Page 3 - global peace an islamic perspective
P. 3
|
Global Peace – An Islamic Perspective ACET– Global Peace Project
Preface
Global Peace – An Islamic Perspective is the first in a series of works that examine a number
of world religions. These works are created in the hope that, through knowledge and a deeper
understanding, we can bring about greater acceptance, harmony, and peace among people
from around the world.
This book forms part of the Global Peace Project, developed by the Australian Centre for
Education and Training – Global (ACET-Global). The Global Peace Project is one of the
organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which are aimed at improving
the world we live in. ACET-Global has brought together a team of people from various
nationalities, as well as diverse academic and religious backgrounds, to contribute to the
Global Peace Project.
In our world today, some of the most violent disputes stem from conflicting ideologies and
religions. Religions are used as an excuse for war and oppression, and the resulting violence
divides people, creating an environment of distrust and fear. Ongoing religion-related conflicts
in several countries have resulted in high numbers of refugee population across the world.
Today, when we think about violence related to religion, Islam often comes to mind. Extremists
are using the religion of Islam as an excuse to wage war against all those who disagree with
their views (as with extremists identifying with other religions or ideologies), killing thousands
of Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
This use of Islam for acts of terror is both misguided and inherently contradictory to the true
teachings of the religion.
Over 1.5 billion people identify as Muslim , but as a result of the actions of a very small violent
[1]
minority, this religion has become synonymous with terror and violence. The misunderstanding
and misrepresentation of Islam is a major contributor to disunity in the world today and few
non-Muslims know much about the core philosophies and teachings of Islam.
This free publication has been compiled by ACET–Global. Please feel free to use and distribute it as an original version without changes.
i