One of the most widespread misconceptions about Islam is that it promotes violence or terrorism. Having deeply studied Islam and interacted with thousands of Muslims for over 2 decades, I have not witnessed violence in any shape or form, from religious Muslims nor from the authentic religious text’s I have studied and follow.
The misconception that Islam promotes violence, is simply due to a lack of understanding, misinformation, and stereotypes.
Peace is a core value in Islamic ethics:
For me and millions of others who practice Islam, Islam is a religion that emphasizes peace, justice, and compassion. Acts of violence committed by individuals or groups do not reflect any teachings of Islam, and using them to define an entire faith or its followers, speaks clearly of ignorance.
Islam is deeply connected to the concept of peace. The word “Islam” itself means “submission” or “peaceful surrender” to God’s will. Peace is an integral part of Islamic teachings and principles.
Some mighty ways that Islam promotes and emphasizes peace are:
1 – The peaceful Quranic teachings: The holy book of Islam, contains many verses emphasizing peace, justice, and reconciliation. It encourages Muslims to seek peaceful resolutions, promote compassion, and maintain harmonious relationships with others. A beautiful example: “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace” (Quran 25:63).
2 – The peaceful example of Prophet Muhammad: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the benchmark and model of Islamic teachings for Muslims. Throughout his life, he promoted peace and reconciliation, even in challenging circumstances. The Prophet emphasized forgiveness, kindness, and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
3 – Preservation of life and sanctity: Islam greatly emphasises the sanctity and preservation of human life. Muslims are taught not to harm others unjustly, and the taking of innocent lives is strictly forbidden.
4 – Peaceful coexistence: Islam teaches how to achieve peaceful coexistence and building good relations between individuals, communities, and nations. Muslims are urged in the name of God, to establish peace, justice, and equality in society, and to treat *all* individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. Islam promotes tolerance, understanding, and cooperation among people of different faiths. Unfortunately some other faiths fall short of this level of tolerating and accepting others.
5 – Internal peace and spirituality: Islam is a path and emphasizes inner peace and spiritual development. Muslims are encouraged to cultivate peace within by seeking a strong connection with God, practicing self-awareness & mindfulness, and engaging in daily acts of sincere worship and devotion. Islam knows that only with inner peace can individuals contribute positively to society and promote peace in their interactions with others.
In conclusion – so why do we see on media, Muslim engaged in acts of violence!
While Islam promotes peace, there are many instances where global conflicts arise due to factors related to geopolitical issues, cultural influences, or misinterpretations of religious texts. These conflicts *cannot* be attributed to the essence of Islam in any way or form. It is essential to differentiate between the teachings of Islam and the actions of individuals or groups who distort or misrepresent those teachings.
Simply put – Islam promotes peace at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels, and encourages Muslims to be agents of peace and justice in the world.
Solution to dispelling this misconception?
Seek accurate information and engage in respectful dialogue to dispel misconceptions about any religion, including Islam
Interact with diverse Muslim communities and learn from credible sources to help foster understanding and bridge divides.
Written by Cynthia Aisha Meguid
Well-Being – Teacher, Educator, Consultant & Coach
