Islam: Attitudes to Peace and Forgiveness

This section explains Islams attitude to peace and forgiveness, focusing on: Attitudes to Peace, Pacifism in Islam and Forgiveness in Islam. In Islam, peace is regarded as the absence of conflict, which is seen as essential for happiness and harmony in society. The term peace is closely linked to the Arabic word salaam, which means peace, but also denotes surrender or submission, a reference to submitting to God’s will. The idea of peace is central to Islamic teachings, and this is reflected in the greetings Muslims use when meeting or parting from others:
“As-salamu alaikum,” which translates to “May peace be with you.”

Islamic teachings actively encourage Muslims to respond to others with peace. The Qur'an teaches that those who walk humbly and respond to aggression with words of peace are virtuous:
“The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk humbly on the earth, and who, when aggressive people address them, reply, with words of peace.” (Qur’an 25:63)
This verse emphasises that maintaining peace, even in the face of hostility, is a key characteristic of a faithful Muslim.

Furthermore, the Qur'an stresses the importance of peace within the Muslim community, urging reconciliation between believers:
“The faithful are indeed brothers. Therefore, make peace between your brothers and be wary of Allah, so that you may receive His mercy.” (Qur’an 49:10)

Pacifism and Islam

While Islam advocates peace, it is not a pacifist religion. Pacifism means rejecting all forms of violence, and Islam does not call for the complete rejection of violence in all circumstances. However, it is grounded in the principles of peace and encourages reconciliation as a better alternative to war.

The Arabic word Islam is derived from salaam, meaning peace, which suggests that peace is fundamental to the faith. Nevertheless, Islam also means submission, signifying the submission of individuals to the will of God, which may involve self-defence in certain circumstances.

Although Islam does not promote pacifism, it encourages Muslims to practise restraint and forgiveness. For example, the Qur'an teaches:
“A garden [i.e. Paradise] as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people.” (Qur’an 3:133-134)
This highlights that patience, controlling anger, and offering forgiveness are highly valued qualities.

Peace in Islam: Reflection on Qur'an 10:25

The Qur'an invites people to peace and guidance through the words:
“Allah invites to the Home of Peace, and guides whomever He wills to a straight path.” (Qur'an 10:25)
This teaches that peace is not only the absence of conflict but also a divine invitation to lead a righteous and just life. Allah provides guidance to those who seek peace, guiding them towards the straight path of moral and spiritual well-being.

Case Study: Muhammad Ali

One prominent example of a Muslim choosing peace over violence is Muhammad Ali, the world-renowned boxer who converted to Islam as an adult. Ali famously refused to be drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War on the grounds of his religious beliefs, stating:
“I either have to obey the laws of the land or the laws of Allah.”
In 1967, Ali was convicted for refusing induction into the army, resulting in a five-year prison sentence, which was later overturned by the US Supreme Court.

Ali’s decision to oppose the war reflects his commitment to peace, even at the cost of his career and reputation. He explained his position further:
“It has been said that I have two alternatives, either go to jail or go to the army. But I would like to say there is another alternative. And that alternative is justice.”

Ali’s stance exemplified the Islamic principle of choosing peace and justice over violence.

Case Study: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known as the Frontier Gandhi, was a prominent Muslim leader who advocated for non-violent resistance against British rule in India. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, Khan led the Khilafat movement and promoted peaceful methods of political resistance.

Khan encouraged the Pashtun people to adopt non-violence as a way to fight for their rights and independence, aligning with Islamic values of peace and reconciliation. His life demonstrates how Islamic teachings can be interpreted to support peaceful resistance in the face of injustice.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Islam

Forgiveness and reconciliation are highly valued in Islam, particularly after conflicts or when wrongs have been committed. The Qur'an states:
“But if a person forgives and makes recompense, his reward is due from Allah.” (Qur'an 42:40)
This teaches that forgiveness is not only a moral act but also brings spiritual rewards. Forgiving others is seen as part of the greater jihad, which is the internal struggle to live a righteous life and fulfil one’s duties to God.

Greater jihad involves striving to:

• Follow the Five Pillars of Islam
• Forgive others
• Work towards social justice
• Study and understand the Qur'an
• Help those in need
• Avoid negative traits, such as greed or laziness
• Avoid temptations, such as alcohol

Forgiveness is an essential component of greater jihad, as it encourages Muslims to maintain peace and harmony in their personal relationships and within society.

Forgiveness during Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, many Muslims seek forgiveness for their own sins and forgive others who have wronged them. The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), which occurs during Ramadan, is particularly significant, as it is believed that the Qur'an was revealed on this night. Muslims often use this time to reflect on their actions, seek reconciliation, and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. Forgiving others is thought to bring about personal forgiveness from Allah.

Reconciliation: More Than Just Apology

Reconciliation in Islam goes beyond merely apologising for past wrongs; it is an active process of rebuilding relationships and working together towards peace. The Qur'an and Hadith teach that reconciliation is essential for maintaining social harmony and preventing further conflict.

The Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of reconciliation in a well-known Hadith:
“Something more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is putting things right between people.” (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad, Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 4919)
This teaching highlights that working to restore peace between individuals is seen as more virtuous than other acts of worship, emphasising its importance in Islam.

Islam encourages peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation as essential components of both individual life and society. Muslims are taught to seek peace, respond to aggression with calm, and, when necessary, pursue reconciliation after conflict. Although Islam is not a pacifist religion, it places a strong emphasis on the importance of peace and the moral high ground of forgiveness in resolving disputes. Through examples like Muhammad Ali and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, we see how these principles have been practised by Muslims in challenging circumstances. Ultimately, forgiveness and reconciliation are viewed as paths to spiritual growth and social harmony, and they are integral to the broader concept of jihad—the personal struggle to live according to God's will.