Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 129
Social Peace 129 In this contemporary scenario, Islam has a very positive message and an effective role to play. Islam denounces racialism and class hatred in the strongest terms. To create disorder in any form is abhorred. The verses of the Holy Quran quoted earlier are a few of the many on this subject. The character of the Holy Prophet sa of Islam, is described as the Light of God which belongs neither to the East nor to the West, i. e. , equally shared by both. Allah is the Light of the heavens and of the earth. His light is as if there were a lustrous niche, wherein is a lamp contained in a crystal globe, the globe as bright as a glittering star. The lamp is lit with the oil of a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the East nor of the West. The oil would well-nigh glow forth even though no fire were to touch it. Light upon light! Allah guides to His light whomsoever He wills. And Allah sets forth parables for men and Allah knows all things full well. 50 He is further introduced as: A Mercy (and source of blessings) for the whole world (and the whole of mankind). 51