Part 6: Peace, Order and Warfare
(d) PEACE
AND ORDER:- Real peace and order depends mainly on the sense of security,
developed by the administration of firm justice, which is guided by true
evidence. How much of present social uneasiness is due, directly or indirectly,
to the incompetency of justice, diluted with any number of considerations?
Islam is however very definite and very strict about it. No considerations of
love and sympathy, of fear or favor, of pity and compassion, are permitted to
interfere with adjudication, to the detriment of any party concerned. Again,
evidence must be given and given true. “And do not conceal evidence.” 283: 2.
Let not the hatred of any people, incite you to deal unjustly with them- -8:
5”. Be maintainers of justice though it be against your own self or against
your parents or (against your) near relations. Whether he (any party) be rich
or poor. . .’ 135:4.
But prevention is better than cure. The source of all trouble is dishonesty and
mischief, both of which too are forbidden to the believers. Our fears and hopes
should be centered in the Supreme Being, to keep us steady and well balanced in
the temptations of this world, and to encourage us to be benevolent. Vide 85:7,
56: 7.
(e) WARFARE:- Along with peace, there is always a
possibility of war, and Islam, being essentially a realistic and positive
religion, could not overlook the contingency. So it has also laid down a code
of military discipline for its followers. The Qur-‘aan calls upon the Muslims to preach and propagate Islam, and
to defend themselves in case of attack or oppression, manfully like soldiers,
taking effective action if possible, but only just to the necessary extent, and
to guard against excess.
“And fight in the way of Allah, with those who fight with you, and do not
exceed the limits. Drive them out from where they drove you out; for
persecution is severer than slaughter. …and fight them until persecution is no
more, and religion is for Allah (alone)” vide 190 to 193: 2, 8:60.
In social relations, Islam is always for amicability, charity and forgiveness.
But at the same time, it keeps in view the variety of human nature, and allows
just the necessary latitude for individual temperaments. Islam believes in
regulation, and does not permit annihilation, or encourage suppression. It teaches
to keep up idealism in the light of realism, and does not except us to live in
utopia. Vide 34-35”41’ 133: 3, 39 to 43: 42.
It would appear from the above passages how gently yet effectively. Islam
persuades man to be generous and forgiving; and if he be not at all, capable of
that virtue, he has still to exercise full control keeping his revenge within
proper limits-by no means an easy task in anger. Such a ready justice is
however much appreciated by sporting people. Vide 194 : 2. 126 : 16.
It is hinted above, that patience goes with the power and opportunity of
retaliation; it should not be confused with timidity and helpless resignation, at
any rate. A man should keep himself fit for self- defence. Still, however
strong and powerful, he should strictly guard against mischief and oppression.
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