TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE

Gradualism instead of Radicalism This principle is well-established by a Hadith narrated in Al-Bukhari. The Prophet’s wife Aishah says that the verses of the Quran that were revealed in the beginning were related mostly to Heaven and Hell. And then after a long time when people’s hearts had softened and become inclined towards Islam, the specific commands to desist from adultery and drinking came down. This clearly shows that for bringing about social change, Islam advocates the evolutionary method, rather than the revolutionary method. In other words, change is brought about in a gradual manner rather than abruptly. Pragmatism in controversial matters During the writing of the Hudaybiyah Treaty, the Prophet dictated these words to Ali: “This is what has been agreed upon between Muhammad, the Messenger of God and Suhayl ibn Amr.” Suhayl ibn Amr was the representative of the Quraysh who were opposed to the Prophet. The Qurayshi delegate raised objections over the words ‘Messenger of God’. He stated that the Quraysh did not believe that Muhammad was in fact a prophet. He demanded that instead of ‘Messenger of God’, the words ‘Muhammad, son of Abdullah’ be written. The Prophet promptly accepted this demand and directed Ali to erase the words ‘Messenger of God’ after his name and write ‘son of Abdullah’. The Prophet gave importance to the signing of the peace treaty, instead of insisting on the words ‘Messenger of God’ to be written on the agreement. This gesture of the Prophet implies that 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. The principles outlined above throw light on how the Prophet of Islam attained what historians term ‘supreme success’. Unfortunately, today some Muslims have abandoned these teachings of the Prophet. They are wrongly indulging in violence in the name of Islam. Those Muslims who do not disown these actions and choose to observe silence in this matter are also responsible. The need of the hour is to unite and work towards changing mindset of the terrorists. A good deed in return for a bad deed has a conquering effect over your enemies.