World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace — Page 179
179 W ORLD P EACE & S ECURITY —T HE C RITICAL I SSUES OF O UR T IME policies in response to the perceived hostility of others. It seems they act upon the principle that ‘it is better to destroy them, before they destroy us. ’ However, Islam teaches that no opportunity for peace should be wasted and so even if there is only a glimmer of hope then you must try and grasp it. In chapter 5, verse 9, Allah the Almighty has proclaimed that the enmity of a nation or people should never incite you to act otherwise than with justice and fairness. Islam teaches that in all circumstances, no matter how difficult, you must remain firmly attached to the principles of justice and integ- rity. Thus, even in a state of war, justice and fairness are of para- mount importance and when a war concludes, the victor must continue to be just and never resort to undue cruelty. However, in today’s world we do not find such high moral standards and levels of integrity; rather, after a war is finished, countries impose sanctions and restrictions that limit the progress of the defeated parties and prevent their nations from attaining true freedom or independence. Such policies are harming interna- tional relations and can only ever increase frustrations and have a negative impact. The truth is that sustainable peace can never be established until there is justice at every level of society. Another important teaching of Islam, which we find in chapter 8, verse 68 of the Holy Qur’an, states that Muslims are not permitted to take prisoners outside of a state of war. Hence, extremist and terrorist groups who are taking prisoners for no reason, are acting completely against the teachings of Islam. Indeed, according to reports, they are not just taking prisoners, but are also inflicting the most bar- baric cruelties upon their victims.