TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE

The system of nature is based on the principle that peaceful methods are far more effective and result-oriented in achieving any goal. Violent methods can produce no positive results. and were highly educated. They could become their best partners in such constructive collaboration. However, the Arab leaders failed to understand this positive aspect of the matter. The Quran says, ‘Reconciliation is the best.’ (4: 128) When we speak to the Arab leaders about the importance of peace and reconciliation, they answer, “Yes, we want peace but peace with justice.” However, according to the law of nature, this kind of peace can never be achieved. Peace does not automatically produce justice. As Maulana Wahiduddin Khan used to say, “Peace only opens the door to opportunities, and the desired justice is achieved only by availing of those opportunities.” At the time of Hudaibiya Treaty, the Prophet had achieved peace only by delinking it from justice. The Prophet had made this peace to create opportunities for constructive activities. And, with the establishment of peace, excellent opportunities for action did open up, which the Prophet made use of in full measure. Thus, the Prophet ensured justice in just a few years and set Islam on a much more solid footing. This Hudaibiya peace treaty, which was made by unilaterally accepting all the conditions of the opponents was, unexpectedly, termed a clear victory in the Quran. (48: 1) Both the Arabs and the Jews need to understand that they cannot keep fighting forever. The practical solution for Arabs is to abandon all kinds of violence and accept Israel as a legitimate state. In return, Israel must make territorial adjustments that Arabs find acceptable. Thus, they can establish peace in the Holy Land by accepting the give-and-take formula, mutually benefiting both parties. Peace in Palestine is crucial for global peace. There is a relevant saying of the Prophet: God grants to nonviolence what he does not grant to violence (Sahih Muslim). The system of nature is based on the principle that peaceful methods are far more effective and result-oriented in achieving any goal. Violent methods can produce no positive results. o