LESSONS FROM PESHAWAR KILLINGS — Abandon Violence, Embrace Peace

One aspect of the Peshawar killings was that it was carried out by a militant group of that area. The other aspect is that militancy in the area had been thriving since long. But, its people were indifferent as they considered themselves safe. The Quran gives them a warning that indifference in such matters cannot keep them secure. Indifference means indirect involvement, which in God’s eyes is as bad as direct involvement. The relatives of those killed have two choices. One is to fall victim to negative thinking. This, however, means taking the option of psychological killing after witnessing physical killing. Relatives must pray at this time. With reference to children, there is a prayer in the Bible: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. — The Bible The other choice is to discover their shortcomings in this regard. Grieving relatives and friends should let go of their indifference and should make every effort to root out militancy. They must tell the people of their area to abandon the false and violent version of Islam and adopt the true and peaceful version of Islam. If friends and relatives of the departed souls act accordingly, then it will be written down in history that these people were able to convert what could have been their minus into a plus to make the world safer for everyone, including our children. o This article by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan first appeared on Dec 20, 2014 in ‘The Speaking Tree’ a Times of India publication. Patriotism The patriotic spirit means thinking beyond your self-interest, making others your concern, and acknowledging others’ contribution.