Peace: The Bedrock of Positive Relationships

PEACE: THE BEDROCK OF POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS the universe. If human beings, with their freedom of choice, are to be kept on the path of peace, society must be free of corrupting elements. That is why the Quran instructs human beings thus: “Do not corrupt the land after it has been set in order.” (7:85) The system of nature devised by God already rests on peace; if this system is not disrupted, it will continue in the course set for it by the Almighty. However, peace cannot be artificially imposed upon man. This is something that man must adopt or practice through his own choice, using his God-given free will. In order to preserve peace from disruption, two important injunctions have been laid down in Islam. One, at the individual level, stresses the exercise of patience. Moreover, the other, at the social level, forbids going on the offensive. The biggest factor responsible for disrupting peace in daily living is a negative reaction on the part of individuals. It repeatedly happens in social life that one experiences bitterness on account of others. On such occasions, expressing resentment could cause matters to escalate to the point of a head-on collision. Perhaps that is why the Quran enjoins us to tread the path of patience, saying: “Surely the patient will be paid their wages in full without measure.” (39:10). Perhaps the reason for the reward for patience being so great is that it is a key factor in maintaining the desired system of God. The other injunction designed to maintain peace in human society forbids the waging of offensive war. According to Islam, no one has the right to wage war against another. There