The word ‘PEACE’ has been mentioned in the Qur’an about 138 in 39 different forms and in 47 different Surahs. Peace is very important in every person’s life. Each and every one wants to live in peace and harmony. Many were seeking peace through wrong channels and were unable to find it.
Islam is the religion of peace, and Muslims are those who live in peace in all aspects of life. One of Allah’s attributes is that He is As-Salam (the Peace). Prophet Muhammad (saw) came with the message of peace, i.e., the message of Islam.
Allah (swt) invites people to live in peace and harmony. He who accepts the invitation will be guided by Allah (saw). The Qur’an states in the Surah Yunus the following: “And God does call to the home of peace. He does guide whom He pleases to a way that is straight.” (10: 25).
Believers are invited to enter into peace. The Qur’an states in Surah Al-Baqarah the following: “O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (2: 208).
The peace that Prophet Muhammad (saw) invited us to is the one which is for every aspect of life such as:
- 1. Peace with the Creator. He who establishes peace with the Creator will receive blessings. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Nisa the following: “Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, and does good.” (4: 125).
- 2. Peace within the self. He who follows Islam will be guided and will live in peace and harmony. He will not have a split personality or to be mentally disturbed. Allah says in Surah Al-Maidah the following: “Wherewith Allah guides all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and leads them out of darkness by His will, unto the light, - guides them to a path that is straight.” (5: 18).
- 3. Peace with spouses, peace between parents and children, peace with the extended family, peace with neighbours, peace with the society, peace with other creatures, and peace with the environment.
The message of peace that our beloved Prophet (saw) brought is also a message of peace beyond this life. Peace in the grave and peace in Paradise. We are informed by the Prophet (saw) that the life in the grave is a life of peace and happiness or a life of penalty and distress. The grave is a place in Paradise or a ditch in Hell.
As far as the peace in Paradise is concerned, we are told that the residence of the believers in Paradise is called the House of Peace (Dar al Salam). Allah (swt) says in Surah Al-An’am: “For them will be a Home of Peace in the presence of their Lord. He will be their friend, because they practised righteousness.” (6: 127).
For those who are to live in Paradise, will be welcomed with peace. Allah (swt) informs us in Surah Al-Zumar the following: “And those who feared their Lord will be led to the Garden in crowd, until behold, they arrive there; its gates will be opened; and its keepers will say:’ Peace be upon you! Well have you done! Enter you here, to dwell therein.” (39: 73)
The message of Prophet (saw) was the message of peace and justice. It has its universal standards that emitted from the source of Peace, namely Allah (swt). Peace can only be established if all the segments of life, death, hereafter and universe are taken into consideration. It should be stated here that creatures in the whole universe submitted themselves willingly to the will of Allah and are living in peace, concord and harmony. The Qur’an states the following in Surah Al-Imran: “Do they seek for other than the religion of Allah? While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have willing or unwilling, bowed to His will, and to Him shall they all be brought back.” (3: 83).
There are hundreds of millions of people in the world who are searching for peace and tranquillity. They will never attain peace till they accept the Religion of Peace namely Islam. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Muslims who have already accepted Islam to bring peace. It is also their responsibility to establish peace in every society they dwell in.
We pray that we will try our best to live in peace so that we earn the pleasure and blessings of Allah (swt). We hope we are among those whom Allah has already accepted and is pleased with. Allah says in Surah Al-Bayyinah the following: “Allah will be pleased and they with Him. All this for such as fear their Lord and Cherisher.” (98: 8)
(by Dr. Ahmad Sakr)