Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
6. War and Peace in Islam
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Similarly on another occasion the Prophet of Islam said:
God grants to non-violence what He does not grant to
violence.
This saying of the Prophet of Islam tells us that, because of
their consequences, the Prophet regarded war and violence as
futile. He was convinced that goals can be achieved only by
peaceful means. No positive results can be achieved by the violent
method. This saying amounts to a Prophetic declaration in favour
of peace and against war.
In this connection one finds a number of sayings of the Prophet
of Islam in the books of Seerah and traditions which tell us directly
or indirectly that war and violence are to be abhorred. It was peace
which the Prophet desired most. This is because Islam is a religion
of peace. The Quran calls its ways “the paths of Peace” (5:16). It
favours reconciliation as the best policy (4:128). It is clearly stated
in the Quran that God abhors the disturbance of peace (2:205).
Thus I would like to conclude this chapter with this prayer of
the Prophet:
O God, you are peace. Peace is from you. Peace
returns to you. O Lord, let us live a life of peace. O
Lord, usher us into your home, the house of peace.
Glory be to God, the most high. All glory and all
greatness is for you, O Lord.
