Page 26 - The Winter of Islam and the Spring to Come

THE WINTER OF ISLAM AND THE SPRING TO COME
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Muslims' Struggle Should Be Consistent with the
Moral Values of the Qur'an
All Muslims should live according to the ethics Allah revealed in
the Qur'an. However fair and just Muslims are in their everyday life,
their business affairs, or in their personal relationships, they must
demonstrate the same values during times of war, while defending
themselves, or even while being driven from their lands. They must still
put their trust in Allah, obey His laws, and adhere strictly to His in-
structions.
The word "Islam" has the same meaning as the word "peace" in
Arabic. The Qur'an calls people to the ethics of Islam, through which
the world can be made a haven for peace, love and compassion. Allah
commands us to rule justly and without discriminating among people,
to preserve people's rights, oppose cruelty, support the oppressed in
the face of cruelty, and help those in need. This justice requires each
Muslim to protect the rights of both parties, evaluate events objectively,
and think without bias. It requires justice, honesty, mercy, and compas-
sion.
As the Qur'an states: "O you who believe! Show integrity for the
sake of Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a
people incite you into not being just. Be just, for that is closer to heed-
fulness. Have fear of Allah. Allah is aware of what you do." (Surat Al-
Ma'ida:8), true Muslims must not let their decisions or practices be
tainted by such feelings as resentment, hatred, and rage. Muslims must
always conduct themselves according to the Qur'an, behave with pa-
tience and restraint, and avoid exaggerated responses. As Allah re-
minds us: "We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger
and loss of wealth and life and fruits. But give good news to the
steadfast." (Surat al-Baqara: 155). Thus, this life on Earth is merely a
trial. Allah has forbidden the killing of guiltless and defenseless
women, children and the elderly in verses from the Qur'an.
A closer examination of the Prophet Muhammad's (saas) life re-
veals that war was a method resorted to for defensive purposes only in
unavoidable situations.