Peace: The Message Of Islam

By

Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya And Prince Charles Dickson

Jos, Plateau Nigeria

 

A lot has been said about Islam, apart from the hype and stereotypes. Islam is, in fact, a genuine spiritual tradition; it is a peaceful religion with teachings that cover every facet of human life and existence. The philosophy of Islam begins with Almighty Allah and ends with the inevitable journey of all people back to their Creator.

 

The essence of these series is to in our little way help people understand Islam, the religion, its practice and all it stands for. It is a little contribution in helping people to know the truth, from the untrue and propaganda about the religion and its faithfuls.

 

In an age and time that Islam has been associated with everything violent and evil, terms such as Islamic terrorist and militants have become popular and commonly used media terms and used always by the Western power blocs for selfish purposes. Very few people really know what the true picture is, Islam, never commands its followers to wage war against unbelievers or kill them without provocation. Islam forbids the taking of any human life except for a just cause under the law, that is capital punishment for convicted murderers, fighting in wartime, or self defence. The Qur’an says this in clear terms

 

“Don’t take a life, which Allah has made sacred except by way of Justice and law: thus does He command you that you may learn wisdom.” ( Qur’ran 6:151)

 

The Qur’an never says to fight nor kill unbelievers, although one of its verses, which is often quoted out of context, does say “to fight unbelievers wherever you find them.” However, this command was revealed when a state of war existed between the first Muslim community and their stronger opponents, the idol worshippers of Mecca. Here are the Qur’anic verses that command Muslims to fight:

 

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight you, but don’t be the aggressors, because Allah doesn’t approve of aggression. Fight them wherever they are found, and drive them out from where they drove you out, because being oppressed is worse that being slaughtered… but if they cease being hostile, remember that Allah is forgiving, the Source of All Mercy. But if they continue to oppress (people), the battle them until oppression is no more and justice and faith in Allah prevails. If they seek peace, then you seek it as well, but continue to pursue the evil doers.” (Qur’an 2: 191-194).

 

A whole lot of people have misrepresented and misinterpreted these verses of the Qur’an to suit positions, situations and occasions that are totally unislamic. Despite popular stereotypes of fanatic Muslims with the Qur’an in one hand and a sword in the other, the Qur’an forbids forcing someone to covert to the faith. At JBWIS, Jama atil Izalatil Bidah Wa Ikamatil Sunnah, having taken afresh look at history, now almost unanimously declare that forced conversion was not a method used during the rapid Muslim expansion.

 

“There is no forcing anyone into this way of life. The truth stands clear from falsehood. Anyone who rejects wrongdoing and believers in Allah, has grasped a firm hand hold that never breaks, because Allah hears and knows everything.” (Qur’an 2:254).

 

JBWIS the Organization for Eradication Innovation and Establishing Sunnah was founded by in the 70s by Ash-Sheikh Isma’ila Idris Zakariyya, we preach the propagation of the following core values

 

Belief in Almighty Allah

Belief in Angels

Belief in the revealed Books of Allah

Belief in Allah’s many prophets

Accepting that there will be a Last Day

Belief in the divine measurement of human affairs

Belief in life after death

 

The foundation of all Islamic teachings begins with Allah. That is why in JBWIS all we do is based on the foundation of Almighty Allah, such as providing schools, hospitals/clinics, building of Mosques, propagating the message of Almighty Allah. The foundation being that:

 

“Allah! There is no god but He, the living, who needs no other but Whom all others need. He is never drowsy nor does He rest. Space and the Earth belong to Him; who can intercede without His consent? He knows everything people have done and will do, and no one can grasp the least of His knowledge, without His review. His throne extends over the heavens and Earth and He doesn’t live in their safekeeping. He alone is the Most High, the Lord Sovereign Supreme.” (Qur’an 2:255).

 

We believe that Islam in its entirety means peace and surrender to Allah. And in this believe the Council of Ulamas insists on the practice of virtuous deeds in Islam without any adulteration such as

 

Speaking the truth

Being kind to family

Honouring parents

Giving in Charity

Feeding the poor

Fighting against injustice

Freeing Slaves

Returning borrowed property

Studying and learning

Being Kind to Animals

 

In our preaching of peace, we lay emphasis to dome of these values without apologies, like studying and learning, giving to charity, fighting injustice and the rest. We follow a system of rituals designed to translate our religious beliefs into conc rete reality. This serves to keep us constantly aware of our duty to Allah and help us avoid the dangers of temptation and complacency. This we do through the Arkan al Islami of the Pillars of Islam. In order, they are

 

Shahadah—Declaring allegiance to Almighty Allah

Salat---Daily Pray er

Zakat---Annual charity

Saum---Month long fasting

Hajj---The Pilgrimage to Mecca

 

In Nigeria, we have had our fair share of ethno-religiously coloured crisis, which when traced deeper have absolutely nothing to do with Islam, Christianity or any other religion. Like every faith, and every part of the globe when leaders fail to do what their Holy Books commands them to, they twist the truth, fabricate lies, mix things due to the gullible nature of their followers, this is totally wrong. And this is why through JBWIS a strong emphasis is put in teaching people what the Holy Qur’an says is Allah’s command and instructions as taught by the Prophet Mohammed.

 

Through our preaching, we let leaders know how Almighty Allah wants them to govern and live exemplary lives, conduct themselves in a godly manner and maintain the security and well being of the nation they govern. The problem of today stems from the fact that people who chase power and position for the purpose of personal aggrandizement occupy leadership.. So overtime when they cannot account for their stewardship, they ferment trouble in the name of religion. However people are getting wiser, no one wants to be used to cause trouble, Islam speaks peace and that will remain the focal point of our message, Peace.

 

Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani A. Yahaya is the National Chairman Ulama’u Council (JIBWIS),