Spirit of Islam, Sept 2014

We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this is a very narrow and restricted notion of peace. The fact is that peace is deeply linked with the whole of human life. Peace is a complete ideology in itself. It is the master-key that opens the doors to every sort of success. Peace creates a favourable atmosphere for success in every sort of endeavour. Without peace, no positive action—small or big—is at all possible. Peaceful Ideological Propagation The Quran relates: Do not yield to those who deny the truth, but strive with the utmost strenuousness by means of this [Quran, to convey its message to them]. THE QURAN 25: 52 T HE Quran is a book—an ideological book, not a sword. And so, to engage in jihad by means of the Quran, which this Quranic verse refers to, can only mean to convey the teachings of the Quran to others, to spread the message of the Quran among people in a peaceful way, to express the ideology of the Quran by providing adequate proofs so that people can accept them. This Quranic verse clearly indicates that what is called as jihad in Islam is a peaceful struggle. It has nothing to do with violence. In Arabic, jihad refers to great effort, to strive to the maximum possible extent for a certain cause. From this verse we learn that peaceful efforts are superior to violent efforts. When someone adopts violent methods, the scope of his efforts becomes limited. But if he adopts peaceful methods, this is expanded infinitely. On the path of violence, only a sword or gun may come in handy, while on the path of peace, every single thing, even a pen, becomes a useful means for achieving a higher purpose. Changing Your Enemy Into Your Friend Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend […] THE QURAN 41: 34 THE CULTURE OF PEACE — Part III Teachings of Islam