the fact that one finds or achieves peace through submission (islam).
Three Essential Principles of Peace as Relates to Islam
The first – and cardinal – principle of a culture of peace is that the acceptance of faith is a free choice – an open option for the individual. According to all Islamic teachings, there is no compulsion in acceptance of any religious doctrine, and people are free to accept the religion of their choice. This is based upon the statement in the Quran: “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And God hears and knows all things.” (2: 256)
On this point, the Qur’an is unequivocal: “The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills- let him believe; and whoever wills – let him disbelieve” (18:29).
The message to non-Muslims is, “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” (109: 6). These passages counsel tolerance and patience toward other faiths. Therefore, religious faith is a voluntary matter that individuals must choose freely and consciously and not compulsively. The message of such verses of the Qur’an is to respect dissenting beliefs and to recognize the freedom of others. This principle can in many cases prevent cultural violence and contribute to the realization of a culture of peace.
The second principle in creating a culture of peace and a non-violent society is Islam’s emphasis on peace as the primary law and non-violence.
God invites people to peace: “Allah invites to the Home of Peace, and guides whomever He wills to a straight path”. (10: 25)The Qur’an invites people to peace and life, and regards war and violence as the evil way. (2: 208)
The Qur’an commands that if your enemies desire peace, welcome it.
That means: But if they incline towards peace, then incline towards it, and put your trust in Allah. He is the Hearer, the Knower. (8: 61).
Moreover, except in limited cases, it does not permit the use of force. Although the Qur’an recognizes the right to retribution its adherents, it is also a reward for forgiveness. So in ash-Shura it says: The retribution of a bad action is one equivalent to it. However, whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward lies with Allah. He does not love the unjust. (42: 40).
The teachings of Islam invite people to live a peaceful life based on theism, justice and purity. Therefore, peace in Islam is an eternal constitution. Even the nature of war in Islam is a defensive one, not an offensive one, because the principle of Islam is peace and coexistence, not conflict, violence and war. In many verses of the Qur’an, God has allowed Muslims to fight only for defense. Therefore, war in Islam is a secondary principle, not a primary one.
The third principle in creating a culture of peace and a non-violent society is to pay attention to the spiritual self-awareness inherent in our human nature that can move people away from violence. Human nature has a tendency for peace and friendship. Enjoying compassion, and love for others is part of our human nature. Violence is not our nature. Basically, non-violent relationships can bring us closer to our nature and help us connect and return to what is truly a pleasing way of life, one that con tributes to one another’s well-being and comfort. Human nature tends to peace, and not violence; violence comes from how we learn, not from our human nature.
The Islamic teachings attempt to invite people to global peace and a peaceful life on the basis of theism, justice and piety. So, in Islam peace is an immortal and primary law. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.” (2: 190). This interpretation of peace which is based on Qur’anic teachings can develop a widespread peace around the world and terminate conflicts in many places. “Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and who receives guidance.” (16: 125)
The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam. That’s not what Islam is all about. Islam is peace. These terrorists don’t represent peace. They represent evil and war.
If Islam Professes Peace - then Why is there Violence and non-Peace?
The point of Islam is to promote peace.
In spite of the above-outlined stages or principles of peace as taught and professed by Islam – still there s the concurrent existence of violence and general non-peaceful nature of many individuals, societies and cultures.
There is a long historical rendition of an answer to this – not justifying the non-peaceful nature, but defining it and why or how it exists.
The short answer can be wrapped up as saying that although Islam is designed to define and direct Muslims, still Muslims themselves do not define Islam.
That is to say that as Islam does indeed profess and teach peace – the Muslims themselves are often lacking in their knowledge or adherance to the implementation of that peace and Islamic teachings.
The word ‘Islam’ means ‘peace’. The word ‘Muslim’ means ‘one who surrenders to God’. But the press makes us seem like haters.
If Islam Professes Peace - then Why is there Violence and non-Peace?
Islam is a religion of peace in the fullest sense of the word. The Qur’an calls its way ‘the paths of peace’ (5:16). It states that God abhors any disturbance of peace (2:205).
In fact the root word of Islam is ‘silm’ which itself means peace. So the spirit of Islam is the spirit of peace. The first verse of the Qur’an breathes the spirit of peace. It reads: In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
This verse is repeated in the Qur’an no less than 113 times. It shows the great importance Islam attaches to such values as Mercy and Compassion. One of God’s names, according to the Qur’an, is As-Salam, which means peace. Moreover the Qur’an states that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH was sent to the world as a mercy to mankind. (21:107)
Most of the verses in the Qur’an (as well as the renditions of Hadith) are based on peace and kindness – whether directly or indirectly. Th ideal society, according to the Qur’an, is “Dar as-Salam” – that is, the house of peace (as seen in verse 10:25).
Islam attaches such a great importance to peace that Muslims and any Islamic community cannot afford to NOT be (or attempt at) a state of peace, because everything that Islam builds towards – spiritual progress, intellectual development, character building, social reform, educational activities – can only be achieved best in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
Peace is not only an absence of war. Peace opens doors to all types of opportunities that can manifest in any given situation. Only in a peaceful situation can planned activities take place and the goals accomplished. This is why the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) went to great extents to establish peace at all costs.
Peace is the rule, and war is the exception – only to be taken to as a last resort when all peaceful options have been exhausted and no longer possible or hoped for.
Islam is a religion of peace in every sense of the word. Every teaching of Islam is based upon principles of peace, and the avoidance of conflict and war. Any deviation from this aspect is in fact a deviation from Islam, and a sad result of misconceptions.
An essential aspect for implementation is that the Muslims themselves learn this important lesson and make every effort to implement it into their daily lives, communities and societies
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