Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 10
ISLAM & EUROPE: PEACE, IDENTITY & INTEGRATION 10 one has the right to speak ill of the beliefs of other people. No one should mock what others consider sacred, because treating other people with derision and contempt can only lead to pain and suffering and create division. Conversely, tolerance and mutual respect are the cornerstones through which we can build a peaceful and harmonious society. As I have mentioned, the character of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has long been slandered and distorted in the non-Muslim world. Here in Holland as well, certain people have taken the lead in inciting hatred against Islam and making utterly false and horrific assertions about the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). In this regard, I shall, in the short time available, speak about Islam’s true teachings and the character of its founder (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). However, before proceeding, I would like to speak, more generally, about what constitutes peace and why it is so important. Undoubtedly, at a personal level, peace is something we all desire, whilst at a broader level, it is something that different nations and communities claim to aspire towards. However, what is peace and why do we need it? In my view, there are two types of peace. There is outward peace and inner peace. Often, at a superficial level, people can appear to be happy and content. Yet, though they have outward peace, they remain bereft of inner peace. For example, powerful and influential people often speak about developing peace and they personally possess all the trappings and comforts of the world.