INTERDEPENDENCE

men, in this way, a collective culture would be given encouragement. This culture of collective cooperation will undoubtedly help to nurture peace in society. Those who are engaged in violence are not fighting against any person or group, but rather against the very creation plan of the Creator. There are a number of commandments in the Islamic scriptures which forbid violence. The reason is that the culture of violence runs counter to the divine creation plan. According to this plan, if a person or group possesses political power, others should consider this situation as God-given and should not engage in a campaign to unseat those in power. In other words, the creation plan requires that the status quo be maintained. The principle of ‘status quoism’ is the only workable formula for achieving peace in this world. Trying to bring about a change in the status quo leads to conflict, while making plans for one’s activities by accepting the existing state of affairs leads to peace. If a person or group has any complaint or difference of opinion, they should strictly adhere to peaceful negotiation. Trying to bring about change through violence is not an option for anyone. No excuse whatsoever is acceptable in this regard. Disparity among men and women is not an evil: it is rather a blessing. When people complement each other, it promotes the culture of cooperation, which further leads to the creation of an atmosphere of peace and friendship. The culture of interdependence promotes all kinds of human values and is therefore, the best social scheme. Those who have opted for violence are not only destroying social peace, but are also pursuing a target which is unachievable. Interdependence is a law of nature. Accepting the principle of interdependence brings peace to society and opens up all doors to development. AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO THE MUSLIMS OF THE WORLD The time has come for the Muslims to take the most important step without any further delay. Muslims must follow the commandment of God expressed in these words: Believers turn to God, everyone of you so that you may prosper. (THE QURAN 24: 31) The culture of collective cooperation undoubtedly helps to establish peace in society.