Message of Thaqalayn

A Quarterly Journal of Islamic Studies

Boundless Peace and Friendship in the Qur'an

One of the most significant current discussions about Islam is that of peace.  What does the Qur’an say about peace and war, and how did the Prophet Muhammad (s) deal with those who did not accept Islam as a way of life? This paper examines the solutions the Qur’an provides to prevent bloodshed and its emphasis on peace towards humankind. According to its teachings, preventing factors that lead to violence such as disputation, unjustified killing, and holding feelings of vengeance are some actions and feelings people are to refrain from. Allah has set worldly punishments as retaliation for those who unjustly kill or injure others. Moreover, the Qur’an sets principles of settling peace, while the Prophet (s) was an exemplar of those standards in assuming the role of the peacemaker with polytheists and atheists, as well as with the People of the Book.  Islam highly regards those with a peaceful attitude provided that those who trample on the rights of others are to be firmly resisted in this world, and will face judgment for that act in the afterlife.


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