Ideology of Peace
PEACE IN ISLAM
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certainly desirable that if a loyal subject sees his
ruler taking the wrong path, he should bring this to
his attention by means of sincere advice and with
an attitude of well-wishing. But as far as taking
practical steps is concerned, he must totally refrain
from doing so. He must differentiate between
sincere advice and the politics of confrontation. He
should make use of his lawful right to utter well-
meaning words of advice, while totally refraining
from political confrontation.
This underlying principle is extremely important. An
atmosphere of violence is produced in society when
its members launch confrontational movements
directed against their rulers, with the aim of
overthrowing them in the name of political reform.
If, on the other hand, they confined themselves to
verbal advice and refrained from controversial
politics, society would always remain peaceful. It
would never become a jungle of violence.
THE VIRTUE OF FLEXIBILITY
According to a tradition, the Prophet of Islam
observed: “The believer is like a gentle plant.
