Speaking Tree | September 08, 2026
At a three-day symposium held at the American University in Washington, on Feb 1998, I made a speech on Islam and Peace in one of its sessions. A part of this speech is given below:
“It is no exaggeration to say that Islam and violence are contradictory to each other. The concept of Islamic violence is so obviously unfounded that prima facie it stands rejected. The fact that violence is not sustainable in the present world is sufficient indication that violence as a principle is quite alien to the scheme of things in Islam. Islam claims to be an eternal religion and, as such, could never afford to uphold any principle which could not stand up to the test of time. Any attempt to bracket violence with Islam amounts therefore, to casting doubt upon the very eternity of the Islamic religion. Islamic terrorism is a contradiction in terms, much like ‘pacifist’ terrorism. And the truth of the matter is that, all the teachings of Islam are based directly or indirectly on the principle of peace.”
The teachings of Islam in the Quran and Hadith:
The very word ‘Islam’ (from the Arabic silm) connotes peace. According to a tradition of the Prophet, ‘Peace is Islam.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, p. 15) This means that peace is one of the prerequisites of Islam. Similarly, a Hadith states: A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands people are safe. One of the attributes of God described in the Quran is ‘As-Salam’ (59:23), which means peace and security.’ That is to say that God’s Being itself is a manifestation of peace. Indeed, God is Peace. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 591) In the Quran divine guidance is likened to the paths of peace. (5:16)
According to Islam, Paradise is the ideal place for human abode, and is thus called the ‘Home of Peace.’ It is also said that, the people of paradise will constantly utter the word ‘peace.’ It means that, the social culture of the people of paradise will be based on peace.
The Quran, avers that, ‘reconciliation is best.’ (4:128), and judging by the consequences, the way of peace is far better than that of confrontation. By the law of Nature, God has decreed that success will be met with only on a reconciliatory path, and not on a confrontational or a violent course of action.
The wife of the Prophet of Islam, Aisha (daughter of Abu Bakr) said this of the general policy of the Prophet in social matters: Whenever the Prophet had an option between two courses of action, he always chose the easier (non-confrontational) one. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6786)
This means that, violent activism should not be indulged in if peaceful activism is an option. For, peace is the easier course as compared to violence.
For instance, trying to change the status quo in the very first stage of a movement is a hard option, while launching one’s activities in the available sphere without doing so is an easier option.
Going to war in confrontational situations is a hard option while following conciliatory course in dealing with one’s rival is easier. Countering aggression with aggression is a hard option, while countering aggression with patience and forbearance is an easier option. An agitational course of action is harder than employing quiet strategy. Adopting a radical method of reformation is harder than that of fallowing a gradual method. Taking emotional extreme steps without a thought for their consequences is creators difficulties. While a well-considered method, keeping an eye on the consequences, gives much better results. The policy of confrontation with a ruler is a harder option, while initiating one’s action by avoiding the ruler in the sphere of education and learning is an easier option. These instances show us the easier and harder options, as demonstrated by the Hadith.
The truth is that peace in Islam is the ‘rule’, while war is the ‘exception’. All the teachings of Islam and the practical life of the Prophet of Islam testify to this.
Source: Simple Wisdom- 2
