TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE
Spirit of Islam, Sept 2020, p. 33
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
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. THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGION IN PEACE-BUILDING S INCE most people believe in one religion or the other, the role of religion can never be overstressed when it comes to peacebuilding. It is crucial that religious people should refrain from extremism and tread the path of tolerance. This is the teaching of all religions. No religion approves of extremism. If they follow the teaching of their religion, this will reinforce the culture of tolerance. The culture of tolerance is indispensable for the establishment of peace. Since the majority believes in one religious system or the other, religion provides a readymade instrument for establishing peace in society. If we speak of peace and tolerance with reference to religion, it will have a vast appeal. People will attach great importance to it and will try to practise it. At the same time, one has to sedulously refrain from extremism while communicating the teaching of the respective religions. If this can be done, religion will, without doubt, prove to be the greatest means of bringing about peace in society. It is also a fact that religion, in its authentic form, teaches well-wishing for one another. Jesus Christ said, ‘Love your enemy’, which means to establish friendly relations with everyone including one’s opponents, and win over one’s enemy by using the power of peace. In business, No religion approves of extremism. If they follow the teaching of their religion, this will reinforce the culture of tolerance.

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