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Global Peace – An Islamic Perspective ACET– Global Peace Project

Introduction

Violence, civil conflict and war related to religion threaten the lives of thousands of people
across the globe. In the face of such conflict, what steps can we take to address this global

crisis? What role can individuals play?

In a growing number of these conflicts, extremist terrorist groups use the name of God as an
excuse for acts of violence. In broad terms, terrorism is understood to be an act which involves

serious violence against a person, causes damage to property, or poses risk to the health and

safety of a person, or to the public. [2]

Inherently peaceful, Islam has been turned into a vehicle for war and violence by some, leaving

many people with negative views of this religion. Muslims, as well as many non-Muslims,

are uncomfortable with the association of Islam with extremism, and the fact that people

who claim to be followers of Islam are dishonouring this religion. The Quran itself stresses

peace, love, compassion, and humility. These teachings are not unique to Islam - similar ideals

of compassion for humanity can be found in the world’s major religions, connecting these

religions’ fundamental teachings and significant religious figures.

Understanding the connections between religions is useful in bringing people together.
While religions may have different names, they generally promote the same values - love and

compassion - while opposing violence and conflict.

This is where Global Peace – An Islamic Perspective begins. In this book, we examine theories
of peace to help understand the goal towards which we are working. Quotes from a wide

variety of sources demonstrate how peace is a notion that crosses the borders between politics,

society, art, and culture, and how global peace is a goal towards which we should all strive.

Next, we consider how peace could be achieved from an international relations point of view,

discussing two prominent political science theories.

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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