FROM WAR TO PEACE

bombs, started attacking people worldwide. Others, who did not physically participate, were so captivated by this revolutionary concept that they could not summon the courage to publicly denounce it or declare it un-Islamic. The entire 20th century became an example of non-Islam in the name of Islam. This had two dangerous consequences: • First, Islam’s reputation declined. Around the world, Islam was mistakenly seen as a religion of violence and hatred. An example of this was a widely-read article in a famous London newspaper titled: ‘A Religion That Sanctions Violence.” • Second, the valuable opportunities for Islam that had arisen in the modern world were left untapped. Instead, under the banner of a self-fashioned concept of jihad, Muslims persisted in harming themselves and neglected to convey Islam’s life-giving message to the world. In the 21st century, Muslims’ top priority is to turn back to the correct path. Before pursuing any other goal, it is crucial to immediately and fully stop all violence carried out in the name of Islam. No excuse—no matter how serious—should be allowed to prevent this. The true revival of Islam in our time begins right here. By eliminating the atmosphere of hatred and violence, Muslims can achieve everything. Without doing so, they will achieve nothing.