Islam is often misunderstood and associated with violence, but in reality, it is a religion of peace and compassion. The peaceful message of Islam is at the core of its teachings and values. The word Islam itself means “submission” and is derived from the Arabic word “salam,” which means peace.
Islam encourages its followers to strive for inner peace and to establish peace within their communities. The Qur’an emphasises the importance of mercy, justice, and kindness towards others. Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of their actions and to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The Prophet Muhammad also exemplified peace in his actions and teachings. He promoted forgiveness, reconciliation, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts. He advised his followers to avoid violence and to always strive for peaceful coexistence.
In Islam, jihad is often misunderstood as a call to violence, but its true meaning is “struggle” or “striving.” Jihad can be a personal struggle to improve oneself, a struggle to maintain good morals and ethics, or a struggle to defend one’s rights and the rights of others. Islam prohibits aggression and encourages peaceful means to resolve conflicts.
By unravelling the peaceful message of Islam, we can dispel the misconceptions and stereotypes that often overshadow this beautiful religion. It is important to approach Islam with an open mind, seeking knowledge and understanding, and appreciating the peaceful values it promotes. Through education and dialogue, we can build bridges of understanding and promote harmony among different faiths and cultures.