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Global Peace – An Islamic Perspective ACET– Global Peace Project
Introduction to Islam
Islam is the second largest religion in the world. [33][34]
At the same time, it is perhaps the most misunderstood religion today. Some people believe
that Islam is a religion only for Arabs. However, more than 80% of all Muslims belong to
other ethnicities. [35] The Islamic religion is practiced by people of various ethnic groups and
nationalities, with followers living across the globe.
Another major misconception about the religion is that it condones terrorism. Mass media
today generally focuses on the violence and hatred of an extreme minority, rather than the
voice of love and peace that is at the core of Islam. Unfortunately, sufficient information about
the true Islamic religion is often lacking, leading people to form negatively skewed opinions
about Muslims. This book aims to address this information gap in an easily accessible manner.
The basic Islamic teachings do not preach violence, but instead seek to protect the rights of
every individual in society and promote love, tolerance, equality and justice. Humanity and
human rights are considered as the basic building block of the Islamic ideology. [36]
The word “Islam” originates from the linguistic roots S-L-M in the Arabic language, which
[37]
relate to the concepts of safety, peace and wholeness. Taken in a religious context, the
word Islam means “voluntary submission to God”. Islam is a continuation of the teachings
[38]
of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, among others, ending with the teachings of the Prophet
Muhammad. Muslims believe that prophets are humans chosen by God, who is also known
as Allah, to be His messengers. However, though they are held in the highest regard, prophets
are not worshipped.
As described by religious scholars:
“Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, in the angels created by Him, in the
prophets through whom His revelations were brought to mankind, in the Day of judgement
and individual accountability for actions, in God’s complete authority over human destiny, and
in life after death.” [39]
This free publication has been compiled by ACET–Global. Please feel free to use and distribute it as an original version without changes.
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