TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE

TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this is a very narrow and restricted notion of peace. Peace is deeply linked with the entirety of human life. Peace is a complete ideology in itself. Peace is the only religion for both—man and the universe. It is the master-key that opens the doors to every success. Peace creates a favourable atmosphere for success in every endeavour. Without peace, no positive action—small or big—is possible. ISLAMIC INSPIRATION FOR PEACE THE Quran instructs us to avoid the ignorant (7: 199). The opposite of avoidance is confrontation. Avoiding conflict is one way to maintain peace. On the other hand, confrontation leads to violence between opposing parties. No one—whether individuals or groups—lives alone in this world. People live in proximity with others who have their own aims and purposes. Each one has their own agenda. Because of this, people and groups often come into conflict with each other. There are two ways to respond to this situation: avoidance of conflict, on the one hand, and confrontation, on the other. There is simply no third option. If one opts for confrontation, it will lead to fighting and violence. The whole of human history testifies to the fact that fighting and violence do not produce any positive results. Hence, one must abstain from and consciously avoid confrontation. Avoidance not only prevents further harm, but also gives us the opportunity to carry on our journey of progress without being stopped by any hurdles that may come our way. Patience, the Secret of Success The Quran instructs us: Have patience: God is with those who are patient. (2: 153) By avoiding confrontation, he is able to establish a balanced relationship with others, so that his journey progresses without being blocked.