Part One: SEERAH (Biographical Sketch) CHAPTER

C:\Users\Admin\Dropbox\The Message - Material of Maulana\16. Books and Review\Apa's Books\Life And 57 CHAPTER 6 War and Peace in Islam IN order to appreciate the position of war and peace in Islam, we have to answer another question concerning the goal of Islam. What is the actual plan of Islam regarding human life? To answer this question we have to refer to the Quran, the source of Islamic teachings: 1. Chapter 103 of the Quran, titled Al-Asr, is regarded as the essence of Islamic teachings. It reads: “I swear by the declining day that perdition shall be the lot of man, except for those who believe and do good deeds, and exhort one another to truth and to patience.” From these verses in the Quran we find that success depends on four things. That is, one should have faith in God, possess right beliefs, observe Islam fully, adopt Islamic ideology wholeheartedly, and lead a life of virtuous action and God-consciousness. We should accept the standard set by God in regard to the truth and untruth. Not only we should adopt all these beliefs and practices in our own lives but we should also enjoin upon others truth and forbearance as a matter of religious duty. 2. There is another verse in the Quran: “God enjoins justice, kindness and charity to one’s kindred, and forbids indecency, wickedness and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.” (16:90) Because of the importance of this verse, the fifth pious caliph issued instructions that it should be made a part of the Friday sermon. This verse tells us how human beings are supposed to lead their lives in this world. The first thing which is most important is to deal justly. That is, whatever right one has over another person should be fulfilled. People should learn of the needs of their relatives as well as other fellow human beings and spend their money to fulfil their needs. They should not indulge in such things as are disapproved of in society. They should not adopt the way