Islam and Peace
Non-Violence and Islam
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word
sabr
exactly expresses the notion of non-
violence as it is understood in modern times. That
patient action is non-violent action as has been
clearly expressed in the Qur’an. According to one
tradition, the Prophet of Islam observed: God grants
to
rifq
(gentleness) what he does not grant to
unf
(violence).
(Sunan,
Abu Dawood, 4/255)
The word
rifq
has been used in this hadith as an
antithesis to
unf.
These terms convey exactly what is
meant by violence and non-violence in present
times. This hadith clearly indicates the superiority
of the non-violent method.
God grants on non-violence what He does not grant
to violence is no simple matter. It has very wide and
deep implications. It embodies an eternal law of
nature. By the very law of nature all bad things are
associated with violence, while all good things are
associated with non-violence.
Violent activities breed hatred in society, while non-
violent activities elicit love. Violence is the way of
destruction while non-violence is the way of
construction. In an atmosphere of violence, it is
enmity which flourishes, while in an atmosphere of
