SOR2 – Notes On Islam & Peace

Resource Description

ISLAM AND PEACE 🡪 derived from the word “slm” meaning submission and “salam” meaning peace, Islam can be translated as “peace in submission” 🡪 peace is the fundamental aim of Islam. In Islam there are 3 types of peace: 1- Peace with Allah. 2- Peace with the community. 3- Peace with humanity as a whole. Inner peace must first be achieved by having peace with God before peace can be achieved with others in the community and then with the rest of humanity. Inner peace can be achieved through the inner struggle of self-transformation and purification, or greater Jihad.

THIS UNDERSTANDING OF PEACE IS DERIVED FROM/INFORMED THROUGH THE SACRED WRITINGS OF THE HADITH & THE QURAN

The Quran: The ‘Speech of God’ which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Organised into 114 chapters.

The Hadith: a collection of the words and deeds of Muhammad. Considered to be subordinate to the Quran.

PEACE IN THE QURAN AND HADITH 🡪 God as the source of Peace

• God as the home of peace: “God calls to the home peace” (10:25)
• God is a manifestation of peace: “God is peace” (Hadith)
• Paradise, which is the ultimate goal for all adherents, is the home of peace: “In heaven, no gossip or recrimination is heard, nothing but peace and again peace” (56:26)

Peace is ∴ a prerequisite of Islam: “peace be upon the one who follows the right path” (Hadith)