The Solution to World Peace is True Islam

 By: Sidra Saeed

Islamophobia has drastically taken over the Western world and among the non-Muslim. There is no doubt about the fact that this state of fear has been fueled by the acts of atrocity caused by so-called Muslim groups. At the same time, there is no doubt that these very acts of terrorism and extremism have nothing to do with the true teachings of Islam- for the word ‘Islam’ means peace.  

             The Holy Quran speaks for all the Prophets of God and declares that this very teaching of peace was taught by all of the Prophets. Not only that, it also requires for all Muslims to abide by the teachings with the fundamental amongst them being that they must not only fulfil rights owed to God but just as importantly they must also fulfil the rights of God’s Creation. How then is it possible that on one hand God praised the qualities of all religions for urging mankind to fulfil rights of man but at the same time could enjoin Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to not establish peace in the world? 

Instead of making false assumptions and judging Islam based on hearsay, true justice and fairness requires for an individual to study the religion and try to develop and understanding of the teachings. To try to study the teachings in depth and strive to learn the truth to make an informed decision. The truth in case of Islam can only be learnt from those practicing the true and authentic teachings themselves.  

            Today, it is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that alone claims to follow the original and true teachings of Islam. The Ahmadis believe that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian was the very person who was sent as the Promised Messiah according to the prophecies foretold by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He came to revive the luminous teachings of Islam and unite mankind as one. 

            Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had so much respect for all mankind regardless of race or religion. One incident that highlights such compassion is when once a funeral possession passed by and out of respect he immediately stood up. When a companion of his saw this he said to him, 

“This procession is of a Jewish person.” To which Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “Was he not a soul? Respect for all humans is obligatory.” (Sahih Bukhari, 1250) 

           When permission for defensive war was given in Islam, it was given at a time where whilst Muslims desired peace, disbelievers wished to destroy it. Had the permission not be granted to the Muslims, all religions would have been in danger. God Almighty says in the Holy Quran,  

“Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged — and Allah indeed has power to help them — Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ — And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty” (Holy Quran Chapter 22, Verse 40-41)

This proves that Islam has made the utmost effort to establish peace and safeguard all other religions at the same time. Even with the permission of defensive war, strict guidelines and rules of engagement were given to Muslims which they were compelled to abide by. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught that no innocent person, nor woman, child or elderly was to ever be attacked. He taught that no religious leader or priest could be attacked and that those people who were directly engaged in war could be fought. He further taught that no person could be forced or compelled to convert to Islam and Muslims were forced to fight only for the cause of peace and that they must not create fear or terror amongst public. He taught that buildings should not be targeted and that trees should not be felled. 

             Bearing these teachings in mind, evil acts conducted by extremists claiming to be Muslims have nothing to do with teachings of Islam. Fearing Islam or any attempts will not achieve anything or lead to reconciliation or peace. Instead, the solution to global peace is to stop cruelty and oppression wherever it occurs with nothing but justice and equality for all. This can only happen when the world will recognize its Creator and treat His Creation with the rights it deserves. 

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