Islam & Peace (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B) : Revision Note

Muslim Teachings About the Nature of Peace

• Peace is more than an absence of war; it means a sense of wellbeing, where everything that disturbs humanity is removed so that people can live in harmony

  • It involves the absence of injustice, oppression, and corruption

• The word Islam means submission to God, but it also means peace 

• The Qur’an teaches that submitting to Allah and remembering him is the best way to achieve peace

• The Qur’an also teaches that those who treat others in ways that promote peace and react in a peaceful way when provoked are the best believers

Islam as a Religion of Peace

• Because one of the meanings of the word Islam is peace, Muslims believe that the very name of the religion Allah chose for them shows that it is a religion of peace

• One of the 99 Names of Allah is as a "Source of Peace" (Qur’an 59:23)

• Muslims greet each other by saying “Salaam alaykum” meaning “May peace be with you”

• Muslims believe that their religion brings them a peaceful life

  • The Qur’an described Islam as “Dar as Salaam” meaning the “house of peace”

  • The Ummah is very important and Muslims should try to live in peace with each other and support each other within it

• Muslims should work for peace, even when they face criticism and hate from others

  • The Qur’an instructs followers to do nothing that threatens peace, such as acting in an arrogant way

• They also should not engage with people who only want to mock their beliefs

• Muslims call countries where Islam is the national religion the "abode of peace", while countries, where Islam is not the national religion, are known as "the abode of war"

• Heaven, the ultimate reward for faithful Muslims, is described as a place of peace 

How Muslims Understand the Importance of Peace

• Peace is the very reason that Allah revealed Islam to the world

• Muslims believe that Islam aims to provide peace on every level in the world today, from individual peace right up to peace at a global level

  • On an individual level, Muslims believe that they will gain inner peace through submission to the will of Allah and by living according to the moral values set by their faith.

    • This will make them behave with love, compassion, and mercy to others

    • This in turn will help them to have peaceful relationships with others within their family and their communities.

  • Ultimately Muslims believe that Islam can provide global peace in every sphere of life: political, social, and economic

• As a result, seeking peace should be central to a Muslim’s life.

  • They should always look for an amicable solution where there is potential conflict

  • They should follow the example of peace set by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

    • Whenever Muhammad(pbuh) had a choice between two courses of action, he always chose the non-confrontational one, saying ‘an amicable settlement is best.’ (Qur’an 4:128)