Page 177 - Age of Peace Goodword.indd
P. 177
The Age of Peace
story of how Alfred Nobel invented weapons which he sold to
earn money – all of which tarnished his image – is relevant to
the Muslims of the present day.
The Muslims of today, for some political reasons, are
engaged in the same practice, but with a difference: whereas
Alfred Nobel organized the trade of weapons, Muslims
organized the culture of violence on the basis of modern arms.
If Alfred Nobel was indirectly involved in the killing of human
beings, Muslims became directly involved in this killing.
In the case of Alfred Nobel, his personal image was damaged.
But in the case of the Muslims, it was far more serious. Muslims
having propounded their culture of violence in the name of
Islam, and then acted upon it, it was the image of Islam itself
which was damaged. This age being the age of the media, the
negative news of every instance of violence perpetrated by
Muslims was instantly spread all over the globe. Throughout
the entire world, the image of Islam became that of a religion
of violence.
Alfred Nobel did not waste his time in laying the blame
for his infamous reputation at the door of others, but rather
took the entire blame upon himself and decided to change his
image by making a unique plan for peace.
Now the time has finally come for Muslims to take a
similar U-turn without any delay. Muslims must follow the
commandment of God expressed in these words:
‘Believers, turn to God, every one of you, so that you
may prosper.’ (24:31)
The best way to initiate an image-building process is that
Muslims all over the world must establish a large institution
with the name Universal Peace Centre. All the Muslim countries,
organizations and Muslims with resources should become
members of this centre. The Universal Peace Centre should
be set up with the common support of all Muslims. It should
176