The very name of the religion, Islam, comes from the root word “silm,” which means peace, purity, submission, and safety. By submitting to Allah, a Muslim seeks peace with his Creator, with fellow humans, and within himself. The Qur’an promotes peace as a divine gift and a reflection of God's mercy. The ultimate greeting among Muslims, “As-Salaamu Alaikum,” meaning “Peace be upon you,” reflects Islam’s commitment to making peace a lived experience.
The Qur’an states:
O you who believe! Enter into peace (Islam) completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan.
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:208)
This verse indicates that peace is not selective or temporary; it is comprehensive and central to faith.
Follow Cssprepforum WhatsApp Channel: Pakistan’s Largest CSS, PMS Prep Community updated
Led by Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Cssprepforum helps 70,000+ aspirants monthly with top-tier CSS/PMS content. Follow our WhatsApp Channel for solved past papers, expert articles, and free study resources shared by qualifiers and high scorers.
Prophetic Model of Peace
The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) serves as the highest example of peaceful conduct in the face of conflict, hostility, and injustice. His responses to aggression were measured, strategic, and oriented toward reconciliation.
- At Ta’if, when rejected and attacked, he chose prayer and patience over retaliation.
- During the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, he agreed to seemingly unfair terms to avoid bloodshed, a decision later praised by the Qur’an.
- In the conquest of Makkah, despite years of persecution, he declared general amnesty and forgiveness for his enemies.
The Prophet taught that peace begins in the heart and is expressed through actions, community behaviour, and policy. He said:
“Shall I tell you something that will increase love among you? Spread peace (salaam) among yourselves.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Peace as a Universal Objective in the Qur’an
The Qur’an repeatedly calls for peace and justice in human interactions. Peace is described as a default state, and war is considered a last resort with strict moral guidelines.
- Surah Al-Anfal (8:61):
“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah.”- Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10):
“The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.”- Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32):
“…if anyone saves a life, it is as if he had saved all mankind.”
These verses emphasize the sanctity of life, the value of reconciliation, and the collective responsibility to maintain peace in society.
Inner Peace and Spiritual Stability
Islamic peace begins at the personal level. A person who believes in Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) finds peace in knowing that his life has purpose, guidance, and divine support. The Qur’an declares, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28). This inner peace extends outward, helping the believer practice patience, forgiveness, and empathy in difficult situations.
Justice as the Foundation of Peace
Islam emphasizes that true peace cannot exist without justice. The Qur’an commands believers to uphold justice even if it is against themselves or their families: “O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents or relatives.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135). Peace that tolerates injustice is fragile and temporary. The Islamic model promotes peace through ethical law, rights protection, and economic fairness.
Peace with Non-Muslims
The Qur’an encourages peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths, as long as they do not engage in hostility. Dialogue, mutual respect, and treaty obligations are emphasized.
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes, from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”
(Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60:8)
Islam allows interfaith harmony, trade, cooperation, and community building with non-Muslims based on mutual respect and justice.
When Peace is Violated: The Ethics of Conflict
While Islam permits self-defence, it sets strict limits on the conduct of war, including prohibition of harm to non-combatants, protection of the environment, and pursuit of peace whenever possible. War in Islam is not a means to impose faith but a defense against oppression and injustice.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) laid down rules of engagement for Muslim armies:
- Do not kill women, children, or the elderly.
- Do not destroy crops or places of worship.
- Always offer peace if the enemy seeks reconciliation.
Contemporary Relevance of Islamic Peace
In today’s world, where conflict, hate, and identity-based violence are on the rise, Islam’s message of peace is more relevant than ever. Whether in conflict zones, interfaith dialogue, or mental health discourse, Islamic teachings offer tools for healing and coexistence.
Muslim organizations, scholars, and communities must reclaim this original message of peace to counter misconceptions and build bridges with others. Peace is not weakness in Islam; it is strength rooted in divine truth, prophetic wisdom, and moral clarity.
In conclusion, peace in Islam is a sacred goal that encompasses the inner soul, the family unit, society, and international relations. It is rooted in faith, nourished by justice, and expressed through ethical conduct. The Qur’an and Sunnah make it clear that peace is not optional for Muslims; it is a command, a lifestyle, and a duty.
True peace is not simply the absence of war but the presence of justice, compassion, and dignity for all. In an age of division and distrust, Islam’s peace-centered worldview offers humanity a pathway back to harmony.
