Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 15
THE NEED FOR OUTWARD AND INNER PEACE 15 is disharmony between what a person says and what he does. Every government and every political leader - be they from the United States, China, Russia, European countries, the Muslim world or elsewhere - routinely condemn warfare and bloodshed. However, the reality is that their opposition to such matters tends to remain limited to their interests and their people. Their cries in favour of the rule of law, justice and human rights are all too often rendered hollow when their interests are at stake. If they are attacked or their rights are usurped, they express blind fury and indignation at the injustice, yet they are themselves guilty of targeting weaker nations and exploiting civil wars or conflicts within other countries for their own benefit. Instead of calling the different parties to the negotiating table and establishing fair and honest dialogue, major powers have habitually interfered in the conflicts of other countries by arming or funding whichever side supports their interests. They are pouring petrol on an open flame and the result is that innocent people, including women, children and the elderly, are losing their lives and observing the torment of their families. Cities, towns and villages are being ravaged and torn asunder. The only possible result is an upsurge in frustration and resentment amongst the local people and this is something that has been all too apparent in war-torn Muslim countries in recent years. Can those external powers, who prioritise their own interests, really claim to be facilitating peace? Furthermore, can the critics of Islam continue to lay the blame for the lack of peace in the world at Islam’s door? Can they continue to hold the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) responsible for the