The ManicaPost
ISLAM goes further than just prohibiting oppression and safeguarding rights, it commands its faithful to deal kindly and compassionately with all those who seek to live in peace and harmony. Peace must be sought and peace must be reciprocated at every cost and by every means possible. Obviously, when one is under any form of unjust attack, is being oppressed, etc. then they have the undeniable right to defend themselves and that defence cannot and should not then be mis-construed as an act of aggression for indeed the first act of provocation was the one that violated the peace and instilled a sense of terror.
Amongst the clear cut declarations in this regard, Allah Almighty states in the Holy Qur’aan: “Allah does not forbid you, with regard to those who do not fight you for your faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: For Allah loves those who are just” (Ch 60 : v 8)
In times of war and conflict, where enmity can obstruct an individual’s judgement to act morally, Islam commands that justice be upheld even towards one’s enemies. We find a distinct injunction in the Holy Qur’aan with regards to the need of maintaining justice under all circumstances – even if such circumstances may seem to be adverse to oneself: “Oh you who Believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety, and fear Allah, for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do” (Ch 5 : v 8)
If personal emotions, vendettas and hidden agendas are allowed to come into play when dealing with other individuals or nations, then injustice, oppression and aggression will surely be rife.
Totally innocent individuals, groups, parties, civilians, nations, etc. will be harmed in the most unimaginable ways! A mere “apology”, through any one of the media channels, if and when the wrong-doing is realised or if pressurised by some public outcry, cannot be regarded as being sufficient to then serve justice!
Centuries before the Geneva Convention was drawn up, Muslims were bound by a code of conduct which the Last and Final Messenger of Allah Almighty, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set. He forbade the killing of any or all innocent individuals / parties like women, children and elderly even in war situations. In an authentic narration, the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) warned that he who kills anyone who has a covenant / agreement of peace will not even smell the scent of Paradise. In fact, he taught that justice is not only to humans but must be shown to animals and all living creatures too. He strictly forbade the wanton destruction of buildings, trees, crop plantations, etc even in times of war and conflict!
Amazingly, to drive home the point of sanctity of life, the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) made mention of how a lady was sent to hell because of a cat she had locked up until it starved and died. If such is the sanctity which Islam places on the soul of a single animal, how much graver is the killing of hundreds of innocent humans?!
The message of the Holy Qur’aan is clear as we have seen that the sanctity of any human life is to be respected and any violation in that regard is the worst of all crimes. Definitely, mercy is at the heart of the Islamic call, “We only sent thee (O Muhammad) as a mercy for all the peoples (of the world).” (Ch 21 : v 107).
Unfortunately, the world media portrays a totally different message by cunningly playing with words and names, hence committing a gross injustice to humanity. There definitely seems to an agenda to portray Islam in a bad light so as to keep the masses away from achieving real peace and prosperity. A literal attempt at driving people into a state of godlessness and instill in them a kind of fear or phobia about religion and more importantly about submission to The Almighty!
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact: Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department, P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare. Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003 e-mail: [email protected]
