Islam: A Universal Message of Peace, Justice, and Human Unity
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
Islam is a religion of peace—peace for Muslims, peace for non-Muslims, peace for all creation.
Islam, derived from the Arabic root “Salam” meaning peace, safety, and security, is fundamentally a religion that calls humanity toward harmony with the Creator and peaceful coexistence with all creation. Yet in contemporary global discourse, Islam is often unjustly linked with terrorism. Whenever a violent incident occurs anywhere in the world, suspicion frequently turns toward Islam—even before investigation. Such narratives not only distort reality but also fuel prejudice and Islamophobia.
This unfair association is not merely a misunderstanding; it is a profound misrepresentation of Islamic teachings, history, and civilization.
*Islam and the Misuse of Labels*
In many societies, when a Muslim individual commits a crime, the act is immediately labeled as “Islamic terrorism.” However, when perpetrators belong to other religious or ethnic backgrounds, their actions are described in neutral or alternative terms such as “extremism,” “militancy,” or “radical nationalism.” This selective labeling creates a damaging stereotype.
History itself disproves the claim that terrorism is linked to any one faith. Cases involving individuals such as Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit, and Swami Aseemanand demonstrated that acts of terror are not confined to any single religion. Violence is the act of individuals driven by ideology, political motives, or injustice—not the teachings of divine scriptures.
Recognizing this bias, the information ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have repeatedly urged global media to counter Islamophobia and avoid associating terrorism with Islam without evidence.
The Qur’anic Foundation of Peace
Islam’s primary source, the Holy Qur’an, explicitly condemns violence, injustice, and aggression. It declares:
> “Whoever kills a person—unless for justice or to prevent corruption—it is as though he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)
This verse establishes the sanctity of human life—regardless of religion, race, or nationality.
The Qur’an further commands:
> “And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is Merciful to you.” (Qur’an 4:29)
Suicide bombings and acts of terror, therefore, directly contradict Islamic teachings. Islam strictly prohibits suicide, murder, and aggression. The Qur’an repeatedly states that Allah does not love those who spread corruption (fasad) in the land.
Thus, terrorism is not an extension of Islam; it is a violation of Islam.
*Islam and the Principle of Justice*
Islam places justice (‘Adl) at the center of social order. The Qur’an commands:
> “O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, even against yourselves or your parents or relatives.” (Qur’an 4:135)
Terrorism often emerges from environments of oppression, political instability, economic deprivation, and prolonged injustice. The Muslim World League and its Islamic Fiqh Council in Makkah have clearly stated that terrorism is a disease that flourishes where injustice and oppression prevail. It has no religion and no borders.
Peace cannot survive without justice. Where justice is denied, frustration grows; where frustration grows unchecked, extremism finds fertile ground.
*Islam Rejects Extremism and Sectarianism*
Islam discourages extremism (ghuluw) in all forms. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned:
> “Beware of extremism in religion, for those before you were destroyed because of extremism.”
Sectarian hatred, groupings based on prejudice, and violent ideologies contradict the Qur’anic call toward unity:
> “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)
Islam promotes unity—not only among Muslims but among all humanity. It recognizes diversity as a divine sign:
> “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” (Qur’an 49:13)
Diversity is not a cause for conflict; it is a means for mutual understanding.
*Islam: A Mercy for All Humanity*
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is described in the Qur’an as:
> “A mercy to all the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107)
This mercy extends beyond Muslims to all human beings and even to animals and the environment. Islamic teachings emphasize kindness to neighbors, protection of minorities, care for the poor, and compassion toward all creatures.
Islamic civilization historically provided safe refuge to Jews, Christians, and other communities. The Constitution of Madinah established by the Prophet created a pluralistic society where different faith communities lived under mutual protection and justice.
*Global Recognition: Terrorism Has No Religion*
International leaders and forums have also emphasized that terrorism must not be associated with any specific religion. During international gatherings such as the Group of 20, world leaders affirmed that terrorism should not be linked to any religion, nationality, or ethnic group.
Even leaders like Vladimir Putin have publicly stated that Islam should not be mentioned in vain alongside terrorism.
Such acknowledgments reinforce a universal truth: terrorism represents the criminal, not the faith.
*Unity of Religions and Shared Human Values*
All major religions—Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism—teach moral responsibility, compassion, and respect for life. While theological doctrines differ, ethical foundations often converge: justice, mercy, charity, truthfulness, and peace.
Islam acknowledges previous prophets—Abraham, Moses, Jesus (peace be upon them)—and commands respect for all divine messengers. The Qur’an states:
> “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” (Qur’an 2:285)
*This principle builds bridges rather than walls.*
The world today does not need a clash of civilizations; it needs a coalition of consciences—where faith traditions unite against injustice, hatred, and violence.
*Islam and Social Stability*
Islam does not promote disturbance in society. It commands obedience to lawful authority, respect for social order, and protection of public welfare. Creating chaos (fitnah) is considered worse than killing (Qur’an 2:191).
True Islamic governance is built on consultation (shura), accountability, and social welfare—not coercion or brutality.
Justice as the Path to Peace
Islam is not merely a religion for Muslims; it is a universal message of peace, justice, and human dignity. It teaches love for all creatures, protection of life, and service to humanity.
Terrorism arises from injustice, political manipulation, ignorance, and hatred—not from Islam. To defeat terrorism, the world must address its root causes: oppression, inequality, and deprivation.
Peace cannot be achieved without justice.
Unity cannot be achieved without respect.
Security cannot be achieved without fairness.
If humanity sincerely embraces justice and mutual understanding, then the true spirit of Islam—peace for all—will shine clearly across the world.
Islam is a religion of peace—peace for Muslims, peace for non-Muslims, peace for all creation.
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
Email
thepageintl.pk@gmail.com
www.rachughtai.com
