The Power of Peace

The Power of Peace Non-violent activism, which should not be confused with passivity, is the perfect solution to problems in all spheres. Whenever any problem arises between two groups, be it individual or social, one way to deal with it is to opt for the way of violence and confrontation. Another method is to make every attempt, by scrupulously avoiding the path of clash and confrontation, to solve the problem by peaceful means. There are many forms which peaceful means may take; it is, in fact, the exact nature of the problem which tells us which of the peaceful means is to be employed on which occasion. Islam teaches us non-violence. The Quran tells us that God does not love disorder (The Quran, 2:205). This verse also clearly states what is meant by disorder. According to the Quran, disorder is that course of action, which results in disturbance in the social system incurring loss in terms of life and property (The Quran, 2:205). We may put it differently and say that certainly God loves non-violence. He does not want people to indulge in such violence in human society as would result in death and destruction. This is also supported by other statements in the Quran, one of which tells us that one of God’s names is As Salaam, meaning Peace (The Quran, 59:23). Similarly, God’s desired religion is called ‘paths of peace’ (The Quran, 5:16). Paradise, the ultimate destination of God’s true devotees, is called the ‘home of peace’ (The Quran, 6:127). The entire spirit of the Quran is in tune with this concept. For instance, the Quran attaches the greatest of importance to patience. Patience is the only Islamic act, which is promised reward beyond measure (The Quran, 39:10). Patience, in fact, is another name for peaceful activism, while impatience is another name for violent activism. Patience, in essence, is exactly what is called non-violence in modern times. Patient activism means non-violent activism. This point has been clearly made in the Traditions. According to one Tradition, the Prophet of Islam observed: God grants to non-violence what he does not grant to violence. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2593) In this tradition the word ‘rifq’ (gentleness) has been used as compared to ‘unf’ (violence). These words denote exactly what is called violence (unf) and non-violence (la unf) in modern times. It bespeaks the eternal superiority of non-violence over violence. God grants to non-violence what he does not grant to violence. This is no simple statement. It tells us of a very profound reality. It tells us of an eternal law of nature. By the very law of nature itself, all bad things are connected with violence, while all good things are connected with non-violence. Violent activities breed hatred in society, while peaceful activities breed love in society. Violence is a source of destruction, while non-violence is a source of construction.