Peace and Coexistence in the Holy Qur’an

Peace Be Upon You,
I appreciate your attendance and interest.
In a time when we often hear about wars and conflicts, I am interested in speaking about a topic which may not be well-known to many: peace is not only one of the most crucial values of Islam, but indeed, it is the essence of Islam’s message since its very beginning.
I hope that, first of all, non-Muslim brothers who seek information about Islam will obtain it from its correct sources, rather than from media outlets that do not necessarily present accurate information on this subject. You know that these media may have incorrect motives and agendas.
What I say today about the stance of Islam regarding peace is not a type of compliment; nor do I talk about it only to build relationships. I talk about it in light of what I have understood from the Holy Qur’an as one of the specialists in the interpretation of the Holy Qur’an.

First, Islam and Peace in Arabic

Once we recite the verses of the Holy Qur’an to comprehend them, we find that peace is not only a word mentioned in the verses; rather, it acts as a deep, repetitive, and central principle.

Islam is derived from the word Salam, which means peace.

As-Salam (The All-Peace) is one of Allah’s names. Allah says: “He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the All-Peace.” (Al-Hashr, The Exile, 59:23)

One of Paradise’s names is the Home of Peace.

The phrase that Muslims use to greet each other is “Peace Be Upon You.”

Second, Islam Calls for Peaceful Coexistence

Initially, Allah says:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing and Acquainted.”
(Al-Hujurat, The Rooms, 49:13)

Please notice that this verse starts with O mankind; it does not start with O Muslims. This is to ensure that knowing one another is a call from Allah to all mankind.
What is the objective behind making people and nations different? Is it a form of racism, war, or conflict?
The verse itself answers the question: “to know one another,” to build relationships and understanding, not to create conflicts and disputes.

Third, the Fundamental Principle in Relationships with Others Is Peace, Not War

Some people might think that relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims are built on conflict and dispute; however, the Holy Qur’an clearly states that the fundamental principle is peace. Being involved in wars is the exception, which is bound by strict laws.
Moreover, the Holy Qur’an states that treating non-Muslims who do not cause any harm to Muslims kindly is a must. Allah says: “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out from your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.”
(Al-Mumtahina, The Examined Woman, 60:8)

Fourth, Differences in Religion Are Not a Reason for Hostility

The Holy Qur’an recognizes the existence of other religions, and it emphasizes that faith must be based on conviction, not compulsion. Allah says: “There is no compulsion in religion; the right course has become clear from the wrong.”
(Al-Baqara, The Cow, 2:256)

In addition, the Qur’an commands Muslims to speak gently to non-Muslims. Allah says: “And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best.”
(Al-‘Ankabut, The Spider, 29:46)

I will provide a real example to prove that hostility cannot be justified by differences in religion.
When the Prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina, he met people there with multiple religions. What did he do then? Did he say, "As long as these people are not Muslims, they should be attacked?"
On the contrary, he made a mutual convention regardless of the different religions. All of the people of Medina were to defend it.
Then, why did the wars begin?
Wars began when the Jews broke the convention and betrayed the Muslims in Medina.
To conclude this part, I would like to assure you that Islam does not treat people based on their religions; rather, it treats them based on their behavior and actions.

Fifth, Real Examples of Peaceful Coexistence – Coexistence in Nablus, the Palestinian City

One of the realistic examples of peaceful coexistence is what we see in Nablus, a Palestinian city in the north of Palestine.
For centuries, Muslims have lived side by side with the Samaritan community and Christians. They live together, exchange greetings on holidays and special occasions, and even share in each other's weddings and funerals.
This peaceful coexistence is not a result of laws, rules, or oppression; rather, it comes from a deep and thorough understanding of the Holy Qur’an.
A Muslim who recites the Holy Qur’an thoroughly does not get the idea of an attack call, nor do they feel that the Qur’an promotes hostility. Rather, they understand the Islamic call for love and mercy.
We should make it clear that the message of the Holy Qur’an does not call people to war; it calls them to coexistence, mercy, and mutual understanding.
I sincerely invite you to read some verses of the Holy Qur’an yourselves; you may find concepts and ideas that you never expected to find.
I appreciate your attendance and am ready to answer your questions or listen to your comments.

Prof. Odeh Abdullah
Professor at the Faculty of Sharia and a member of the Advisory Board at An-Najah Center for Religious Studies.