Source: Sermons of Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq Zahid, compiled by: Tauheed.com
Peace and security are among the greatest and most fundamental blessings of human life. If peace is established in a society, its inhabitants live a life of tranquility and contentment. Men and women, rich and poor, rulers and subjects, all remain prosperous. No one lives in fear of anyone else; every individual feels secure regarding their life, wealth, honor, and family. In an environment of peace, people perform their duties better, and society progresses and moves towards prosperity.
On the contrary, where there is unrest and reign of fear and terror, human life becomes miserable. Neither life is safe, nor wealth and riches, nor honor and dignity. People live in fear, the peace of nights is lost, and society falls prey to chaos and destruction.
Islam has given peace and security such a status that it has linked it with faith and the blessing of sustenance. This is the reality that we will try to understand in this article in the light of the Quran and Hadith.
The Importance of Peace and Security
❀ If society is peaceful, people live a life of comfort and tranquility.
❀ Young and old, men and women, rich and poor all live in contentment.
❀ Every individual easily fulfills their responsibilities.
❀ On the contrary, where there is insecurity, life becomes difficult.
❀ Due to fear, terror, and lawlessness, neither lives are safe, nor honor, nor property.
Insecurity is a curse that robs a person of the joy of life. When someone’s honor is violated, hard-earned wealth is looted in moments, or a family suffers oppression, a person begins to prefer death over life. This is why Islam has made maintaining peace in society an essential part of faith.
The Prayer of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him): The Foundation of Peace and Provision
When Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was about to leave his family in the barren valley (Makkah), the first thing he prayed for was peace:
﴿ وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاہِیْمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ ہَـٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَہْلَہُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْہُم بِاللّٰہِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ﴾
Translation: “And when Abraham prayed, ‘O my Lord! Make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits, those of them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.'”
This verse indicates that both peace and sustenance are two essential pillars of a society’s success. Prophet Abraham first prayed for peace, then for sustenance — this shows that abundance of sustenance is only beneficial when the society is full of peace and security.
Makkah Mukarramah: The Land of Peace
As a result of Prophet Abraham’s prayer, Allah made Makkah Mukarramah such a peaceful place that hunting, cutting trees, and even picking up fallen items were declared forbidden there.
Allah Almighty said:
﴿ وَمَن يُرِدْ فِيهِ بِإِلْحَادٍ بِظُلْمٍ نُّذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ ﴾
Translation: “And whoever intends to commit injustice in the Sacred Mosque, We will make him taste a painful punishment.”
This was the peace of Makkah, while the surrounding areas were dens of unrest, killing, and plunder. Allah reminded the people of Makkah of this favor by saying:
﴿ أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا حَرَمًا آمِنًا وَيُتَخَطَّفُ النَّاسُ مِنْ حَوْلِهِمْ أَفَبِالْبَاطِلِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَبِنِعْمَةِ اللّٰهِ يَكْفُرُونَ ﴾
Translation: “Do they not see that We have made the Sacred House a secure place, while people around them are being seized? Yet these people believe in falsehood and are ungrateful for Allah’s favor?”
Allah Almighty reminded the people of Makkah of the blessing of peace and explained that this peace is a reward for His worship and obedience. However, the disbelievers of Makkah, being ungrateful, adopted polytheism and rejected the invitation of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Importance of Peace and Security in the Teachings of the Noble Prophet ﷺ
Allah Almighty repeatedly reminded the people of Makkah of the blessing of peace and urged them to be grateful for it. Mentioning this blessing at another place, He said:
﴿ فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَٰذَا الْبَيْتِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍ وَآمَنَهُم مِّنْ خَوْفٍ ﴾
Translation: “So let them worship the Lord of this House (Kaaba), Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear.”
These verses indicate that Allah Almighty has described provision and peace as two great blessings. Provision is a necessity for the body, and peace is comfort for the heart; without both, human life cannot attain tranquility.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s Saying: Three Fundamental Blessings
The Noble Prophet ﷺ mentioned a third blessing along with these two blessings, that is health and well-being, saying:
( مَنْ أَصْبَحَ مِنْكُمْ مُعَافًى فِي جَسَدِهِ، آمِنًا فِي سِرْبِهِ، عِندَهُ قُوتُ يَوْمِهِ، فَكَأَنَّمَا حِيزَتْ لَهُ الدُّنْيَا )
Translation: “Whoever wakes up in the morning healthy in body, peaceful in his surroundings, and has food for the day, it is as if the whole world has been gathered for him.”
This hadith indicates that a person’s true happiness is not in wealth or worldly status and honor, but in health, peace, and sufficiency of sustenance. When these three come together, a person is considered successful in both this world and the Hereafter.
Sanctity of Muslim Blood
Islam not only advocates peace but also equates the sanctity of Muslim blood to the sanctity of Makkah Mukarramah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
( إِنَّ دِمَاءَكُمْ وَأَمْوَالَكُمْ حَرَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ كَحُرْمَةِ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا فِي شَهْرِكُمْ هَٰذَا فِي بَلَدِكُمْ هَٰذَا )
Translation: “Indeed, your blood and your wealth are sacred to you, just as this day of yours, this month of yours, and this city of yours are sacred.”
In this command, the Prophet ﷺ declared the blood and wealth of Muslims as sacred. That is, unlawfully killing a Muslim or destroying his wealth is a sin equivalent to violating the sanctity of Makkah Mukarramah.
The Sermon of Yawm al-Nahr and the Prohibition of Unlawful Killing
It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Bakrah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on the day of sacrifice in Mina:
( فَإِنَّ دِمَاءَكُمْ وَأَمْوَالَكُمْ وَأَعْرَاضَكُمْ حَرَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ كَحُرْمَةِ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا فِي بَلَدِكُمْ هَٰذَا فِي شَهْرِكُمْ هَٰذَا… )
Translation: “Indeed, your blood, your wealth, and your honor are sacred to you, just as this day of yours, this city of yours, and this month of yours are sacred.”
Then he ﷺ said:
“You will meet your Lord, and He will question you about your deeds. Beware! After me, do not become disbelievers or misguided so that you start killing one another.”
These words make it clear that shedding the blood of a Muslim is a crime that brings a person to the brink of disbelief or misguidance. It is obligatory upon a Muslim to protect the life, honor, and wealth of his brother.
Unlawful Killing: The Killing of All Humanity
Allah Almighty said in the Holy Quran:
﴿ مَن قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا ﴾
Translation: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”
This verse is evidence that unlawful killing is not just a loss to an individual but a crime against all humanity. Islam is a religion of peace and security, and taking the life of any innocent person is the greatest sin.
Severe Warning in the Quran for Killing a Believer
Islam has declared the killing of a believer as an extremely serious crime. Allah Almighty said in the Holy Quran:
﴿ وَمَنْ يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا ﴾
Translation: “And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally. And Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment.”
This verse contains five terrible warnings for a murderer:
① The punishment of Hell.
② Eternal residence in Hell.
③ The wrath of Allah.
④ The curse of Allah.
⑤ Preparation for a great torment.
No other sin has been warned so severely, indicating how detestable shedding the blood of a believer is in the sight of Allah Almighty.
Fatwa of Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA)
A person asked Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) that if someone deliberately kills a believer, then repents, embraces faith, and performs good deeds, will his repentance be accepted?
He replied:
“He is doomed! How can guidance be possible for him, while I have heard from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that he said:
( يَجِيءُ الْقَاتِلُ وَالْمَقْتُولُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مُتَعَلِّقٌ بِرَأْسِ صَاحِبِهِ، يَقُولُ: رَبِّ، سَلْ هَذَا لِمَ قَتَلَنِي؟ )
Translation: ‘On the Day of Resurrection, the killer and the killed will come, and the killed will cling to the head of his killer and say: O my Lord! Ask him why he killed me?’”
Then Ibn Abbas (RA) said:
“By Allah! This verse ‘وَمَنْ يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا…’ was revealed and Allah did not abrogate it.”
This is clear evidence that the wrongful killing of a believer is an unforgivable crime unless the heirs of the deceased or Allah Himself forgive.
The blood of a Muslim who professes the Kalima is not lawful
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
( لَا يَحِلُّ دَمُ امْرِئٍ مُسْلِمٍ يَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَأَنِّي رَسُولُ اللّٰهِ إِلَّا بِإِحْدَى ثَلَاثٍ: الثَّيِّبُ الزَّانِي، وَالنَّفْسُ بِالنَّفْسِ، وَالتَّارِكُ لِدِينِهِ الْمُفَارِقُ لِلْجَمَاعَةِ )
Translation: “The blood of a Muslim who testifies that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that I am His Messenger is not lawful except in three cases:
① A married adulterer,
② A murderer,
③ One who abandons the religion and separates from the community.”
This hadith makes it clear that Islam does not permit wrongful killing under any circumstances.
The sanctity of a believer’s blood
It is narrated from Hazrat Bara’ bin Azib رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
( لَزَوَالُ الدُّنْيَا أَهْوَنُ عَلَى اللّٰهِ مِنْ قَتْلِ مُؤْمِنٍ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ )
Translation: “The end of the world is lighter in the sight of Allah than the wrongful killing of a believer.”
That is, even if the entire world is destroyed, it is still a lesser tragedy in the sight of Allah than the unjust killing of a single believer. This statement indicates how great the sanctity of a believer’s life is in the sight of Allah.
Collective Crime: Everyone Shares in the Killing of a Believer
Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) and Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrate that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
( لَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ اشْتَرَكُوا فِي دَمِ مُؤْمِنٍ لَأَكَبَّهُمُ اللّٰهُ فِي النَّارِ )
Translation: “If all the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth were to share in the blood of a believer, Allah would cast them all into Hell.”
This hadith draws attention to the severity of killing a believer and the collective responsibility involved. Being involved in oppression or killing at any level is a cause for Hell.
On the Day of Judgment, the Blood Will Be Judged First
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
( أَوَّلُ مَا يُقْضَى بَيْنَ النَّاسِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فِي الدِّمَاءِ )
Translation: “On the Day of Judgment, the first matter to be judged will be the bloodshed.”
This declaration states that the sanctity of human life is paramount in the sight of Allah. Therefore, the Muslim who sheds the blood of his brother will be the first to be held accountable.
Protecting oneself from sacred bloodshed
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
( مَنْ لَقِيَ اللّٰهَ لَا يُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا، وَلَمْ يَتَنَدَّ بِدَمٍ حَرَامٍ، دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ )
Translation: “Whoever meets Allah without associating anything with Him and has not shed sacred blood will enter Paradise.”
This hadith gives us two fundamental principles:
① To remain steadfast on monotheism.
② To avoid shedding sacred blood.
Whoever protects these two is guaranteed Paradise.
Condemnation of corruption on earth and terrorism
Islam is a religion of peace, security, and brotherhood. It strictly forbids spreading disorder in society, creating fear and terror, or killing innocents. Those who destroy peace and security, spread fear through bombings, suicide attacks, or killing and looting, are indeed those who cause corruption on earth.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that the blood, wealth, and honor of a Muslim hold as much sanctity as Makkah Mukarramah, Dhu al-Hijjah, and the Day of Arafah. Therefore, taking the life of a Muslim or destroying his wealth and property is equivalent to violating the sanctity of Makkah.
Punishment for Those Who Spread Corruption
Allah Almighty has prescribed a severe punishment in the Holy Quran for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread corruption on earth. Allah the Exalted says:
﴿ إِنَّمَا جَزَاءُ الَّذِينَ يُحَارِبُونَ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَيَسْعَوْنَ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَسَادًا أَنْ يُقَتَّلُوا أَوْ يُصَلَّبُوا أَوْ تُقَطَّعَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَأَرْجُلُهُم مِّنْ خِلَافٍ أَوْ يُنفَوْا مِنَ الْأَرْضِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ لَهُمْ خِزْيٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَلَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴾
Translation: “Indeed, the punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption in the land is that they be killed or crucified, or that their hands and feet be cut off on opposite sides, or that they be exiled from the land. That is their disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter, they will have a great punishment.”
This verse is a clear warning to all those who destroy the peace of society through bombings, killings, looting, and terrorism.
The Shariah Ruling on Bombings and Suicide Attacks
In today’s era, some misguided people argue that since the government or army oppresses, therefore we will take revenge through suicide attacks.
But in Islam, killing innocents is not permissible under any circumstances.
In suicide attacks and bombings, usually ordinary people are killed — women, children, the elderly, and those civilians who have no connection with those conflicts.
Shedding the blood of such innocents is not only oppression but also tantamount to defaming the name of Islam.
Islam does not permit oppression in response to any oppression. Allah Almighty says:
﴿ وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَى ﴾
Translation: “No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.”
Therefore, targeting innocents in retaliation for the oppression of any government or army is completely impermissible.
The Consequences of Terrorism
It is a fact that due to the actions of such individuals, Islam and Muslims are called “terrorists” on a global scale. Their deeds strengthen the propaganda of the enemies of Islam and defame the pulpit and the prayer niche. When such individuals associate themselves with religion and insist on their actions, they actually distort the face of Islam.
Therefore, it is necessary for Muslims to act wisely, stay away from these misguided thoughts, and pray for the peace and stability of the Ummah. The Prophet ﷺ said:
( اَلْمُسْلِمُ مَنْ سَلِمَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ مِنْ لِسَانِهِ وَيَدِهِ )
Translation: “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.”
A Muslim who harms his brothers, spreads fear and terror, or oppresses, acts against this Prophetic command.
Reaction to Oppression and Corruption
Some people say that since rulers commit oppression, we should respond to oppression with oppression. But such thinking is strongly condemned in the Quran and Sunnah.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿ وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ نَسُوا اللّٰهَ فَأَنسَاهُمْ أَنفُسَهُمْ ﴾
Translation: “And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.”
Whoever abandons Allah’s command and follows the path of revenge, puts his own faith at risk.
Guidance for the Believers
Those who leave behind corruption, killing, and destruction and choose the path of reform and peace, there is glad tidings for them in the Quran:
﴿ وَاللّٰهُ يَدْعُو إِلَىٰ دَارِ السَّلَامِ ﴾
Translation: “And Allah invites to the Home of Peace (Paradise).”
So those who establish peace in the world are actually accepting Allah’s invitation. And those who spread disorder are considered enemies of Allah.
Causes for Establishing Peace and Security
(In the light of Quran and Sunnah)
Where Islam strictly prohibits disorder, murder, and corruption on earth, it also clarifies the means for establishing peace, through which a society can become a cradle of tranquility and safety. Today, when the Muslim Ummah is surrounded by trials and appears deprived of peace and security, it is necessary that we seek from the Quran and Sunnah those means through which true peace can be attained.
❶ Faith — The Foundation of Peace
The first and most important cause of peace and security is faith. Without faith, true peace is not possible. Allah Almighty says:
﴿ فَمَنْ آمَنَ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ ﴾
Translation: “Then whoever believes and reforms, there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
Faith is the source of peace. When the heart is filled with belief in Allah and fear of the Hereafter, a person does not oppress anyone. A believer who fulfills the requirements of his faith remains content himself and becomes a source of peace for others.
Characteristics of the Believers
Allah Almighty has described some qualities of the believers in the Holy Quran which clarify the mutual relationship between peace and faith:
﴿ إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللّٰهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا لَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ ﴾
Translation: “The true believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned before them, and when His verses are recited to them, their faith increases, and they put their trust in their Lord. They establish prayer and spend out of what We have provided them. These are the true believers; for them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord, forgiveness, and noble provision.”
From the combination of these five qualities — fear (of Allah), certainty, reliance (Tawakkul), prayer, and charity — a society emerges where justice and peace prevail, not oppression and rebellion.
The Mutual Relationship Between Faith and Peace
Faith and peace are inseparable. Where there is faith, peace will naturally arise. When faith weakens, insecurity, fear, and corruption spread. That is why the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, upon sighting the new moon, used to supplicate:
( اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالإِسْلَامِ، رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكَ اللّٰهُ )
Translation: “Allah is the Greatest. O Allah! Let this moon rise upon us with peace and faith, safety and Islam. Our Lord and (O moon!) your Lord is Allah alone.”
In this supplication, the Prophet ﷺ linked peace with faith, as if these two are two aspects of the same reality.
❷ Avoidance of Shirk and Pure Worship of Allah
The second major reason for the establishment of peace after faith is that all Muslims worship Allah alone purely and completely avoid shirk.
Allah Almighty has promised:
﴿ وَعَدَ اللّٰهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ ﴾
Translation: “And those of you who believe and do righteous deeds, Allah has promised them that He will surely make them successors in the land, as He made those before them, and will establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them, and will change their fear into security. They will worship Me alone and will not associate anyone with Me.”
This verse clarifies the reality that pure worship of Allah and monotheism guarantee the establishment of peace. If polytheism spreads in society, then Allah’s help and peace are lost.
Only Faith Free from Polytheism is the Cause of True Peace
Allah Almighty said at another place:
﴿ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوا إِيمَانَهُم بِظُلْمٍ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمُ الْأَمْنُ وَهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ ﴾
Translation: “Those who believe and do not mix their faith with injustice (i.e., polytheism), for them is peace, and they are the guided ones.”
This verse indicates that only faith free from polytheism guarantees peace. Therefore, until the Muslim Ummah turns towards pure monotheism, true peace will not be attained.
❸ Dua — The Spiritual Means to Attain Peace
Dua is the strongest weapon of a believer. Just as sustenance, health, and other blessings are sought from Allah Almighty, similarly peace and security are also attained through dua.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say this dua after every obligatory prayer:
( اَللّٰهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالإِكْرَامِ )
Translation: “O Allah! You are Peace, and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Glory and Honor.”
This prayer is a symbol of the fact that safety and peace are only in the hands of Allah.
Similarly, the Holy Prophet ﷺ used to recite this prayer morning and evening:
( اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي، اَللّٰهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي، اَللّٰهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيَّ وَمِنْ خَلْفِي وَعَنْ يَمِينِي وَعَنْ شِمَالِي وَمِنْ فَوْقِي، وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي )
Translation: “O Allah! I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah! Grant well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth. O Allah! Conceal my faults and transform my fear into peace. O Allah! Protect me from in front, behind, right, left, and above, and I seek refuge in Your greatness lest I be destroyed suddenly from beneath.”
These prayers teach that peace and safety depend more on Allah’s support and protection than on human actions.
❹ Brotherhood and Fraternity
An important means of establishing peace is to promote brotherhood and fraternity among Muslims.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
( اَلْمُسْلِمُ أَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ، لَا يَظْلِمُهُ وَلَا يَخْذُلُهُ وَلَا يَحْقِرُهُ، اَلتَّقْوَى هَاهُنَا – وَيُشِيرُ إِلَى صَدْرِهِ ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ – بِحَسْبِ امْرِئٍ مِنَ الشَّرِّ أَنْ يَحْقِرَ أَخَاهُ الْمُسْلِمَ، كُلُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ حَرَامٌ: دَمُهُ وَمَالُهُ وَعِرْضُهُ )
Translation: “A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim. He neither oppresses him, nor humiliates him, nor considers him insignificant. Piety is here (pointing to the chest). It is enough evil for a man to despise his brother. The blood, wealth, and honor of every Muslim are forbidden for another Muslim.”
This hadith teaches the principles of social justice, respect, and love. If Muslims uphold each other’s rights, disorder can never spread in society.
Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ said:
( لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لِأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ )
Translation: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
This teaching is the foundation of love, compassion, and justice, which are essential components of peace and tranquility.
❺ Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil
Enjoining good and forbidding evil is the backbone of peace in an Islamic society.
If parents, teachers, scholars, rulers, and every individual perform this duty at their level, not only will crimes end, but an atmosphere of peace and justice will be established.
The Quran says:
﴿ كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّٰهِ ﴾
Translation: “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.”
If this duty is revived at every level, society will be free from oppression, injustice, and unrest.
❻ Avoiding Harm
The biggest obstacle to peace is causing harm to others. If every person resolves not to harm anyone, the entire society will become a cradle of peace.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
( خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ يُرْجَىٰ خَيْرُهُ وَيُؤْمَنُ شَرُّهُ، وَشَرُّكُمْ مَنْ لَا يُرْجَىٰ خَيْرُهُ وَلَا يُؤْمَنُ شَرُّهُ )
Translation: “The best among you is the one from whom good is expected and from whose evil people are safe, and the worst is the one from whom no good is expected and from whose evil people are not safe.”
Similarly, He said:
( اِضْمَنُوا لِي سِتًّا مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ أَضْمَنُ لَكُمُ الْجَنَّةَ… )
Translation: “Give me a guarantee of six things from your side, and I will guarantee you Paradise:
When you speak, speak the truth; when you promise, fulfill it; deliver trusts; guard your private parts; lower your gaze; and restrain your hands.”
If these six principles become common in society, then oppression, theft, murder, and unrest will end.
❼ Enforcement of Divine Limits
The final and most important reason for the establishment of peace is the enforcement of Allah’s limits.
When a criminal receives the prescribed punishment for his crime, others take heed, and society transforms into peace.
❀ If a murderer is executed as retribution, then killing and bloodshed will stop.
❀ If a thief’s hand is cut off, people’s property will be safe.
❀ If the adulterous man and woman are punished, honor will be preserved.
❀ If the punishment for drinking alcohol and intoxicants is enforced, crimes will decrease.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿ وَلَكُمْ فِي الْقِصَاصِ حَيَاةٌ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ ﴾
Translation: “And there is life for you in the retribution, O people of understanding!”
This very Shariah system of justice guarantees the peace and stability of society.
Summary or Conclusion of the Article
Peace and security are great blessings from Allah Almighty. Faith, monotheism, brotherhood, prayer, enjoining good, avoiding harm, and enforcing Allah’s limits are the fundamental causes through which society becomes a cradle of peace. Nations that abandon these teachings lose their peace and tranquility.
Conclusion
Islam is a complete and balanced religion that guarantees peace and security for humanity. If we live our lives according to the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah, then, God willing, oppression, fear, and terror will be eliminated from our society.
We pray to Allah Almighty to grant us true faith, peace, tranquility, and mutual love, and to protect the Muslim Ummah from all kinds of trials and corruption. Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds.
