PEACE IN ISLAM

place properly. If the atmosphere of peace is disturbed, however, the normal functioning of society is disrupted. According to the scheme of nature, peace is the only secret of smooth functioning in human society as well as in the rest of the universe. Peace is such a basic requirement of man, that it is crucial to maintain it in all situations. Without peace there can be neither development nor progress. No excuse whatsoever justifies the use of violence in individual or collective life. Regardless of how unfavourable circumstances might be, an environment of peace is indispensable. We must maintain peace unilaterally, for nothing that we desire can be achieved without it. Peace is the principle in Islam; war is the exception. If we fail to establish peace, then we must face destruction in every field of life. We have to choose between peace and annihilation, because without peace, there is no hope for the survival of humankind. Peace—Man’s Absolute Right Peaceful revolution is the outcome of peaceful thinking. Peaceful minds make for a peaceful world. Man was born in peace. Man must live in peace. Peace—man’s birthright—is God’s greatest blessing for human beings. o Peace in Society Whenever the state of peace prevails in a society in the real sense, its members will necessarily engage themselves in positive activities. Their energies will be channelized into the reconstruction of their own lives and of their social environment.