Maulana Wahiduddin Khan | The Sunday Guardian | Aug. 28, 2017

Islam does not teach violence. Instead, it is a religion of peace in the fullest sense of the word. The first verse of the Quran breathes the spirit of peace. It reads: "In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate."

This verse is repeated in the Quran no less than 113 times. It shows the great importance Islam attaches to such values as mercy, compassion and gentleness. Moreover the Quran states that the Prophet Muhammad was sent to the world as a mercy to mankind. (21:107)

A perusal of the Quran shows that most verses of the Quran (and also the Hadith) are based on peace and kindness, either directly or indirectly. The ideal society, according to the Quran is Dar as-Salam, that is, the house of peace (10:25).

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The Quran presents the universe as a model that is characterized by harmony and peace (36:40). When God created heaven and earth, He so ordered things that each part might perform its function peacefully without clashing with any other part. The Quran tells us that "the sun is not allowed to overtake the moon, nor does the night outpace the day. Each in its own orbit runs." (36:40)For billions of years, therefore, the entire universe has been fulfilling its function in total harmony with His divine plan.

These are only but a few references to show what great importance Islam attaches to peace. In fact, Islam cannot afford not to be in a state of peace because all that Islam aims at-spiritual progress, intellectual development, character building, social reform, educational activities-can be achieved only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

If peace is jeopardized, no constructive activity can be accomplished. This is why in Islam, peace is regarded as the greatest good.