Peace is the primary principle in Islam. Islam emphasizes on peace in communication with all Muslim and non- Muslim people in a society, and encourages its adherents to avoid war and violence. The Quran places limits on the use of force. The Quran acknowledges the right of retribution but states “those who forgive the injury and make reconciliation will be rewarded by Almighty Allah.”(Quran) The first and cardinal principle of culture of peace is the acceptance of religious faith is optional. According to Islamic teachings, people are free to accept religious belief. Quran says: “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Almighty Allah hears and knows all things.” On this point the Quran declares “The truth is from your Almighty Allah, so whoever wills- let him believe; and whoever wills – let him disbelieve”. The message to non-Muslims is, “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” These passages counsel tolerance and patience toward other faiths. Therefore, religious faith is a voluntary matter that individuals must choose freely and consciously and not compulsively. The message of such verses of the Quran is to respect dissenting beliefs and to recognize the freedom of others. This principle can in many cases prevent cultural violence and contribute to the realization of a culture of peace. The second principle in creating a culture of peace and a non-violent society is Islam’s emphasis on peace as the primary law and non-violence. Almighty Allah invites people to peace: “Allah invites to the Home of Peace, and guides whomever He wills to a straight path”. The Quran invites people to peace and life, and regards war and violence as the evil way. The Quran commands that if your enemies desire peace, welcome it. Moreover, except in limited cases, it does not permit the use of force. Although the Quran recognizes the right to retribution its adherents, it is also a reward for forgiveness. So in Al-Shura it says: The retribution of a bad action is one equivalent to it. However, whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward lies with Allah. He does not love the unjust. In defensive battles, the Prophet (SAW) of Islam best practiced human and moral principles, even treating his most vicious enemies with humane behavior. During the Hunain war, he granted the majority of captive’s mercy and returned their property to them. In the conquest of Mecca that some Muslims used to chant that today is the day of vengeance, but the Prophet (SAW) said to them today is a day of mercy, then told the people of Mecca and the leaders of their war, you are all free and there is no worry for you.
- The Islamic teachings attempt to invite people to global peace and a peaceful life on the basis of theism, justice and piety. This interpretation of peace which is based on Quranic teachings can develop a widespread peace around the world and terminate conflicts in many places .
The Prophet of Islam during the wars never deprived the enemy of drinking water. In the Khyber battle he was strongly opposed when he was offered the opportunity to close the waterway or poison the drinking water in the fortress, and forbade the spread of poison in the city of enemies and in general everywhere. During the war, the Prophet said: Do not kill women, children and the elders and do not burn palm trees and crops. Hazrat Ali (RA) also commands his soldiers: Never start wars with the enemy unless they start, do not kill the fugitives, do not attack the wounded, don’t go into their homes, don’t attack women, and don’t scold anyone. The teachings of Islam invite people to live a peaceful life based on theism, justice and purity. Therefore, peace in Islam is an eternal constitution. Even the nature of war in Islam is a defensive one, not an offensive one, because the principle of Islam is peace and coexistence, not conflict, violence and war. In many verses of the Quran, Almighty Allah has allowed Muslims to fight only for defense. Therefore, war in Islam is a secondary principle, not a primary one. The third principle in creating a culture of peace and a non-violent society is to pay attention to the spiritual self-awareness inherent in our human nature that can move people away from violence. Human nature has a tendency for peace and friendship. Enjoying compassion, and love for others is part of our human nature. The Islamic teachings attempt to invite people to global peace and a peaceful life on the basis of theism, justice and piety. This interpretation of peace which is based on Quranic teachings can develop a widespread peace around the world and terminate conflicts in many places. “Invite (all) to the way of your Almighty Allah with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Almighty Allah knows best who has strayed from His path, and who receives guidance.”
