TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE

treasures of gold and silver. Each individual should, therefore, lead his life with a keen awareness that the source of his intellectual and spiritual nourishment is the entire universe. One who becomes a recipient of God’s provision in this world rises so high that material things like wealth and power become insignificant to him. This psychology of its own turns him into a peace-loving person. Hatred and violence appear to him so meaningless that he has no time for such negative emotions or for making plans to engage in violence. One who has found something greater can never seriously pursue something smaller. He would therefore never engage in violence. The Prompt Silencing of Complaints The complaining mentality is an aggressive one, which stifles positive thinking. It is the resultant negative thought which is undoubtedly the root cause of all evil. In most cases, it gives rise to the permanent sense of grievance, real or imaginary, which underlies any violence which takes place. The creation plan in this present world has been devised in such a manner that there is no escape from grievances. This being so, the moment the thought of complaining first takes shape in the mind, it should be immediately dismissed. The complaint, if constantly recalled or revived, becomes so entrenched in the memory that it can never be thrust aside. In such a situation, wisdom lies in nipping complaints in the bud. Failing this, complaining will gradually become a permanent part of one’s psyche, and then one’s thinking will acquire a negative character. Others will appear as enemies. Given a chance, the complainant will not then hesitate to engage in violence against the targets of his complaints, even if he himself suffers in consequence. What is the formula for putting an end to complaints at the very outset? It is to give serious thought to the following verse of the Quran: Whatever misfortune befalls you is of your own doing. (42: 30) This means whenever we have any cause for complaint against anyone, we should direct it first at ourselves. We should try to explain it in such The truth is that all the teachings of Islam are based, directly or indirectly, on the principle of peace. While all Islamic objectives may be achieved in a peaceful atmosphere, there are no Islamic objectives which may be achieved in a violent atmosphere.