Amir Suhail Wani

Islam, one of the world’s major faiths with over 1.8 billion adherents across diverse cultures and continents, is frequently misunderstood in public discourses, especially in the context of violence and global conflict. Contrary to prevailing stereotypes and sensational media portrayals, Islam as a religion does not advocate violence.

Its foundational texts, historical precedents, and the overwhelming consensus among scholars and practitioners instead emphasize peace, mercy, and justice as central tenets. The unfortunate linkage of Islam with violence is largely the result of actions committed by a small but visible minority of extremists who have hijacked religious language for political or ideological agendas. These acts are not reflective of the faith itself but are rather distortions that stand in direct contradiction to Islamic teachings.

The very term Islam is etymologically rooted in the Arabic word “s-l-m,” which signifies peace, safety, and submission to the will of God (Allah). This intrinsic connection between Islam and peace is not symbolic—it permeates the religion's spiritual and ethical framework. The Qur’an, Islam’s primary sacred scripture, and the Sunnah, the documented sayings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad, consistently advocate for the sanctity of life, the necessity of justice, and the imperative of peaceful coexistence.

A frequently cited Quranic verse, 5:32, powerfully conveys this ethos: “Whoever kills a soul—unless for a soul or 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 underscores the immense value Islam places on every human life and the moral gravity of unjustified violence. The Prophet Muhammad further reinforced this principle through his teachings and conduct. He stated, “The best among you are those who are best to others,” and emphasized that, “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand others are safe” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 10). These words reflect a moral vision of Islam grounded in personal integrity, empathy, and social harmony.

Historical Precedents of Peace and Pluralism

The Prophet’s life provides compelling examples of Islam’s preference for peace over conflict. During the early years of Islam in Mecca, Muslims suffered intense persecution, yet the Qur’an instructed them to respond with patience and dignity:

“The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them harshly, they respond with words of peace” (Qur’an 25:63).

After the migration (Hijrah) to Medina, Prophet Muhammad established the Constitution of Medina. It was a pioneering social contract that recognized the rights and responsibilities of various religious communities, including Jews, Christians, and pagans. This pluralistic framework promoted mutual respect and cooperation, setting a precedent for interfaith harmony.

Perhaps most illustrative of the Prophet’s commitment to peace was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Despite widespread support among his followers for military engagement, the Prophet chose diplomacy over war, signing a peace treaty with the Quraysh tribe and demonstrating patience, restraint, and strategic foresight.

Even the eventual conquest of Mecca, a moment that could have been characterized by revenge, was marked by clemency. The Prophet declared, “No blame will there be upon you today,” offering a general amnesty to former adversaries (Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah). These episodes reflect the Prophet’s consistent preference for reconciliation over retribution.

Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) includes guidelines to regulate warfare and place limits on human behaviour to uphold human dignity and life. Islamic law categorically forbids the targeting of non-combatants, including women, children, the elderly, clergy, and even the destruction of nature or infrastructure. The Prophet Muhammad instructed his military commanders:

“Do not kill women or children or the aged, do not destroy crops or trees, and do not harm monks in their monasteries” (Sahih Muslim, Book 19, Hadith 4294).

The concept of jihad, widely misunderstood in Western discourse, is far more nuanced than its often militant interpretation. The term means "struggle" or "striving" and primarily refers to the internal, spiritual struggle to become a better person—what the Prophet called the “greater jihad.” This encompasses overcoming one’s ego, resisting temptation, performing good deeds, and contributing to society.

Armed jihad, or defensive struggle, is only permitted under stringent ethical conditions—such as self-defence or resistance against oppression—and must be carried out with moral restraint. Prominent scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali have emphasized that the essence of jihad lies in self-purification and moral refinement (Al-Ghazali, Ihya’ Ulum al-Din).

Forgiveness and compassion are repeatedly stressed throughout the Qur’an. For example: “The recompense of an evil deed is its equivalent. But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation—his reward is with Allah” (Qur’an 42:40).

This emphasis on reconciliation over retaliation mirrors the Prophet’s example. One moving incident illustrates this: when the funeral procession of a non-Muslim passed before the Prophet, he stood in respect. When questioned by his companions, he replied, “Was he not a human being?” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 23, Hadith 399). Such acts of universal humanism reflect Islam’s broader ethical vision transcending religious, ethnic, and tribal boundaries.

Contemporary Rejection of Extremism

An overwhelming majority of Muslim scholars, leaders, and institutions have unequivocally denounced terrorism and violence perpetrated in the name of Islam. Extremist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and others have been widely condemned across the Muslim world. Notable initiatives like the Amman Message (2004), endorsed by over 500 leading Islamic scholars from more than 50 countries, categorically reject extremism, affirm the diversity of Islamic thought, and uphold values of mercy, coexistence, and peace.

Furthermore, Muslim-majority societies continue to produce a wide range of voices and movements dedicated to peace building, humanitarian aid, and interfaith dialogue. These include grassroots initiatives, scholarly forums, and international organizations working to counter hate, promote social justice.

The notion that Islam promotes violence is a distortion rooted in selective readings of scripture, amplified by global media, and exploited by political extremists. As Professor John L. Esposito aptly states, “Islam should be judged by its teachings, not by what some Muslims do” (What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, 2011).

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This principle must be applied consistently across all religions and ideologies. Historical evidence, scriptural teachings, and contemporary scholarly consensus converge on one truth: Islam, at its core, is a religion of peace, compassion, and moral integrity. The violent actions of a radicalized few should never define a global faith practiced by over a billion people who strive daily to live by its true principles.