Page 161 - Age of Peace Goodword.indd

Islam the Religion of Peace

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here are two basic teachings of Islam: monotheism and
Tpeace. Tawhid (monotheism) is Islam’s basic ideology. It is
the source of all direct or indirect acts of Islam. Peace is its
practical aspect, being at the basis of a normal environment in
which Islam’s ideological and practical teachings may come
into play.
When we study the Quran, we find that the Quran’s
greatest concern is the world Hereafter and not the present
world, because the former is eternal while the latter is only a
transient phase. According to the Quranic concept, preparing
for this world is a necessity, while preparing for the Hereafter
is a goal. As such, the focus of those who come under the
influence of Islamic ideology shifts wholly to the Hereafter
and Paradise.
Consequently, it is but natural that all those things which
ultimately result in war lose in importance, for instance, greed,
hatred, rivalries, violence, and so on. In this way, wherever
Islamic culture prevails these reasons for war will no longer
exist. In their own interest, people will live in society as
peaceful citizens.
It is greed for political power which has always been the
cause of war throughout history. However, Islam laid down
the principle that the system of government would be based
on mutual consultation. This command is expressed in these
words in the Quran: Amruhum shura baynahum. That is,
‘Their affairs are settled by mutual consultation.’ (42:38)

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