The Human Aspect
of Islamic Teachings

Islam is the religion of humanity. All the things that have been mentioned in Islam have one purpose behind them—and that is to bring true humanity into a person. To teach unity to human generations. To make human society a peaceful, happy, and progressive society.

Islam means peace. This signifies that the core of Islam is peace. Islam seeks to foster a person whose heart holds peace for all—someone who wishes well for everyone, treats others with kindness and goodwill, and welcomes every person with a spirit of blessing, safety, and respect.

In the same way, the root of iman is amn. The word iman comes from amn. In this sense, a momin is one who loves peace. Who prefers peaceful things over things that break peace. Who moves in the direction where peace is found. Who does not get involved in activities that cause disturbance to peace.

In Islam, the most important act of worship is salah (prayer, namaz), which is performed five times daily. Upon finishing the prayer, the individual turns their face to the right and left and recites:

“Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah”

Explaining its meaning, a great scholar said that the person who prays is saying to all the people around: “You are safe from me, you are safe from me.” (Birr-ul-Walidayn by Al-Bukhari, Narration No. 45) That is, “You should not feel any danger from me. Your life, wealth, and honour—all are safe from me.” From the worship of namaz, I am coming out of the mosque with this lesson: that I have nothing but peace for you.”

The Prophet of Islam said: All people are brothers to one another. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 19293) Islam places in a person’s mind this thought: that all humans are children of one father and mother (Adam and Hawwa). That’s why the same blood runs through everyone’s body, and all are like brothers and sisters to each other.

The highest and dearest relationship between two people is the relationship of brotherhood (and sisterhood). The strongest thing that can connect people to each other is that this thought is developed in them: that you are brothers (and sisters) to each other. Islam builds exactly this thought and feeling among people. And without doubt, from the perspective of humanity, there is no greater thought than this.

When many people live together in a society, how should they live? What is the basic rule of a good human society? Regarding this, a Hadith mentions such a complete principle which covers all aspects of this topic. That Hadith is: A person should like for others what he likes for himself. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 13) This is a principle in which all human dealings are included. Every person knows which thing he likes and which he doesn’t. Which kind of treatment he prefers and which kind he doesn’t. Which behaviour he finds good for himself and which behaviour he doesn’t consider good for himself.

In this way, every person already has a great scale by which he can know at any time how to live with others, what to do with others and what not to do. According to this scale, every person should live in society in such a way that he behaves with others in the same way he wants others to behave with him, and avoids any behaviour that he does not like for himself. When he speaks, he should speak in this way, and when he acts, he should act in this way.

The details of this principle are present in the Quran and Hadith from every angle. It is said: do not kill any person. Do not think badly of anyone. Deal justly with both friends and enemies. If someone does something bad, still respond with something good. When someone says something to provoke you, don’t lose your temper. In matters of conflict, choose the way of peace. Take out the share of others from your earnings. Do not cause any harm to your neighbour. If you make a promise to someone, definitely fulfill it. If there is any obstacle in the way, remove it.

Islam is the religion of peace. Whatever promotes peace is the teaching of Islam, and whatever doesn’t have peace in it is not the teaching of Islam.

All India Radio, National Channel,
New Delhi, 21 May 1994.