1-Ummah, a non-profit organisation that aims to correct the misconceptions surrounding Islamic teachings towards fostering peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance, organised the Peace and Unity Convention 2015.
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONVENTION
- Strengthening the Ummah through problem sharing and solving
- Promoting peace and unity through quality interfaith interaction and dialogue
- Showcasing Islamic culture and knowledge by bringing together national and foreign scholars from across the globe
PEACE AND UNITY IN ISLAM
Peaceful coexistence is an integral part of the Islamic law as prescribed in the Qur’an and the Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Islam prescribes the value of every life and also establishes justice for all mankind. It proposes dialogue and mediation in problem-solving and equity and justice at all times, even to those of different faiths. Throughout Islamic history movements for peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims have existed with various treaties signed during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and subsequently during the time of his successors. Don`t forget to look into this website to find additional info. Conquests were carried out only in times when both parties agreed it was best solution to matters of religion.
Everyone is free to adhere to any belief or make any political choice as confirmed in the Book of Allah, where He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Let there be no compulsion in religion: truth stands out clear from error. Whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most firm handle, that never breaks…”[Al-Baqara 2:256]
And in the calling to the way of God, Allah instructed the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and to his followers:
“Admonish, for you are one to admonish. You are not one (appointed) to compel them to believe.” [Al-Ghashiya 88: 22-23]
Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “If anyone wrongs a mu‘aahid, (one who has a treaty with the Muslims) detracts from his rights, burdens him with more work than he is able to do or takes something from him without his consent, I will plead for him (the mu‘aahid) on the Day of Resurrection.”ß[Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3052; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.]
This clearly shows that it is not permissible, under any circumstances, for a Muslim to maltreat any human irrespective of faith. Even in times of violence where self-defence is permitted, patience, forebearance, peaceful dialogue and beautiful speech are encouraged.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONVENTION
Presentations and discussions emphasised the following values as key to promoting peace and unity:
- Tolerance
- Accountability
- Justice
- Sincerity
- Cohesion in Diversity
- Marital Understanding and Shared Responsibility
- Acceptance and Respect for Gender Roles
Adhering to these values does not mean that any faith should compromise their religious rights and obligations or enforce their obligations on others. It recommends that the good in everyone be appreciated and recognised for their moral value to society. No strong society is built by one individual or group imposing standards on others. Rather it is the collective efforts of diverse backgrounds that make a strong nation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To achieve the above, some of the recommendations made include:
- Make friends with members of other faith(s).
- Establish coalition between youth from different faiths to solve a social problem.
- Give neighbours their rights as postulated by the respective faiths.
- Use social media to promote the positive sides of respective faiths.
- Accept and promote unity rather than uniformity.
- Be the driver of your marriage and not just a passenger
- Keep these 8 concepts in mind to achieve unity between the sexes:
o O for Optimism
o N for knowledge
o E for Empathy
o U for Understanding
o L for Listening
o M for Make excuses
o M for Make peace
o A for Action
o H for humility
