Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 55
ISLAM – SAFEGUARDING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS 55 The Holy Quran has also given detailed guidance regarding international relations and resolving internal conflicts or those that arise between nations. The Islamic focus is always on establishing sustainable peace and eliminating enmities and rivalries. For example, chapter 49, verse 10 of the Holy Quran states that if two parties or nations are in conflict then their neighbours, or neutral parties, should seek to bring about reconciliation through mediation and negotiations. Those who intervene must remain impartial, rather than trying to settle the outcome in their own best interest. If peace cannot be established through dialogue, or if any party subsequently violates the terms of a negotiated settlement, then the other nations should unite against whosoever is perpetrating injustice and use force to stop them. Once the aggressors adopt peace, they should not be humiliated and nor should unfair sanctions be levied upon them; rather, in the interests of fairness and long-term peace, they should be permitted to move forward as a free society and given whatever support is required to rebuild their nation. I believe that this outstanding Quranic principle is not just of value to Muslims, but is a universal principle for dispute resolution and if acted upon, can prove a means of stabilising the world and developing lasting peace. Most regrettably, many Muslim countries fail to abide by this Quranic injunction and as a result, they continue to be embroiled in senseless conflicts and seem perpetually engaged in a cycle of violence and injustice.