NOBLE PROPHET'S GLORIOUS MISSION:
"Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom They find mentioned In their own (scriptures),- In the Torah and the Gospel;- for He commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; He allows them As lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe In him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is They who will prosper." (The Holy Qur'an: 7: 157)
Showing posts with label The Prophet and World Peace. Show all posts
Prophet Muhammad's Message of Peace
Monday, March 15, 2010
By Saniyasnain Khan
A major part of the Prophet’s mission was to bring peace to the world. One of the ways in which he strove towards this end was to attempt to convince people that all men and women, albeit inhabiting very different regions of the world, and different from one another in color, culture and language, etc., were in fact blood brothers and sisters. His message was crucial, for a proper relationship of love and respect can be established only if that is how human beings regard one another. To inculcate such feelings, the Prophet would preach to his followers, "You are all Adam’s offspring and Adam was made of clay." And in his prayers to his Creator, he said, "O Lord, all Your servants are brothers."
The Prophet would exhort his followers to live in peace with their fellow men, saying, “A true believer is one with whom others feel secure,” one who returns love for hatred. He used to teach the believers that anyone who would return love only when love was given belonged on a lower ethical plane. The true believer never reasons that only if people treat him well that he will treat them well in return. He is accustomed rather to doing good to those who mistreat him, and to refrain from harming those who do him injury. The Prophet himself set the example. All his recorded words and actions reveal him as a man of great gentleness, kindness, humility, good humor and excellent common sense, with a great love for all people and even for animals.
Despite his position as leader, the Prophet never believed himself to be greater or better than other people. He never made others feel small, unwanted or embarrassed. He urged his followers to behave kindly and humbly, releasing slaves whenever possible, and giving in charity — especially to very poor people, orphans and prisoners — without any thought of reward.
He told the people that "every religion has some special characteristic, that of Islam being modesty." In the absence of such a virtue, no community can have lasting peace. The Prophet’s own modesty, coupled with great strength of character, is depicted in a well-known story of an old Makkan woman who hated the Prophet. Every morning when the Prophet passed by her house, she would empty a basket of rubbish on his head from the upper story of her house. He never once remonstrated with her about this. One day, when the Prophet passed through this area, no rubbish fell on his head. Thinking that the old woman must be ill, he went upstairs to inquire how she was, and found her ill in bed. When she discovered that the Prophet had come to see her, she began to weep, "I ill-treated you, and now you come to inquire after my health!" Ultimately, she became one of his followers. What strength of character, what patience and tolerance the Prophet evinced in refusing to be provoked, preferring rather to show kindness and magnanimity to one who had wished him ill.
His was a high moral character, so that even if badly treated by others, he went on returning good for evil. People harmed him, yet he would pray for them. He would remain patient in the face of oppression and, regardless of the provocation, he would refrain from becoming incensed. In setting this example, his aim was to fashion souls that were God-oriented, that found Allah so great that everything else paled into insignificance. He wanted everyone to have such boundless peace of mind that nothing could disturb him. Such balanced individuals would never then become prey to worldliness. Totally free from negative reaction, they would then be able to turn everything in this world, whether material or spiritual, into food for more profound thought, rather than into pretexts for rash and vengeful action.
The essence of this philosophy is expressed in one of the Prophet’s sayings: "Nine things the Lord has commanded me: Fear of Allah in private and in public; justness, whether in anger or in calmness; moderation in both poverty and affluence; that I should join hands with those who break away from me; and give to those who deprive me; and forgive those who wrong me; and that my silence should be meditation; and my words be remembrance of Allah; and my vision be keen observation."
Throughout the first thirteen years of his Mission, Prophet Muhammad preached in Makkah, but it was in the face of bitter opposition from the Makkans. When it became impossible for him to stay there, he left for Madinah. Wars were waged against him, but he showed his antagonists that the power of peace was far greater than that of war. The peace treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah is a clear example of this, when the Prophet agreed to every demand his antagonists made on the sole assurance that peace would subsequently prevail.
His life’s experience ranged from penury to prosperity, from defeat to success, yet whatever the degree of well-being or hardship, he steadfastly trod the path of moderation. At all times and right till the end, he remained a patient and grateful servant of the Almighty, bringing his message of peace and tolerance to mankind.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah/LSELayout&cid=1158658444360
A major part of the Prophet’s mission was to bring peace to the world. One of the ways in which he strove towards this end was to attempt to convince people that all men and women, albeit inhabiting very different regions of the world, and different from one another in color, culture and language, etc., were in fact blood brothers and sisters. His message was crucial, for a proper relationship of love and respect can be established only if that is how human beings regard one another. To inculcate such feelings, the Prophet would preach to his followers, "You are all Adam’s offspring and Adam was made of clay." And in his prayers to his Creator, he said, "O Lord, all Your servants are brothers."
The Prophet would exhort his followers to live in peace with their fellow men, saying, “A true believer is one with whom others feel secure,” one who returns love for hatred. He used to teach the believers that anyone who would return love only when love was given belonged on a lower ethical plane. The true believer never reasons that only if people treat him well that he will treat them well in return. He is accustomed rather to doing good to those who mistreat him, and to refrain from harming those who do him injury. The Prophet himself set the example. All his recorded words and actions reveal him as a man of great gentleness, kindness, humility, good humor and excellent common sense, with a great love for all people and even for animals.
Despite his position as leader, the Prophet never believed himself to be greater or better than other people. He never made others feel small, unwanted or embarrassed. He urged his followers to behave kindly and humbly, releasing slaves whenever possible, and giving in charity — especially to very poor people, orphans and prisoners — without any thought of reward.
He told the people that "every religion has some special characteristic, that of Islam being modesty." In the absence of such a virtue, no community can have lasting peace. The Prophet’s own modesty, coupled with great strength of character, is depicted in a well-known story of an old Makkan woman who hated the Prophet. Every morning when the Prophet passed by her house, she would empty a basket of rubbish on his head from the upper story of her house. He never once remonstrated with her about this. One day, when the Prophet passed through this area, no rubbish fell on his head. Thinking that the old woman must be ill, he went upstairs to inquire how she was, and found her ill in bed. When she discovered that the Prophet had come to see her, she began to weep, "I ill-treated you, and now you come to inquire after my health!" Ultimately, she became one of his followers. What strength of character, what patience and tolerance the Prophet evinced in refusing to be provoked, preferring rather to show kindness and magnanimity to one who had wished him ill.
His was a high moral character, so that even if badly treated by others, he went on returning good for evil. People harmed him, yet he would pray for them. He would remain patient in the face of oppression and, regardless of the provocation, he would refrain from becoming incensed. In setting this example, his aim was to fashion souls that were God-oriented, that found Allah so great that everything else paled into insignificance. He wanted everyone to have such boundless peace of mind that nothing could disturb him. Such balanced individuals would never then become prey to worldliness. Totally free from negative reaction, they would then be able to turn everything in this world, whether material or spiritual, into food for more profound thought, rather than into pretexts for rash and vengeful action.
The essence of this philosophy is expressed in one of the Prophet’s sayings: "Nine things the Lord has commanded me: Fear of Allah in private and in public; justness, whether in anger or in calmness; moderation in both poverty and affluence; that I should join hands with those who break away from me; and give to those who deprive me; and forgive those who wrong me; and that my silence should be meditation; and my words be remembrance of Allah; and my vision be keen observation."
Throughout the first thirteen years of his Mission, Prophet Muhammad preached in Makkah, but it was in the face of bitter opposition from the Makkans. When it became impossible for him to stay there, he left for Madinah. Wars were waged against him, but he showed his antagonists that the power of peace was far greater than that of war. The peace treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah is a clear example of this, when the Prophet agreed to every demand his antagonists made on the sole assurance that peace would subsequently prevail.
His life’s experience ranged from penury to prosperity, from defeat to success, yet whatever the degree of well-being or hardship, he steadfastly trod the path of moderation. At all times and right till the end, he remained a patient and grateful servant of the Almighty, bringing his message of peace and tolerance to mankind.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah/LSELayout&cid=1158658444360
The Prophet, the Peace-Maker
Monday, March 08, 2010"O Allah! You are the embodiment of peace; Peace flows back and forth through You. So grant us our Lord with the blessings of peace. You are the blessed owner of Majesty and Honor." (Allahumma Antas Salam, wa minkas Salam wa ilaika yarjeos Salam. Hayyena rabbana bis Salame, Ya zal jalale wal Ikram).
Daily around the world, you will find millions of Muslims who have completed their prayers whispering this supplication. It has been recited since the time of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, by billions and billions. That was the supplication taught to us by the Prophet. It is the first thing Muslims ask God as soon as they are through their daily worship.
For the Prophet, peace was not a strategy he employed, it was the goal of his peace movement. He preached peace and justice leading to the establishment of a peace sanctuary in the city of Madinah where even animals cannot be harmed, hunting unless for food was forbidden and trees cannot be cut.
When preaching, he would ask individuals and tribes for just two things: believe in One God and work with him to establish peace and prosperity in the land.
A commitment to peace was a way of life for our beloved Prophet. The Prophet was described by his wife Aisha as a walking Quran, a person who embodied the Message of God, the One Who brings peace to hearts and nations. He was known for reconciling people at war and individuals in conflict. Even when he established the peace sanctuary of Madinah he developed written documents which Muslims call the first surviving written constitution of the world. It gave full religious rights and internal autonomy to it's Jews and Christians. He declared in that written constitution that Muslims, Jews and other signatories of that document constitute one ummah (ummatun wahidatun), one nation in the modern sense of the word.
Even when people came attacking this peace sanctuary and Muslims, upon encouragement from God, defended it, they instituted laws that non-combatants cannot be hurt even if they are supporting the fighters. When a recently converted Muslim chief killed some non-combatants, the Prophet stood up facing the Kaba, saying Oh God! I have nothing to do with it. He repeated his cry three times and ordered that based on the laws of the deceased person's tribe's, they be compensated. He even compensated for the dogs that were killed. He hated war but he hated injustice more.
God's choicest peace and blessings be upon the Prophet. We love him and follow him in our daily lives. Sallallahu Alaihe wa sallam.
It is not just Prophet Muhammad. God actually tells us that He sent all the Prophets with the sole purpose of encouraging people to establish Qist on earth (Quran 57:25). Qist is a comprehensive Quranic term which encompasses, justice, fairness and respect for the rights of creation as well as the Creator.
Because of this continuity in the mission of the Prophethood, Muslim believe in all the Prophets and the books revealed to them and see Islam the original path revived by God through all the Prophets which he sent throughout the ages to all people.
Now it is our duty, as believers in God, to create a common agenda for the peace movement for our times so that the prophetic mission of encouraging people to establish justice continues in the future.
God bless the Prophets. God bless the peacemakers in our neighborhoods and in the global village.
Courtesy: http://soundvision.com/info/seerah/thepeacemaker.asp
Daily around the world, you will find millions of Muslims who have completed their prayers whispering this supplication. It has been recited since the time of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, by billions and billions. That was the supplication taught to us by the Prophet. It is the first thing Muslims ask God as soon as they are through their daily worship.
For the Prophet, peace was not a strategy he employed, it was the goal of his peace movement. He preached peace and justice leading to the establishment of a peace sanctuary in the city of Madinah where even animals cannot be harmed, hunting unless for food was forbidden and trees cannot be cut.
When preaching, he would ask individuals and tribes for just two things: believe in One God and work with him to establish peace and prosperity in the land.
A commitment to peace was a way of life for our beloved Prophet. The Prophet was described by his wife Aisha as a walking Quran, a person who embodied the Message of God, the One Who brings peace to hearts and nations. He was known for reconciling people at war and individuals in conflict. Even when he established the peace sanctuary of Madinah he developed written documents which Muslims call the first surviving written constitution of the world. It gave full religious rights and internal autonomy to it's Jews and Christians. He declared in that written constitution that Muslims, Jews and other signatories of that document constitute one ummah (ummatun wahidatun), one nation in the modern sense of the word.
Even when people came attacking this peace sanctuary and Muslims, upon encouragement from God, defended it, they instituted laws that non-combatants cannot be hurt even if they are supporting the fighters. When a recently converted Muslim chief killed some non-combatants, the Prophet stood up facing the Kaba, saying Oh God! I have nothing to do with it. He repeated his cry three times and ordered that based on the laws of the deceased person's tribe's, they be compensated. He even compensated for the dogs that were killed. He hated war but he hated injustice more.
God's choicest peace and blessings be upon the Prophet. We love him and follow him in our daily lives. Sallallahu Alaihe wa sallam.
It is not just Prophet Muhammad. God actually tells us that He sent all the Prophets with the sole purpose of encouraging people to establish Qist on earth (Quran 57:25). Qist is a comprehensive Quranic term which encompasses, justice, fairness and respect for the rights of creation as well as the Creator.
Because of this continuity in the mission of the Prophethood, Muslim believe in all the Prophets and the books revealed to them and see Islam the original path revived by God through all the Prophets which he sent throughout the ages to all people.
Now it is our duty, as believers in God, to create a common agenda for the peace movement for our times so that the prophetic mission of encouraging people to establish justice continues in the future.
God bless the Prophets. God bless the peacemakers in our neighborhoods and in the global village.
Courtesy: http://soundvision.com/info/seerah/thepeacemaker.asp
MUHAMMAD (Sal-lal-lahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) - The Best Product of the Creation
Friday, February 26, 2010By Dr. Javed Jamil
There is a popular principle of Physics known as Anthropic Principle. There was a time before Galilee when the scientists regarded the universe as earth-centric; for they considered earth as the central point of the universe. Then the scientists realised that the earth in fact revolves round the sun and started theorising that the earth and therefore man has no privileged position in the universe; the earth forms only a minute insignificant part of it. With the arrival of the 20th century the new realisation started gaining ground, which put mankind as the privileged creation in the universe.
Anthropic principle says that man was created because there would not have been anyone to admire the beauty of the universe if man was not there. Anthropic Principle has come closer to what has been the established position of Islam since the time of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him).
There is a significant difference though. As scientists have vowed to keep Allah out of the arena of sciences, they have given an atheistic definition of Anthropic Principles known as Trivial, Strong and Weak Anthropic principles. Islam’s version of Anthropic Principle (I have named it True Anthropic Principle) is that man was created to admire the beauty of the universe, to recognise its Creator and to submit to His System. The Qur’an says: “Not without purpose did We created heaven and earth and all between! that were the thought of Unbelievers!” (38: 27)
“I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me.” (51: 56)
Anthropic Principles regard man as the desired Product of the Creation; True Anthropic Principle would regard Prophet Muhammad the Final Product of the Creation and the Qur’an as the Final Document sent for the guidance of the product.
Let me explain it further. Allah created the universe, and first of all made Physical laws for its governance. Each and every particle and each and every corner of the space that formed the universe submitted to the Physical Laws of Allah. It was simply not in their power to act otherwise.
Having created the Physical universe, Allah intended to create a kind of existence that will not just submit to Allah because of the inability to act otherwise. This creation will have the capability if it chooses to even disregard the Laws of Allah. The submission as well as rejection by this new creation would of course carry more weight. Greater reward and punishment would await it, as it would willingly accept or reject the System of Allah rather than as part of its in-built nature. To bring this product, Allah first created biological laws and then spiritual ones. Once man was created and started multiplying, social laws were created and recreated in accordance with the demands of the developing world.
Mankind as a whole was the best product of the creation, as it was capable of admiring the beauty of the universe, analyzing its functioning and using its parts for its own benefit. But the Best of the best would be those who would recognize the biggest truth of the Universe – that it has been created and is governed by a Supreme Being – and would be His representatives in the world.
The messengers came with the books of Guidance in their areas of influence ultimately paving the way for the arrival of the Final Product of Creation who will start the process of unification of the whole mankind under the Final System of Allah. Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him) came and showed to the world the Way, confirming the truth that was revealed before him and inviting all to the Final version of the Truth.
The unity of Allah was aimed at the unity of mankind, and if mankind fails to unite in its submission to One System, the ultimate purpose of the unity will not be achieved. The duty to achieve this is man’s and if he fails he will be held responsible. Allah has however taken upon Him to help him fulfil this Duty by sending guidelines and models for mankind. If Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him) is the Final Product of the creation, he is truly the Rahmat-al-lil-aalameen, the Mercy for the universe, for the universe would not have come into existence if it was not destined to create its best product.
I feel sorry for those who discuss the relevance of Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him) in the current world. This in my view is a serious degradation of his status. When we speak of his relevance in the world, it means that we are taking the present world as the criterion to judge different personalities, and in the process we want to judge Muhammad too. The truth on the contrary is that Muhammad is the Final Criterion and the only Role Model for the world. The world has to be judged in accordance with the Final Criteria, Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him) and the Book he brought. Rather than studying the relevance of the Prophet in the current world, we must study the relevance of the current world in the light of Prophet’s Seerah. And when we analyse the modern world in the light of the Seerah, we find it to be totally irrelevant. Its aims are other than his aims, its dos and don’ts are in clear violation of the dos and don’ts of his mission and its institutions are nothing but a travesty of the system of justice, purity and equality he perfected. The current world is unfortunately not the paradise the Lord of the universe asked mankind to make but a Shangri-La of the Devil, which looks alluring to eyes from a distance but is nothing but a blazing inferno inside.
The agenda of Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him), as shown by the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Seerah, is to establish Natural Word Order. The agenda of the present world is to establish and sustain New World Order. The truth however is that New World Order is unstable by its very meaning; what is new now will become old tomorrow. The Order has only brought chaos at all levels. It has led to the development of a strange kind of world, which appears to be paradise from outside, but as one enters it, one finds nothing but hell. We are living in a world where, thanks to the designs of merchants, immorality reigns. Where it is easier to be bad than to be good. Where wearing a scarf is banned and baring the body is promoted. Where being a wife or husband is outdated and being a bed partner is smartness.
Where piety is ridiculed and impudence glorified. Where prosperity is considered to be the synonym of peace, education that of knowledge and entertainment that of happiness. We are living in a world where children are aborted in the name of women’s rights. Where murderers and rapists are protected in the name of ‘right to life’. Where criminals are given all amenities of life in the name of human rights. Where sexual perverts receive all kinds of sympathy and attention. Where those talking of righteousness in life are condemned as “bloody moralists”. Where the media do everything to change the choices of the people, but if some reformer tries to warn them against evils, he is dubbed as a retrogressive, who has no business to teach lessons of good behaviour to the people. Alcohol, smoking, gambling and unrestrained-sex are considered to be the biggest symbols of liberty; brothels, beaches, bars and casinos the citadels of “freedom”. One third of the total population of the world smokes, millions of people take drugs, millions drink and gamble and a sizeable percentage indulges in all forms of unhealthy sexual behaviour, including promiscuity, homosexuality, purchased sex, etc. In short, we are inhabitants of a world where the biggest virtue is to openly indulge in the biggest sin; and the biggest sin is to try to exhibit virtuousness.
The globe of New World Order is therefore rapidly developing into nothing but a fireball of chaos. It is hardly surprising then that
· More than 1 million people are murdered every year. (More than 240 million people lost lives in wars in the last century.)
· More than 2 million people commit suicides
· More than 5 million people die of sex related diseases (more than 20 million have died of AIDS in recent years); more than 100 million suffer from sex transmitted diseases (42 million from HIV/AIDS).
· More than 2.2 million die of alcohol related problems; more than a hundred million suffer from alcohol related illnesses.
· More than 5 million die of smoking related problems; more than 2000 millions smoke.
· More than 70 million children are not allowed to take birth and are aborted.
· Hundreds of millions indulge in gambling. 500 million are now using Internet alone for gambling. (In US alone, 20 millions show some signs of gambling addiction and 2 million divorces had gambling as a significant factor.)
· Tens of millions of women are in prostitution and other sex related businesses (more than one million Americans alone have served as prostitutes).
· More than 1.2 million of children are exploited annually in prostitution and other sex trades.
· More than 800 million watch pornography.
· Millions of homes are broken every year
· Millions of women are raped every year; in many western countries one tenth to half of all women have been raped (the total number of women who have been raped at least once is in hundreds of millions).
· Sexual abuse of children is on the rise all over the world; in many Western countries up to one third of all people have been sexually abused in their childhood.
· Drug addiction is also persistent; tens of millions of people are addicted of harmful drugs.
· Civil wars, wars and riots for various reasons are also not showing any remarkable decline, consuming thousands of lives every year.
· Economic disparity between different countries and people of the world and among the people of the same countries is continuously growing; poverty may be on the decline but relative poverty is showing steep rise.
It is in the backdrop of this universal disharmony that Islam, in its final form established by the Last Prophet, has to play its role. The whole social, legal, economic, administrative, scientific, health and educational set-up all over the world is founded on un-Islamic premises. Yet Muslims seem to be in a permanent somnolence. Everything that the Qur’an expressly prohibits is destroying the social fabric everywhere. All international organisations including the UN, WHO, WTO and Amnesty have been dancing to the melody of globalisation trampling, in the process, individual’s physical, mental and spiritual health, family peace and social order. We have to fight New World Order and establish Natural World Order, in accordance with the principles laid down by the Book of God and the life of the Prophet.
The uniqueness of the mission of Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him) was its totality, comprehensiveness and perfection; there is no way mankind can improve on it; if it tries to improve upon it, it would only distort and degrade it. What we can however do and must do is to study how best it can be applied to the modern world; and how best we can change the world in accordance with Islam and the Prophet’s mission. Muhammad’s revolution was no ordinary revolution; it was an ideological, intellectual, social, economic, political, moral and spiritual revolution moulded into One Single System based on the unification of mankind under the unified system of the Only Creator and Sustainer of the world. Seen from the worldly point of view, Muhammad was a genius unparalleled in the history of mankind. Viewed from the point of Divine view, he was no genius; for geniuses are only highly intelligent human beings capable of doing better than others. On the contrary, he was a chosen man, chosen not by the majority of the human beings but by the Creator of the universe, God; he was chosen because he was the final destination in the evolution of conscious beings. There are unfortunately some scholars who try to turn the “messenger” into a “postman”. There cannot be a worse commentary on his mission than this. He was not a postman who just brought God’s messages to mankind; he was the true
Ambassador and envoy of God who guided individuals, then moulded them into a community, then led them to develop a system and then gave Islam the true global colours it was meant for. The earlier the inhabitants of the globe recognise him as the sole Role Model, the better it will be for them individually as well as collectively.
Courtesy:http://www.radianceweekly.com/101/1845/Muhammad-PUBH-His-Relevence-Today/2008-03-31/Cover-Story/Story-Detail/MUHAMMADThe-Best-Product-of-the-Creation.html
What Prophet Muhammad Gave to Humanity
Sunday, February 14, 2010Some non-Muslim westerners have been wondering what it is that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) presented to humanity, particularly after the defamation of his honorable character by the western media. Here, we deem it our duty to answer the questions regarding what our Prophet gave to humanity and the world. It can be briefly summarized as follows: 1. Through revelation from God (Allah), Muhammad (peace be upon him) transferred humanity from obedience and submission to other men to the worship and submission to God alone, associating nothing with Him. Consequently, human kind became free from servitude to other than God, and this is the greatest honor for mankind. 2. Through revelation from God, Muhammad (peace be upon him) liberated the human mind from superstition, deception and submission to false objects of worship as well as those concepts contrary to reason, such as the claim that God had a human son whom He sacrificed to atone for the sins of humanity. 3. Muhammad (peace be upon him) lay the foundations for tolerance among people. In the Qur'an, God revealed to His Prophet that there is to be no compulsion in the acceptance of religion. Muhammad (peace be upon him) also clarified the rights of the non-Muslims who do not wage war against Muslims and guaranteed protection of their lives, children, property and honor. Even today in many Muslim countries there are Jewish and Christian citizens living in peace and security in contrast to the Spanish Inquisitions in which Muslims were exterminated in an ethnic cleansing that violated all humanitarian principles. 4. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a mercy sent by God to all peoples regardless of race or faith. In fact, his teachings include mercy even to birds and animals, and forbid harming them without right or reason. 5. Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed unparalleled respect for and appreciation of all the prophets who preceded him, among them Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all). God revealed to him words to the effect that one who denies or disrespects any of the prophets cannot be a Muslim. Islam regards all of the prophets as one brotherhood, inviting people to the belief that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, who is the one true God. 6. Muhammad (peace be upon him) defended human rights for both males and females, for young and old, regardless of social status. He established a set of sublime principles; one example being in the speech he gave during his farewell pilgrimage in which he declared strict prohibition of transgression against people's lives, property and honor. He laid down these principles long before the world knew of the Magna Charta in 1215, the Declaration of Rights in 1628, the Personal Freedoms Law in 1679, the American Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Human and Citizen Rights Charter in 1789, and the worldwide Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. 7. Muhammad (peace be upon him) elevated the importance of morality in human life. He called for good manners, honesty, loyalty and chastity and strengthened social bonds such as being dutiful to parents and relatives, always putting into practice what he preached. He prohibited and warned against such negative behavior as lying, envy, betrayal, fornication and disrespect of parents, and he treated the problems stemming from these diseases. 8. Through the revelation from God, Muhammad (peace be upon him) invited people to use their minds, to discover the universe around them and to acquire knowledge. He confirmed that God rewards such deeds at a time when scientists and intellectuals in other civilizations were suffering persecution and accusations of heresy and blasphemy, being terrorized in prisons, tortured and often killed. 9. Muhammad (peace be upon him) came with a revelation from God, presenting a religion compatible to human nature - one that satisfies the needs of the soul and those of the body and establishes a balance between worldly deeds and those done for the Hereafter. It is a religion that disciplines human instincts and desires without suppressing them completely as in some other cultures which were absorbed with ideals contrary to human nature, depriving religious men given to worship of such natural human rights as marriage and of such natural reactions as anger toward transgression, expecting them not to defend against aggressors. This led most members of these civilizations to reject religious teachings and become absorbed in the material world, which caters only to their bodies while leaving their souls in a miserable state. 10. Muhammad (peace be upon him) presented to the world a perfect model of brotherhood among human beings. He taught that no race is superior to another for all are equal in origin and equal in their responsibilities and rights. One's degree of faith and piety is the only criterion for preference. His companions were given equal opportunities to belong to and serve the religion. Among them were Suhayb, a Roman, Bilal, an Abyssinian, Salman, a Persian, and many other non-Arabs. In conclusion, each of these ten points requires further detail and explanation. What Muhammad (peace be upon him) offered humanity is much more than can be mentioned in this brief outline. There is also a great deal that has been said about him by objective researchers from the East and West after they studied the biography of this great Prophet. |
Love, Nay Social Justice, The Core of Muhammad's Message
Friday, February 05, 2010
By Yvonne Ridley
Some religions will say love is the core of their being and it is, undoubtedly, a highly commendable and endearing quality.
But the Islam brought to us by the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be with him) is based on a charter of social justice and fairness regardless of any individual's beliefs, skin colour or nationality.
And it is that social justice which brings many new converts into Islam …the fastest growing religion in the world today.
Anyone can love their neighbour, but how easy is it to show that same love, compassion and justice to your enemy?
By following the example of the Prophet converts from the West are embracing a faith with a social order, justice and way of life superior to anything in the world today.
Yes, our detractors will say Muslims follow a barbaric, primitive religion brought into the world over 1400 years ago by an illiterate Arab, but the enemies of Islam really need to look into the mirror and ask what their contribution to civilisation is.
It is worth remembering that another great man, Mahatma Ghandi, was once asked what he thought of Western Civilisation and he smiled wryly, before replying that he thought it would be a good idea.
But his own views about Muhammad were just as enlightened in a statement published in Young India in 1924, when he said: “I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the second volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of that great life.”
The Prophet brought us a code for living which, I would argue, is quite superior to anything available today. Ghandi, it seems, is still right about the West!
In this uncertain world the US Bush Administration has brought us a harsh new language which includes phrases and words like rendition flights, kidnap, torture, and detention without trial.
Human rights have gone down the pan. It has become increasingly obvious that the concept of fundamental justice is not common to all people in the so-called Christian world of the Bush fundamentalists.
And the Bush gang's attitude towards women is even more deeply alarming when you consider the President of the United States insisted the war in Afghanistan would liberate the women there.
I have walked through the killing fields of Afghanistan and, as in Iraq, the lot of the women has worsened.
In fact the last time I visited the prison where I was once held by the Taliban in Kabul, it was jammed full of young girls aged between 12 and 16 whose only crime was to run away from home because they did not want to be sold off as child brides, forced into marriage with men three times their age.
One of the first things the Prophet Muhammad did as a Muslim was to stamp out the practice of infanticide of baby girls, and then he went on to introduce rules which outlawed forced marriages.
He made it perfectly clear that all women are equal in spirituality, worth and education by endorsing God's Word through the pages of the Holy Qur'an.
It was pretty radical and shocking then, but sadly the thought of empowered women sharing an equal platform with men is still regarded as equally daunting in some parts of the world.
But perhaps the wisest words uttered by the Prophet came on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H. (632 CE) in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat in Makkah.
The occasion became known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. One of the gifts that I treasure is a copy of that speech which hangs on the wall of my family home, and for those of you who may not have encountered it, let me share a section of it.
“O People! Just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.
“Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity...
“O People! it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
“O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat (obligatory charity). Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.
“Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”
As part of this sermon, the Prophet (peace be to him) recited them a Revelation from Allah which he had just received and which completed the Holy Qur'an, for it was the last passage to be revealed.
To thunderous acclaim, the Prophet concluded with the Word of God, revealing: “This day the disbelievers despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me (Allah)! This day have I perfected for you your religion and fulfilled My favour unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion (Surah 5, Ayah 3)”.
Of course not only Muslims admired the Prophet as we can see from the words of the Reverend Bosworth Smith who in 1874 summed up perfectly his life and times by writing: “Head of the State as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a police force, without a fixed revenue. If ever a man ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life.”
I am often asked why there is so much hate towards Islam and our beloved Prophet and the reply is always the same: “Fear”.
It is very hard for the greatest super powers in the world to comprehend and accept the power wielded by a man without an army, a man who had no desire for political greatness or pretensions about himself. And if the likes of George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair cannot understand what moved and inspired such a great man then they have no chance of understanding his great faith which continues to inspire millions more.
In many ways, it is Muhammad's legacy which is even more feared and this was recognised by Sir George Bernard Shaw who sent tremors through Europe's Establishment when he wrote in 1936: “If any religion had the chance of ruling over England, nay Europe within the next hundred years, it could be Islam.
“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him – the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Saviour of Humanity.
“I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness.”
So who am I to disagree with one of Ireland's greatest literary critics, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925, and one of the greatest ever essayists on matters of social justice?
If he were alive today, the Prophet would probably shrug his shoulders at such praise and remind us all he is but a human being and that we should all remember to submit to Allah.
Some religions will say love is the core of their being and it is, undoubtedly, a highly commendable and endearing quality.
But the Islam brought to us by the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be with him) is based on a charter of social justice and fairness regardless of any individual's beliefs, skin colour or nationality.
And it is that social justice which brings many new converts into Islam …the fastest growing religion in the world today.
Anyone can love their neighbour, but how easy is it to show that same love, compassion and justice to your enemy?
By following the example of the Prophet converts from the West are embracing a faith with a social order, justice and way of life superior to anything in the world today.
Yes, our detractors will say Muslims follow a barbaric, primitive religion brought into the world over 1400 years ago by an illiterate Arab, but the enemies of Islam really need to look into the mirror and ask what their contribution to civilisation is.
It is worth remembering that another great man, Mahatma Ghandi, was once asked what he thought of Western Civilisation and he smiled wryly, before replying that he thought it would be a good idea.
But his own views about Muhammad were just as enlightened in a statement published in Young India in 1924, when he said: “I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the second volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of that great life.”
The Prophet brought us a code for living which, I would argue, is quite superior to anything available today. Ghandi, it seems, is still right about the West!
In this uncertain world the US Bush Administration has brought us a harsh new language which includes phrases and words like rendition flights, kidnap, torture, and detention without trial.
Human rights have gone down the pan. It has become increasingly obvious that the concept of fundamental justice is not common to all people in the so-called Christian world of the Bush fundamentalists.
And the Bush gang's attitude towards women is even more deeply alarming when you consider the President of the United States insisted the war in Afghanistan would liberate the women there.
I have walked through the killing fields of Afghanistan and, as in Iraq, the lot of the women has worsened.
In fact the last time I visited the prison where I was once held by the Taliban in Kabul, it was jammed full of young girls aged between 12 and 16 whose only crime was to run away from home because they did not want to be sold off as child brides, forced into marriage with men three times their age.
One of the first things the Prophet Muhammad did as a Muslim was to stamp out the practice of infanticide of baby girls, and then he went on to introduce rules which outlawed forced marriages.
He made it perfectly clear that all women are equal in spirituality, worth and education by endorsing God's Word through the pages of the Holy Qur'an.
It was pretty radical and shocking then, but sadly the thought of empowered women sharing an equal platform with men is still regarded as equally daunting in some parts of the world.
But perhaps the wisest words uttered by the Prophet came on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H. (632 CE) in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat in Makkah.
The occasion became known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. One of the gifts that I treasure is a copy of that speech which hangs on the wall of my family home, and for those of you who may not have encountered it, let me share a section of it.
“O People! Just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.
“Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity...
“O People! it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
“O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat (obligatory charity). Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.
“Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”
As part of this sermon, the Prophet (peace be to him) recited them a Revelation from Allah which he had just received and which completed the Holy Qur'an, for it was the last passage to be revealed.
To thunderous acclaim, the Prophet concluded with the Word of God, revealing: “This day the disbelievers despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me (Allah)! This day have I perfected for you your religion and fulfilled My favour unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion (Surah 5, Ayah 3)”.
Of course not only Muslims admired the Prophet as we can see from the words of the Reverend Bosworth Smith who in 1874 summed up perfectly his life and times by writing: “Head of the State as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a police force, without a fixed revenue. If ever a man ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life.”
I am often asked why there is so much hate towards Islam and our beloved Prophet and the reply is always the same: “Fear”.
It is very hard for the greatest super powers in the world to comprehend and accept the power wielded by a man without an army, a man who had no desire for political greatness or pretensions about himself. And if the likes of George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair cannot understand what moved and inspired such a great man then they have no chance of understanding his great faith which continues to inspire millions more.
In many ways, it is Muhammad's legacy which is even more feared and this was recognised by Sir George Bernard Shaw who sent tremors through Europe's Establishment when he wrote in 1936: “If any religion had the chance of ruling over England, nay Europe within the next hundred years, it could be Islam.
“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him – the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Saviour of Humanity.
“I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness.”
So who am I to disagree with one of Ireland's greatest literary critics, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925, and one of the greatest ever essayists on matters of social justice?
If he were alive today, the Prophet would probably shrug his shoulders at such praise and remind us all he is but a human being and that we should all remember to submit to Allah.
Prophet Muhammad's Recipe for World Peace
Friday, February 05, 2010
By Prof. U Muhammad Iqbal
Islam is the name God selected for the message He delivered to mankind through His handpicked messenger, Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib of Makkah (blessings of Allah and peace be with him). God describes this message (5:3) both as ‘deen’ for mankind and as His personal favour and grace. Moreover, this grace carries the stamp of completeness. Al-Islam connotes peace obtained through total and willing submission to God’s will. Thus it is clear that the very nomenclature of this religion proclaims its obsession with peace – inner peace, and world peace, and peace in the eternal abode of peace. “Allah does call to the Home of Peace.”(10:25) “Allah beckons by His grace to the Garden (of Bliss) and forgiveness.” (2:221) This obsession is significant particularly because of man’s proclivity towards the spoliation of bio-resources, the vitiation of eco-balance, and the insatiable proneness for bloodshed. (2:30)
This obsession with peace can be seen in every prophet of Islam. For example, Jesus tells his apostles, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.” (St. John, 14:27) Significantly, he makes this statement while predicting the coming of the Counsellor/Comforter/Helper. According to the Biblical text, that noble personage is the Holy Ghost, who is mentioned in parenthesis. It is not clear why a more well-known name like the Holy Ghost is relegated to the parenthetical position and the less familiar name like the Paraclete or the Comforter is mentioned as the main noun. It would have been sufficient to use the name ‘the Holy Ghost’ as the main name without any parenthesis. Terms in parenthesis may be an editor’s attempt at annotation. If Jesus means Prophet Muhammad (peace to him) by the term ‘Comforter’ – as Muslim scholars think – (God knows what the truth is), then it follows that his teachings will carry the stamp of completeness (“he will teach you all things”) and the scripture he brings will be known as Thikr or the Reminder (“ he will remind you of everything I have said to you” St. John,14:26)
Then Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives.” (St. John, 14:27) The prophecy about the Comforter/ Helper brings peace and as the prophecy is from Jesus, it is his way of giving peace to his flock – “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” When Jesus says, “I do not give to you as the world gives,” he may mean that the world gives peace ‘in stinted measure or perishable quality’ (in the words of Zion’s Watch Tower). Moreover, Jesus gives peace through a genuine and reliable prophecy whereas the world does not have the gift of prophecy. Peace is freedom from trouble and fear. The apostles of Jesus bore all hardships with an amazing sense of peace.
The relationship between the Comforter and the imperishable peace – inner peace, world peace and experience of peace in heaven – came to the fore when Muhammad (peace to him) was appointed Prophet and the Qur’an was revealed. The religion they enunciate is dedicated to all-encompassing peace.
ISLAM AND INNER PEACE
The Qur’an says, “Allah guides to Himself those who turn to Him in penitence – those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (13:27, 28) Reading of the Qur’an is one way of remembering God, (15:9) because it strengthens faith and dispels doubts. Power, possessions, and status do not bring genuine peace of mind. An appreciation of His awe-inspiring omnipotence brings in its wake a rare and reinvigorating sense of security. Salat (Prayer) is established to remember God (20:14) and it enables the worshipper to realise transcendental peace as it symbolises a rapport with the Lord of heaven and earth. A Muslim is aware that Allah is more than adequate for him and that there is no other Deity beside Him and so he lays his trust in Him, the Lord of the Throne of Supreme Glory. (9:129) This awareness holds the key to his serenity against all odds, against all buffets and bludgeons, and against all terrors and tribulations.
The Prophet (peace to him) made a moving prayer to Allah when his visit to Taif was marred by caustic aspersions and remarks, taunts and ridicules, boos and catcalls, scorn and stone-throwing. He sought refuge and consolation in the remembrance of God. Jacob in his time sought shelter too in the same way. He said, “I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allah.” (12:86)
ISLAM AND WORLD PEACE
The global dimension of Islam was much in evidence at the very outset. Among the early converts, an Abyssinian, a Persian, and a Byzantine could be counted. The Prophet (peace to him) is commanded to say, “O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth.” (7:158) So, the assertion that Islam, the religion of peace, has a role to play in ushering in world peace, is neither far-fetched nor untenable. In fact, Islam has addressed all the intermediary stages which constitute a run-up to the establishment of world peace.
To begin with, interpersonal relationship is set right through the subordination of ego and respect for another human being. The Prophet (peace to him) urges his followers to take the initiative in greeting another Muslim, known or unknown, and to spread the message of peace as frequently as possible. The words of greeting are “Assalamu alaikum!” Translated, they mean, “Peace be with you”. These words are reminiscent of the words Jesus used while greeting his disciples. (St. Luke, 24:36) At the interpersonal level, the value of mutual peace and goodwill is thus emphasised.
Through the institution of marriage, families are brought together. “He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts).”(30:21) The Islamic family system seeks peace and tranquillity as the goal of relationship between man and wife.
The same ideal is sought in the inter-communal relationship too. Prophet Muhammad (peace to him) was much interested in the noble task of peace-making even in his pre-prophetic days. An association, by name Hilful Fudul, championed the cause of the poor and opposed oppression and its members took an oath to abide by its ideals. The Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be with him) was one of them.
Jesus Christ says, “Blessed are the peace-makers for they will be called sons of God.”(St. Matt., 5:9) Not much is known about his peace-making efforts but the Prophet (peace to him) did bring about a rapprochement between Aus and Khazraj, the two main tribes of Madinah, who had been at loggerheads for generations. Even when their respective Jewish allies had a stake in fanning the flames of their mutual rivalry and hostility, the Prophet (peace to him) successfully enabled the two tribes to bury the hatchet. He brought the immigrants and the natives together on the one hand and the Arabs and the Jews on the other and framed a constitution which brought about the national and emotional integration of the heterogeneous groups of Madinah. What the Prophet (peace to him) achieved at the city state level could be achieved at the international level if his precepts and methodology are allowed to prevail.
The Prophet (peace to him) addressed the inter-racial problems with amazing success. He presented God as the Cherisher and Guardian-Lord of the entire universe. Allah is not merely God of Israel or of Muslims alone. The Prophet (peace to him) informed the world that God’s guidance was made available to all nations. “To every people was sent a messenger.”(10:47) “To every people a guide.” (13:7) “There never was a people, without a warner having lived among them.”(35:24) Racial superiority, espoused by Hitler’s followers, certain Jewish groups, the Ku Klux Klan, the Skinheads, etc., is rejected in Islam. Morally superior individuals are recognised. “The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (49:13) A parallel passage in the Roman Catholic Bible is of interest. “There is none greater than he that feareth God.” (Ecclesiasticus, 10:27)
The Prophet’s last pilgrimage is famous for his eloquent sermon on human rights. The sermon deserves to be written in letters of gold. In the course of the sermon, he made this profound observation. “O People! Verily Your Lord is one; verily, your progenitor is one. So there is no basis for the superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, of a non-Arab over an Arab, of any white man over a non-white, and of any non-white over a white man other than the basis of one’s feeling of awe towards God.” (Musnad-e-Ahmed) These words of wisdom have been collectively internalised by the community as a whole and the institution of Muslim Prayer has abolished racial discrimination lock, stock and barrel. Genocide and Islam are poles apart.
Even after putting the interpersonal, inter-communal, and inter-racial relationships on the right track, there remains a big stumbling block in the pursuit of the ideal of world peace. Any indiscretion, inadvertent or otherwise, pertaining to religious beliefs, books, or personalities, touches religious groups on the raw and a fury which borders on the dance of death and destruction is unleashed. Islam, therefore, deals with the issue of inter-religious relationship with a charming sensitivity, a breadth of vision, and a catholicity of outlook which may enable it after all to achieve the goal of world peace.
The second book of Chronicles, or Paralipomenon2, 20:20 gives importance to belief in one God and His prophets as the basis for salvation. Islam accepts this belief and promises a Garden prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers, (57:21) and insists on belief in Virgin Mary and in Jesus Christ as the Promised Messiah. The Bible says that God created the world in Six Days; the Qur’an confirms it. (7:54) Islam extols the greatness of the prophets in whom the Jews believe and asks its followers to believe in them too. The genuine attitude of Islam towards Jesus and his followers is reflected in this verse: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy. (57:27)
No religious community is considered monolithic or is stereotyped. The Qur’an does not describe other communities in a negative way only. It highlights their positive aspects too. For example, it acknowledges that there are virtuous women among the Jews and the Christians and Muslims are allowed to select them for marriage. Inter-dining with other communities is allowed too. (5:5)
About freedom of worship in general, these verses are of interest. “There can be no compulsion in religion.” (2:256) “If it had been the Lord’s will, they would all have believed – all who are on earth.” (10:99) “To you, your religion; to me, mine.” (109:6) “If Allah had not checked one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure.” (22:40) The last excerpt is decisive on the question of the protection of the places of worship. Any violation of the spirit of this verse by Muslims would be more an exception than a rule.
ROLE OF THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY
After the Crusades, no serious effort was made on the global level to build bridges of understanding between Muslims and Christians. However, after the First World War, the Colonisers established the League of Nations to promote the cause of world peace. The League of Nations failed to deliver the goods because it was just a conglomerate of nation states, and so is the UNO. Much cannot be expected from it either. There will be more of politics than of justice. The right of veto exercised by the permanent members of the Security Council has, more often than not, harmed the cause of peace and justice. As long as might is right, and the national interests of the Big Powers rule the roost, the UNO cannot rise up to the high expectations of the weak and poverty- stricken nations.
The Prophet (peace to him) bequeathed to the world an ideological community of his followers having a fair mix of races, regions, cultures, languages It is a truly international community uncompromisingly committed to justice.(5:8) The spiritual ideals espoused by the Prophet (peace to him) and his truly guided Caliphs are extended to the realm of political governance. The Qur’an describes this community in these inspiring words, “You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only people of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith but most of them are transgressors.” (3:110) The role this verse assigns to the world Muslim community is similar to that of the UNO but with a difference and it is this difference which holds the key to success in its efforts. The Qur’an invites the Jews and the Christians. “Say, O People of the Book! Come to common terms between us and you …” (3:64) “Say, O Ye People of the Book! Believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was (already) with you.” (4:47) If the Jews and the Christians had chosen to respond positively and join hands with the Muslims, the world would have ushered in an era of perennial peace. Voices advocating a clash of civilizations are emerging from the West and it is a quite disconcerting scenario. Shall we have to wait for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
ISLAM AND PEACE IN HEAVEN
Islam is a gateway to peace in Heaven, because Islam is Allah’s guidance and whoever follows it will be kept away from grief and sorrow. (2:38). The Prophet (peace to him) taught us to seek the best of both the worlds. We seek peace here by remembering God. Allah’s Thikr brings Itmenan-e-qalb and Thakir ultimately becomes a Nafs-e-mutmainna and it is this Nafs that becomes eligible to be welcomed into Heaven. (82:27-30) The greeting of welcome will be, “Enter ye here in peace and security.”(15:46) People will say in Heaven, “Praise be to Allah, who has removed from us (all) sorrow.”(35:34)
BOTTOMLINE
It may appear strange to many that a religion which gives a pride of place to Jihad in its scheme of duties asserts that it stands for world peace. The concept of Jihad has been subjected to misconception, misinformation, and prejudice. It really stands for the guarantee of freedom of worship, for the establishment of dharma, for the protection of the innocent victims, for the softening of the wrong-doers. At times these duties require armed confrontation. The U.N. peace-keepers are drawn from the armed forces of the member-states. The NATO had to use force to put an end to the genocide being perpetrated in Bosnia-Herzegovina. A realistic and practical religion cannot but know the value and relevance of Jihad for a sovereign government.
About our beloved Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be with him ), George Bernard Shaw had this to say: “I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving the problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness.”
This observation shows the incisive intellect of the great dramatist who picked the Prophet (peace to him) from the galaxy of the great as the most competent and prospective achiever of world peace. However, it has to be conceded that there cannot be another man like Prophet Muhammad (peace to him) who was able to integrate Arabia and transform it into a world power of reform and liberation without assuming the reins of a dictator. His way of governance was based upon consultation. He secured loyalty and obedience through his personal charm and charisma. His power did not proceed from the gun. What is achieved through dictatorship is neither preferable nor worthwhile. If the Prophet’s teachings are implemented in right earnest, world peace will cease to be a chimerical idea.
Islam is the name God selected for the message He delivered to mankind through His handpicked messenger, Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib of Makkah (blessings of Allah and peace be with him). God describes this message (5:3) both as ‘deen’ for mankind and as His personal favour and grace. Moreover, this grace carries the stamp of completeness. Al-Islam connotes peace obtained through total and willing submission to God’s will. Thus it is clear that the very nomenclature of this religion proclaims its obsession with peace – inner peace, and world peace, and peace in the eternal abode of peace. “Allah does call to the Home of Peace.”(10:25) “Allah beckons by His grace to the Garden (of Bliss) and forgiveness.” (2:221) This obsession is significant particularly because of man’s proclivity towards the spoliation of bio-resources, the vitiation of eco-balance, and the insatiable proneness for bloodshed. (2:30)
This obsession with peace can be seen in every prophet of Islam. For example, Jesus tells his apostles, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.” (St. John, 14:27) Significantly, he makes this statement while predicting the coming of the Counsellor/Comforter/Helper. According to the Biblical text, that noble personage is the Holy Ghost, who is mentioned in parenthesis. It is not clear why a more well-known name like the Holy Ghost is relegated to the parenthetical position and the less familiar name like the Paraclete or the Comforter is mentioned as the main noun. It would have been sufficient to use the name ‘the Holy Ghost’ as the main name without any parenthesis. Terms in parenthesis may be an editor’s attempt at annotation. If Jesus means Prophet Muhammad (peace to him) by the term ‘Comforter’ – as Muslim scholars think – (God knows what the truth is), then it follows that his teachings will carry the stamp of completeness (“he will teach you all things”) and the scripture he brings will be known as Thikr or the Reminder (“ he will remind you of everything I have said to you” St. John,14:26)
Then Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives.” (St. John, 14:27) The prophecy about the Comforter/ Helper brings peace and as the prophecy is from Jesus, it is his way of giving peace to his flock – “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” When Jesus says, “I do not give to you as the world gives,” he may mean that the world gives peace ‘in stinted measure or perishable quality’ (in the words of Zion’s Watch Tower). Moreover, Jesus gives peace through a genuine and reliable prophecy whereas the world does not have the gift of prophecy. Peace is freedom from trouble and fear. The apostles of Jesus bore all hardships with an amazing sense of peace.
The relationship between the Comforter and the imperishable peace – inner peace, world peace and experience of peace in heaven – came to the fore when Muhammad (peace to him) was appointed Prophet and the Qur’an was revealed. The religion they enunciate is dedicated to all-encompassing peace.
ISLAM AND INNER PEACE
The Qur’an says, “Allah guides to Himself those who turn to Him in penitence – those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (13:27, 28) Reading of the Qur’an is one way of remembering God, (15:9) because it strengthens faith and dispels doubts. Power, possessions, and status do not bring genuine peace of mind. An appreciation of His awe-inspiring omnipotence brings in its wake a rare and reinvigorating sense of security. Salat (Prayer) is established to remember God (20:14) and it enables the worshipper to realise transcendental peace as it symbolises a rapport with the Lord of heaven and earth. A Muslim is aware that Allah is more than adequate for him and that there is no other Deity beside Him and so he lays his trust in Him, the Lord of the Throne of Supreme Glory. (9:129) This awareness holds the key to his serenity against all odds, against all buffets and bludgeons, and against all terrors and tribulations.
The Prophet (peace to him) made a moving prayer to Allah when his visit to Taif was marred by caustic aspersions and remarks, taunts and ridicules, boos and catcalls, scorn and stone-throwing. He sought refuge and consolation in the remembrance of God. Jacob in his time sought shelter too in the same way. He said, “I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allah.” (12:86)
ISLAM AND WORLD PEACE
The global dimension of Islam was much in evidence at the very outset. Among the early converts, an Abyssinian, a Persian, and a Byzantine could be counted. The Prophet (peace to him) is commanded to say, “O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth.” (7:158) So, the assertion that Islam, the religion of peace, has a role to play in ushering in world peace, is neither far-fetched nor untenable. In fact, Islam has addressed all the intermediary stages which constitute a run-up to the establishment of world peace.
To begin with, interpersonal relationship is set right through the subordination of ego and respect for another human being. The Prophet (peace to him) urges his followers to take the initiative in greeting another Muslim, known or unknown, and to spread the message of peace as frequently as possible. The words of greeting are “Assalamu alaikum!” Translated, they mean, “Peace be with you”. These words are reminiscent of the words Jesus used while greeting his disciples. (St. Luke, 24:36) At the interpersonal level, the value of mutual peace and goodwill is thus emphasised.
Through the institution of marriage, families are brought together. “He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts).”(30:21) The Islamic family system seeks peace and tranquillity as the goal of relationship between man and wife.
The same ideal is sought in the inter-communal relationship too. Prophet Muhammad (peace to him) was much interested in the noble task of peace-making even in his pre-prophetic days. An association, by name Hilful Fudul, championed the cause of the poor and opposed oppression and its members took an oath to abide by its ideals. The Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be with him) was one of them.
Jesus Christ says, “Blessed are the peace-makers for they will be called sons of God.”(St. Matt., 5:9) Not much is known about his peace-making efforts but the Prophet (peace to him) did bring about a rapprochement between Aus and Khazraj, the two main tribes of Madinah, who had been at loggerheads for generations. Even when their respective Jewish allies had a stake in fanning the flames of their mutual rivalry and hostility, the Prophet (peace to him) successfully enabled the two tribes to bury the hatchet. He brought the immigrants and the natives together on the one hand and the Arabs and the Jews on the other and framed a constitution which brought about the national and emotional integration of the heterogeneous groups of Madinah. What the Prophet (peace to him) achieved at the city state level could be achieved at the international level if his precepts and methodology are allowed to prevail.
The Prophet (peace to him) addressed the inter-racial problems with amazing success. He presented God as the Cherisher and Guardian-Lord of the entire universe. Allah is not merely God of Israel or of Muslims alone. The Prophet (peace to him) informed the world that God’s guidance was made available to all nations. “To every people was sent a messenger.”(10:47) “To every people a guide.” (13:7) “There never was a people, without a warner having lived among them.”(35:24) Racial superiority, espoused by Hitler’s followers, certain Jewish groups, the Ku Klux Klan, the Skinheads, etc., is rejected in Islam. Morally superior individuals are recognised. “The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (49:13) A parallel passage in the Roman Catholic Bible is of interest. “There is none greater than he that feareth God.” (Ecclesiasticus, 10:27)
The Prophet’s last pilgrimage is famous for his eloquent sermon on human rights. The sermon deserves to be written in letters of gold. In the course of the sermon, he made this profound observation. “O People! Verily Your Lord is one; verily, your progenitor is one. So there is no basis for the superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, of a non-Arab over an Arab, of any white man over a non-white, and of any non-white over a white man other than the basis of one’s feeling of awe towards God.” (Musnad-e-Ahmed) These words of wisdom have been collectively internalised by the community as a whole and the institution of Muslim Prayer has abolished racial discrimination lock, stock and barrel. Genocide and Islam are poles apart.
Even after putting the interpersonal, inter-communal, and inter-racial relationships on the right track, there remains a big stumbling block in the pursuit of the ideal of world peace. Any indiscretion, inadvertent or otherwise, pertaining to religious beliefs, books, or personalities, touches religious groups on the raw and a fury which borders on the dance of death and destruction is unleashed. Islam, therefore, deals with the issue of inter-religious relationship with a charming sensitivity, a breadth of vision, and a catholicity of outlook which may enable it after all to achieve the goal of world peace.
The second book of Chronicles, or Paralipomenon2, 20:20 gives importance to belief in one God and His prophets as the basis for salvation. Islam accepts this belief and promises a Garden prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers, (57:21) and insists on belief in Virgin Mary and in Jesus Christ as the Promised Messiah. The Bible says that God created the world in Six Days; the Qur’an confirms it. (7:54) Islam extols the greatness of the prophets in whom the Jews believe and asks its followers to believe in them too. The genuine attitude of Islam towards Jesus and his followers is reflected in this verse: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy. (57:27)
No religious community is considered monolithic or is stereotyped. The Qur’an does not describe other communities in a negative way only. It highlights their positive aspects too. For example, it acknowledges that there are virtuous women among the Jews and the Christians and Muslims are allowed to select them for marriage. Inter-dining with other communities is allowed too. (5:5)
About freedom of worship in general, these verses are of interest. “There can be no compulsion in religion.” (2:256) “If it had been the Lord’s will, they would all have believed – all who are on earth.” (10:99) “To you, your religion; to me, mine.” (109:6) “If Allah had not checked one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure.” (22:40) The last excerpt is decisive on the question of the protection of the places of worship. Any violation of the spirit of this verse by Muslims would be more an exception than a rule.
ROLE OF THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY
After the Crusades, no serious effort was made on the global level to build bridges of understanding between Muslims and Christians. However, after the First World War, the Colonisers established the League of Nations to promote the cause of world peace. The League of Nations failed to deliver the goods because it was just a conglomerate of nation states, and so is the UNO. Much cannot be expected from it either. There will be more of politics than of justice. The right of veto exercised by the permanent members of the Security Council has, more often than not, harmed the cause of peace and justice. As long as might is right, and the national interests of the Big Powers rule the roost, the UNO cannot rise up to the high expectations of the weak and poverty- stricken nations.
The Prophet (peace to him) bequeathed to the world an ideological community of his followers having a fair mix of races, regions, cultures, languages It is a truly international community uncompromisingly committed to justice.(5:8) The spiritual ideals espoused by the Prophet (peace to him) and his truly guided Caliphs are extended to the realm of political governance. The Qur’an describes this community in these inspiring words, “You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only people of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith but most of them are transgressors.” (3:110) The role this verse assigns to the world Muslim community is similar to that of the UNO but with a difference and it is this difference which holds the key to success in its efforts. The Qur’an invites the Jews and the Christians. “Say, O People of the Book! Come to common terms between us and you …” (3:64) “Say, O Ye People of the Book! Believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was (already) with you.” (4:47) If the Jews and the Christians had chosen to respond positively and join hands with the Muslims, the world would have ushered in an era of perennial peace. Voices advocating a clash of civilizations are emerging from the West and it is a quite disconcerting scenario. Shall we have to wait for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
ISLAM AND PEACE IN HEAVEN
Islam is a gateway to peace in Heaven, because Islam is Allah’s guidance and whoever follows it will be kept away from grief and sorrow. (2:38). The Prophet (peace to him) taught us to seek the best of both the worlds. We seek peace here by remembering God. Allah’s Thikr brings Itmenan-e-qalb and Thakir ultimately becomes a Nafs-e-mutmainna and it is this Nafs that becomes eligible to be welcomed into Heaven. (82:27-30) The greeting of welcome will be, “Enter ye here in peace and security.”(15:46) People will say in Heaven, “Praise be to Allah, who has removed from us (all) sorrow.”(35:34)
BOTTOMLINE
It may appear strange to many that a religion which gives a pride of place to Jihad in its scheme of duties asserts that it stands for world peace. The concept of Jihad has been subjected to misconception, misinformation, and prejudice. It really stands for the guarantee of freedom of worship, for the establishment of dharma, for the protection of the innocent victims, for the softening of the wrong-doers. At times these duties require armed confrontation. The U.N. peace-keepers are drawn from the armed forces of the member-states. The NATO had to use force to put an end to the genocide being perpetrated in Bosnia-Herzegovina. A realistic and practical religion cannot but know the value and relevance of Jihad for a sovereign government.
About our beloved Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be with him ), George Bernard Shaw had this to say: “I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving the problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness.”
This observation shows the incisive intellect of the great dramatist who picked the Prophet (peace to him) from the galaxy of the great as the most competent and prospective achiever of world peace. However, it has to be conceded that there cannot be another man like Prophet Muhammad (peace to him) who was able to integrate Arabia and transform it into a world power of reform and liberation without assuming the reins of a dictator. His way of governance was based upon consultation. He secured loyalty and obedience through his personal charm and charisma. His power did not proceed from the gun. What is achieved through dictatorship is neither preferable nor worthwhile. If the Prophet’s teachings are implemented in right earnest, world peace will cease to be a chimerical idea.
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