Islam and its relationship with peace
Islam and its relationship with peace
The basic understanding of Islam as a religion is peace. “According to the Quranic terminology and its particular language the word ‘believing’ (Aaman) has two meanings depending on the context in which it is used: you can believe in (Aamana be…) or you believe or trust others (Aamana le…).
Additionally, since the usual (Western) understanding of belief implies some element of doubt, the Islamic understanding of Aaman has to do with certitude or degree of certainty, the opposite of which is uncertainty rather than doubt. The first meaning (to believe in) is related to faith as in the verse: {The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord. As do the men of faith; each one (of them) believes in God, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers….} (Quran 2:285)
Thus, to ‘believe in’ means to have deeply rooted faith (certainty) in your heart concerning the relationship between man and God.
The second meaning ‘to believe or trust others’ refers to the relationship with people. This relationship implies that when someone is safe and secure people trust him. The Quran refers to such people as believers because they can be trusted by the people.
This meaning is repeated in the Quran especially concerning the Prophets. For example, concerning Noah (peace be upon him): {Shall we believe in you when it is the meanest that follow you?} (Quran 26:111)
Meaning how shall we believe in you, trust and feel secure with you, when it is the meanest (lowest of the people) that follow you? This meaning of ‘believing’ that is, trusting someone (or not), is also in (Quran 6:82) for Abraham (peace be upon him), (Quran 12:17) for Joseph (peace be upon him), for Moses (Quran 44:21 & 23:47), and also for Muhammad (peace be upon him) (Quran 2:104 & 9:61).
The two meanings of ‘belief’ are found in Quran 9:61 where God says: He believes in God, has faith in the believers.” This is an example of believe and trust (have faith). This verse shows to believe in God is to worship Him and to believe in others is to trust them.
Since the outer expression of faith is the relationship with others we should live in trust, safety, security and peace: and this is what should concern each and every one of us.
The inner expression of faith is what we actually believe. To believe in God, for a Muslim, is to acknowledge He is the One and Only God. The evaluation of this truth Muslims believe will take place on the Last Day by the One and Only God.
