Peace and Justice

Late June 2020, the world witnessed the best of humanity displayed by the villagers of Aceh, Indonesia, as they rescued about a 100 Rohingya refugees, including 30 children, floating on an overcrowded boat that was about to capsize (sadly, like many before) off the coast of Indonesia.

Now is the time for Muslims to think beyond Masjid, school, and disaster relief, and develop stronger coalitions with the society using Prophetic strategies.

With wars around the world, occupations, genocides and refugees, the state of peace in the world looks very bleak. Here are some practical things Muslim communities, particularly Masjids can do, to promote peace and security in the coming days.

It seems the preachers of peace have fallen short. Although both the Quran and the Bible contain God’s commandment that killing one innocent human being is like killing the whole of humanity, a large number of Americans believe it is justifiable to intentionally attack civilians.

War and terrorism are human failings. Some Muslims are twisting some portions of the Quran quotes about peace, war,  justice to justify their actions. At the same time there are many non-Muslims are misunderstanding certain verses about the Islamic conduct of war when it is forced upon them. 

If My slaves ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should therefore respond to Me and believe in Me so that hopefully they will be rightly guided. (Quran 2:186).

We have all, at some level, as individuals, been touched by the tragedy of 9/11. It has shocked, surprised, hurt and devastated us. Some may have even wanted to turn to despair. But dua for humanity, is a way out of these negative feelings.