TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE

The formula for peace in Islam is the same as has already been adopted in the secular world and that is, peaceful co-existence. This is the only formula in this matter which is practicable. There are two parts to every religion: belief and value system. The value system relates to the social system which is based on ethical norms. Ethical norms are common to almost all religions. There are some differences in beliefs, but beliefs are of a theoretical nature. They are in the mind of the believer, so differences in belief do not create any problem so far as the establishment of peace is concerned. One part of every religion is its spirit and another is its form. Spirit is the essence or the real part. For instance, speaking the truth, honesty, well-wishing, etc. The spiritual content of religion does not create any problem. The problem is always created by the form of the religion. When the form is emphasized, differences, clash and confrontation ensue. According to Islam, the spirit of religion is its real part and the form of religion is a relative part. Islam forbids stressing on the relative part, which is called extremism in Islam. Islam’s emphasis is on the spirit. So far as form is concerned, the way of tolerance will be adopted. Islam attaches great importance to the life Hereafter. According to the teachings of Islam, man should make the success of the Hereafter his greatest concern. If a living awareness of this concept is produced in man, material differences, and controversies will be minimized and replaced by a non-materialistic or other-worldly outlook. The following verse of the Quran is significant in this regard: And God calls to the Home of peace. (10: 25) This means according to the creation plan, peace and harmony should prevail in human society. God Himself is peace. He intended this world to be peaceful, and only a peaceful world will be able to receive His blessings. A peaceful world is like Paradise on Earth. It is only in such a world that we can meet and establish contact with God Almighty, the Creator of man and the universe. o There are many religions in this world, and they have many things in common. While there are also many differences, Islam teaches us to manage the differences, rather than trying to eliminate them. The formula of Islam in this regard is to follow one and respect all.