EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL PEACETHROUGHTOLERANCE The object of revealed religions is to establish a harmonious relationship among mankind. The message of Jesus was: ‘… have peace with one another’ (Mark 9:50) and Christians have named him the ‘Prince of Peace’. Islam means ‘Peace’ and the Muslim greeting Assalamu Alaikum means Peace be on you, in accordance with the Holy Quran which advocates ‘… the making of peace among men.'(4:115). This is the real Islam – the way of life and conduct which promotes peace. Aggression in any form is forbidden in Islam (2:257). The Holy Quran teaches that a Muslim is one who submits himself completely to God, that is to say one who strives to do His will and to win His pleasure through righteous deeds and conduct thereby manifesting the peaceful teachings of Islam. A Muslim is expected to maintain an atmosphere of peace with all whom he meets though, it should be borne in mind, Islam does permit one to resist aggression. Paradise has been described as ‘the abode of peace and, as heavenly life begins in this world, a devout Muslim should live peaceably with others in every sphere of life. Addressing mankind at large, God says in the Holy Quran: ‘This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour on you, and chosen for you Islam as religion'(5:4). It is natural and incumbent for a Muslim to convey the message of Islam but in doing so he is instructed to do so in the best way: ‘call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation and argue with them in a way that is best’ (16:126). This means that Muslims should preach in a courteous and agreeable manner. God says in the Holy Quran: ‘There is no compulsion in religion’ (2:257) therefore there is no question of endeavouring to compel a person.to accept the faith by means of verbal or physical pressure. Elsewhere the Holy Quran expressly states: ‘let him, who will, believe, and let him, who will, disbelieve’ (18:30). Such is the tolerant attitude of Islam.