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Global Peace – An Islamic Perspective ACET– Global Peace Project
CONCEPT 4 – RESPECT FOR HUMANITY
Respect:
“Due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.” (Oxford Dictionary) [67]
Islam states that it is the responsibility of each individual to treat all of creation with respect,
honour and dignity. From an Islamic perspective, the most deserving of respect is God, the
Creator Himself. The highest level of respect, therefore, is obeying God’s commandments and
treating all beings with respect. Respect involves treating others the way we expect to be
treated, with compassion, love and mercy.
According to Islam, negative habits such as suspicion, backstabbing and gossip are considered
disrespectful sins and lead to torment, misery and evil. Muslims believe God commands
humanity to avoid sin and to strive against destructive desires.
Quranic references:
“And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his punishment is hell; he shall abide in it, and
Allah will send His wrath on him and curse him and prepare for him a painful chastisement.”
(4:93, Translation from the Quran)
“Do no mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and
longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good.” (7:56,
Translation from the Quran)
“And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the
right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they
obey Allah and His messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Lo! Allah is Mighty,
Wise.” (9:71, Translation from the Quran)
“Your Rabb (Allah) has decreed to you that: You shall worship none but Him, and you shall be
kind to your parents; if one or both of them live to their old age in your lifetime, you shall not
say to them any word of contempt nor repel them and you shall address them in kind words.”
(17:23, Translation from the Quran)
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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