Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 22
ISLAM & EUROPE: PEACE, IDENTITY & INTEGRATION 22 each individual. The very meaning of the word Islam is peace and there are many verses in the Quran that make it categorically clear that Muslims must be peaceful and show love and respect to others. How could it be that when such a peaceful teaching was revealed to the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he himself would violate its teachings? Honest and fair historians testify to the fact that the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never inflicted any cruelty or usurped the rights of other people. At every juncture, he taught peace, forbearance and fulfilling the rights of mankind and certainly, his teachings are our inspiration. We proudly proclaim to be the followers of that noble Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who the Holy Quran declared as a mercy for mankind. This is the reason that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community raises the slogan of Love for All, Hatred for None. At this time of strife and division, our message is that all nations and all people must urgently strive for peace. The fierce critics of Islam should recognise that instead of targeting their bile and venom towards Islam and its noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), they should eradicate the traces of bias, prejudice and self-interest. Otherwise, disorder and hatred in the world will continue to escalate. Frustrations and anger amongst those Muslims, who are uneducated or ignorant of the true teachings of their religion, will rise to the surface. Not only amongst the Muslim community, but across society, wherever young people are left hopeless and frustrated,