Islam and peace-2

Special features of the Islamic etiquette framework

 

The Islamic framework teaches desirable traits like truthfulness and righteousness, integrity, justice, brotherhood, helping the weak, calling upon the sick, hosting guests etc.  These are those lofty traits that every just person would like to acquire them.  On the other hand, Islamic framework prohibits detestable traits like ill-treating others, lying, falsehood, pride, breaking trust, injustice, jealousy, inequality among people etc.  These detestable traits may become the source and origin of tumult and disturbance in the society.  Through its etiquette framework, Islam instructs its followers to acquire every trait which help in establishing peace and are against oppression and abuse.  It also instructs to abandon every such trait which may be result in breaking of peace and in creating terror.

 

A great example of Islam’s peace-loving nature

 

Muslims bore the persecutions of the Makkans for 13 years.  During these days, personal safety, which is the right of every person, was snatched away from them, but Muslims through their word and deed gave the message of peace.  When the heights of oppression and persecution were reached, then for the sake of peace, they left their land.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered the Sahabah to migrate to Abyssinia, even though the ruler of that place was a Non-Muslim.

 

After the 13^th year of the declaration of Prophethood, by the command of Allah Ta’ala,  the Muslims migrated to Madina and settled down there.  The persecutors tried to attack Madina, when there was no other go apart from fighting, then to remove danger and to erase the disturbance, the Muslims went forward and wiped it out.

 

The barbarity of the Pre-Islamic age and the peace-loving laws of Islam

 

In the Pre-Islamic age, the Arabs used to fight at the drop of a hat.  To avenge the murder of 1 person, the whole clan of the murderer would be wiped out.  Only for the sake of pride and hate, years would be spent in war.  Without declaring war, people would be attacked, in war women and children would be killed, to torture the enemy fire would be used.  Prisoners of war would be tortured beyond limits and killed.  In Rome, which was the most cultured nation of that time, when 2 countries fought, then it would not be stopped until one side would not be completely wiped out.  Standing crops would be destroyed, orchards would be laid bare, and residences would be razed.  In short there would be a chain of loot, pillage and massacre.  Alexander conquered Suwar, an area of Syria, and issued orders of slaughter and carnage, as a result of which 8000 people were bled dry and 30000 people were sold as slaves.

 

In light of this savage state of affairs, have a look at the Islamic way of war and its military laws, which show the way Islam creates and uphold peace in times of war and apart from the combatants, peace for every person is assured.

 

Islam instructs Muslims not to hurt women, children and the infirm.  Those who do not participate in the war should not be hurt.  Those who ask for peace should not be troubled.  Educational institutions, offices, water reserves, storage houses, granaries and hospitals should never be attacked.

 

Islam binds every Muslim to these laws that nobody should be killed without a valid reason, nobody’s wealth should be molested, and nobody’s honor should be blemished.­