Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
6. War and Peace in Islam
~ 84 ~
oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take
heed.” (16:90)
Because of the importance of this verse, the fifth pious caliph
issued instructions that it should be made a part of the Friday
sermon.
This verse tells us how human beings are supposed to lead
their lives in this world. The first thing, which is most important, is
to deal justly. That is, whatever right one has over another person
should be fulfilled. People should learn of the needs of their
relatives as well as other fellow human beings and spend their
money to fulfill their needs. They should not indulge in such things
as are disapproved of in society. They should not adopt the way of
arrogance and haughtiness. They should not only refrain from evil
deeds themselves, but should also persuade others to do the same.
There are a number of such verses as make it clear that war
and violence are alien to the scheme of Islam. In fact, they have
nothing to do with the kind of man Islam wants to build. It is
entirely based on bringing about a revolution in thought, and aims
at building a personality based on moral values. Man has to be
wholly imbued with the divine hue. However, another question
relates to the fact that human beings lead their lives in a society.
Social life repeatedly produces mutual conflicts. Everyone thinks
differently, everyone’s interests clash with those of others and these
differences sometimes escalate to war and violence.
