PEACE AND SECURITY

In this prayer, peace is mentioned before faith and before Islam, conveying a clear message that an environment of peace and security is indispensable for the growth, development, and practice of Islamic teachings. The life of Prophet Abraham serves as a practical and living example of the profound need for peace. Abraham’s life was marked by extreme hostility and the deprivation of his religious freedom. He was subjected to the horrific act of being thrown into a fire and forced to embark on a perilous journey to the uninhabited desert of the Arabian Peninsula. Despite these hardships, Abraham established a global centre for worship in Makkah, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to peace. The experiences he endured led him to realize the profound significance of peace, prompting him to pray specifically for the peace of Makkah: “My Lord, make this a city of peace. (14: 35) Through this prayer, we can comprehend the depth of Abraham’s yearning for peaceful conditions. Who could better understand the bliss of peace and security than he, who grappled with the challenges of maintaining faith in such circumstances? Abraham envisioned a permanent peace for the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the sacred area surrounding the Sacred Mosque, which would become the global centre of worship. He aspired to be an exemplar of peace for the entire world. The life of the Prophet Muhammad serves as a practical illustration of the significance of peace. When he proclaimed his prophethood, the people of Makkah attempted to hinder his pursuit of Islam. The conquest of Makkah, unlike the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, was not a war measure but an unprecedented display of peace. The life of the Prophet exemplified peace and mercy, and this characteristic was evident during the conquest of Makkah.