Islam is a Religion of Peace

Islam is a religion of peace, love, security, and prosperity. The Holy Quran also emphasized peace and tolerance in many verses of the Quran. According to the Quran, the religion Islam teaches love and compassion for every human being, no matter what’s their religion is. Allah Almighty says in Noble Quran about peace in these words: 

“O you who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you.” (Quran, 2:208)

From the above verse of the Holy Quran it is clear that peace is very important in the life of Muslims as it is the command of Allah Almighty. Peace is equally important for an individual to believe in Allah with his own will and aspiration, and also observe Allah’s commands and advice through personal diligent satisfaction. Now a day’s slam has been getting an extremely bad reputation across the world and Muslims have had to face some major hate because of it. Below are some verses of the Holy Quran that will show Islam is a religion that promotes peace and tolerance.

Wishing others with peace is a way of greeting in Islam. When Muslims greet each other they say “Asalam-o-Alaikum” which means “peace be upon you”. It is also mentioned in the Holy Quran: “Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.” (Quran, 13:24)

Muslims are only allowed to act in defense. Muslims have permission from Allah Almighty to fight back only when they are expelled from their houses or lands. Allah says in Noble Quran: 

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.” (Quran, 2:190). In another verse, Allah (SWT) said:  “Fight them until there is no (more) fitnah and [until] worship is (acknowledged to be) for Allah. But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the oppressors.” (Quran, 2:193)

No one should be forced to believe in Islam. Allah Almighty stated in the Holy Quran: “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion” (Quran, 2:256). Muslims can call people to the righteous path that is towards the path of Allah Almighty with kindness and love but they are not allowed to force them. Only Almighty Allah can guide people to the right path as mentioned in the Holy Quran:

“Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.” (Quran, 28:56)

Muslims should treat prisoners of war with honor. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], “We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.” (Quran, 76:8-9)

The Holy Quran provides an environment where people can fully enjoy the freedom of thought and freedom of religion and allows people to live by the faith and values they believe in. Allah Almighty mentioned in the Noble Quran: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Quran, 60:8)

The values of the Holy Quran hold a Muslim responsible for treating all people, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, kindly and justly, and preventing the propagation of evil. “And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.” (Quran, 2:205)

Allah Almighty loves those who promote peace. From the above-mentioned verses of the Holy Quran, the perception of people who think Islam is not the religion of peace should change.