TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE

This means if there are some problems, there are also opportunities at the same time. And the way to success is to ignore the problems and avail the opportunities. Change the place of action This principle is derived from the emigration of the Prophet to Madinah. This was not just a migration from Makkah to Madinah, rather it was to find a more suitable place for conveying the message of God, as history proved later on. Make a friend out of an enemy The Prophet of Islam was repeatedly subjected to practices of antagonism by his opponents. At that time the Quran enjoined upon him the return of good for evil. And then, as the Quran added, “You will see your direst enemy become your closest friend.” (41: 34) A good deed in return for a bad deed has a conquering effect over your enemies. And the life of the Prophet is historical proof of this principle. Turn minus into plus After the Battle of Badr (a defensive war), about 70 of the opponents were taken as prisoners of war. They were all literate people. The Prophet announced that if any one of them would teach ten Muslim children how to read and write he would be freed. This was the first school in the history of Islam in which all of the students were Muslims, and all of the teachers were unbelievers. A quote from a British Orientalist best describes the Prophet’s personality: He faced adversity with the determination to wring success out of failure. The power of peace is stronger than the power of violence When Makkah was conquered, all of the Prophet’s direst opponents were brought before him. The Prophet instead of keeping them as captives or punishing them simply said: “Go, you are free.” The result of this kind of behaviour was miraculous: all his opponents became one among the believers. In controversial matters, one should adopt the principle of pragmatism instead of stubbornly refusing to compromise the ideal. One should focus on resolution of the issue, even if it involves making temporary adjustments.