Non-Violence and Islam

which results in disruption of the social system, causing huge losses in terms of lives and property. Conversely, we can say with certainty that God loves non-violence. He abhors violent activity being indulged in human society, as a result of which people have to pay the price with their possessions and lives. This is supported by other statements in the Quran. For instance, we are told in the Quran that Peace is one of God’s names (59:23). Those who seek to please God are assured by verse 5 of the sixteenth surah that they will be guided by Him to “the paths of peace.” Paradise, which is the final destination of the society of God’s choice, is referred to in the Quran as “the home of peace” (89:30), etc. The entire spirit of the Quran is in consonance with this concept. For instance, the Quran attaches great importance to patience. In fact, patience is set above all other Islamic virtues with the exceptional promise of reward beyond measure. (39:10) Patience implies a peaceful response or reaction, whereas impatience implies a violent response. The word sabr exactly expresses the notion of non-violence, as it is understood in modern times. That patient action is nonviolent action and has been clearly expressed in the Quran. According to one tradition, the Prophet Muhammad observed: God grants to rifq (gentleness) what he does not grant to unf (violence). (Abu Dawud, Sunan, 4/255) The word rifq has been used in this hadith as an antithesis to unf. These terms convey exactly what is meant by violence and nonviolence in present times. This hadith clearly indicates the superiority of the non-violent method. God grants to non-violence what He does not grant