Peace is Not the Product of Power
A Quranic, Prophetic, and Scholarly Perspective
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
Introduction
The pursuit of peace has long been a fundamental goal of human civilization. However, many political systems, empires, and modern powers have mistakenly assumed that peace is the product of power — achieved through military dominance, coercion, and control. Islam, in contrast, teaches that true peace (As-Salaam) is a divine gift, grounded in justice, compassion, moral order, and spiritual consciousness, not brute force or political superiority.
This article explores this principle through Quranic verses, sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), sermons of Imam Ali (AS), and views of renowned Sunni and Shia scholars.
1. Quranic Foundation: Peace Rooted in Justice and Faith
The Quran emphasizes that peace comes not from power but from faith, justice, and submission to the will of Allah.
a. Peace Is a Name of Allah
هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ
“He is Allah, besides whom there is no god: the King, the Holy, the Source of Peace…”
— (Surah Al-Hashr 59:23)
Allah is As-Salaam — the Source of Peace. Peace is not a consequence of war or victory, but a divine attribute that manifests through righteousness and submission.
b. Justice as the Foundation of Peace
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ
“Indeed, Allah commands justice and excellence…”
— (Surah An-Nahl 16:90)
Without justice, peace becomes superficial. The Quran links peace with moral order, not with dominance or military strength.
c. No Compulsion, Only Dialogue
لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ
“There is no compulsion in religion…”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256)
Islam teaches that persuasion, dialogue, and tolerance are the real tools of peace — not swords or bombs.
2. Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Peace Is a Moral Mission
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is titled “Rahmatul-lil-Alameen” — Mercy for all creation (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107). He embodied peace, not domination.
a. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
The Prophet signed a peace treaty with the Quraysh, even though it appeared disadvantageous to Muslims. It was a turning point toward the spread of Islam:
“I swear by God, I will not reject any offer for peace as long as it respects the sanctities of Allah.”
— Reported in Seerah of Ibn Hisham
b. Emphasis on Mercy, Not Might
“Do not wish for battle with the enemy; rather, ask Allah for safety. But if you are forced into battle, be firm…”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2966
c. Love for Humanity
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim
3. Sermons of Imam Ali (AS): Wisdom Beyond War
Imam Ali (AS), the first Imam of Shia Islam and the fourth Caliph of Sunni Islam, emphasized that true governance and peace come from morality, not power.
a. Letter to Malik al-Ashtar
“Let your heart be filled with mercy, love, and kindness for your subjects… do not be like a beast over them. The people are of two kinds: either your brother in religion or your equal in humanity.”
— Nahjul Balagha, Letter 53
This foundational political document proves that Imam Ali saw human dignity, not military dominance, as the core of just rule.
b. Sermon on the Role of Power
“The strongest among people is he who controls himself in anger… Victory in war does not mean success in life.”
— Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 190
4. Views of Contemporary and Classical Scholars
a. Imam Abu Hanifa (Sunni Jurist)
He opposed the use of state power for unjust wars. He refused to collaborate with the Umayyad and Abbasid rulers, teaching that coercion breeds rebellion, not peace.
b. Allama Tabatabai (Shia Scholar)
In Tafsir al-Mizan, he writes on Surah Al-Anfal 61:
“Peace is preferred when possible. Power must only be used to repel aggression — not to establish control.”
c. Dr. Israr Ahmed (Sunni Scholar from Pakistan)
He warned against the belief that military might is the solution for the Ummah:
“Our victory is through reform and education, not tanks and missiles. The Quran changed people’s hearts — that is the true power.”
d. Sayyid Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah (Shia Scholar from Lebanon)
He said:
“Peace is not a sign of weakness. It is the outcome of moral strength and respect for the rights of others.”
e. Jawed Ahmad Ghamidi (Contemporary Muslim Thinker)
Ghamidi argues that:
“Islam’s vision of peace is built on reason, mutual respect, and freedom of conscience — never on compulsion or force.”
5. Lessons from Other Civilizations and Scriptures
- Christianity teaches “Blessed are the peacemakers…” (Matthew 5:9).
- Judaism upholds Shalom as the highest ideal.
- Gandhi of India famously said:
“The day power overcomes love, the world will know peace no more.”
6. Reality Check: When Power Claims to Deliver Peace
Modern powers often justify invasions under the guise of “peacekeeping.” Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine are tragic examples where power failed to bring peace and instead led to decades of chaos.
“Might is right” is not Islamic. Islam teaches that “Right is might.”
Conclusion: Peace Comes Through Inner and Outer Submission
True peace stems from:
- Taqwa (God-consciousness)
- Adl (Justice)
- Rahma (Mercy)
No amount of weapons or political muscle can replace the moral architecture that the Quran, the Prophet (PBUH), and Imam Ali (AS) emphasize.
Final Quranic Reflection
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً
“O believers! Enter into peace wholeheartedly…”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:208)
References:
- The Holy Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah, Al-Hashr, An-Nahl, Al-Anfal)
- Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim (Hadith collections)
- Nahjul Balagha (Sermons and Letters of Imam Ali AS)
- Tafsir al-Mizan – Allama Tabatabai
- Seerah of Ibn Hisham
- Lectures by Dr. Israr Ahmed, Jawed Ghamidi, Sayyid Fadlallah
- Islamic and interfaith ethical traditions
