Islam Is All About Peace

 The Quran presents the universe as a model, which is characterised by harmony and peace (Quran: 36:40) When God created heaven and earth, He so ordered things that each part might perform its function peacefully without clashing with any other. The Quran tells us that "It is not allowable (i.e., possible) for the sun to reach the moon, nor does the night overtake the day, but each, in an orbit, is swimming." (Quran: 36:40).

For billions of years, therefore, the entire universe has been fulfilling its function in total harmony with His divine plan.

According to Islam, peace is not simply an absence of war. Peace opens doors to all kinds of opportunities which are present in any given situation. It is only in a peaceful situation that planned activities are possible. It is for this reason that the Quran says: "...And settlement is best..." (Quran: 4:128). Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has observed: "God grants to gentleness (Rifq) what He does not grant to violence ('Unf)." (Abu Daawood)

According to Islam, peace is the rule and war is only an exception. Even in defensive war we have to analyse its result. If the result is doubtful, Muslims should avoid war. Stray acts of aggression are not enough for Muslims to rush into war. They have to assess the whole situation and adopt a policy of avoidance when war is not certain to achieve a positive result.