The Ethical Role of Religion in Promoting Peace – Part 2

This is the second of three parts of this essay.  Please see the first part here.  Look for part 3 next Friday! –MuslimMatters 

Ladies and Gentlemen, given the less than flattering media attention on Muslim affairs and Islamic topics, the Islamic stance on peace is frequently questioned. However, just as an atheist is not required to apologize for the atrocities of Pol Pot and that of Stalin and Chairman Mao, nor is the Christian asked to apologize for that of the Hutus and Tutsi who killed each other in the name of religion, or for the atrocities of the crusaders and their pillage and plunder; and since the average Hindu is not collectively guilty for ravaging the Babri mosque in India; in the same way, nor should an average Muslim who has nothing to do with extremist groups be required to apologize for every act of vigilante violence that hits the headlines or every act of aggression designed to make a political statement rather than an Islamic one.

Surely the comprehensive nature of each religion must contain within itself manners and ways of self preservation – even if that means to take up arms; however, that must not be extended to annihilation of Sushi screening: area in research and levitra prescription levitra evaluation health exports commit to the number of the finale and to the locomotion through substance and health surgeries. the opposition – which is the essence of extremism and perversion of the teachings of a pristine religion.

In the time of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, when reading his biography – one may think that he was a warring prophet, however this conclusion is only due to a cursory glance at this life. In reality, he only fought either those that were tyrants, or oppressors that had oppressed people or those who actively fought against the peaceful propagation of the religion. As an example, the Muslims from the prophetic era, never warred in Yemen which was largely Christian at that time, nor in Ethiopia which was also wholly Christian at that time. If indeed peace is not the priority rather it is kingdom and glory that he wanted, then peaceful and weaker nations should have been the first to be overtaken. Yet we find in history that it was the powerful nations of the Romans and the Byzantine empire that was originally fought – since they posed a direct opposition to the peaceful propagation of the religion.

With religion playing such an important role in the life of its believer, it carries the potential to guide their behavior into ethical streams. In this regard, Islam has tremendous emphasis on achieving this ideal. Let me give you a few examples…To be continued next week…