In spite of the great disparity between Jewish and Islamic beliefs, both religions share a reciprocal relationship that is rooted in the universal endeavour to achieve unparalleled, intrinsic and extrinsic peace. Islam is an amalgam of the dual concepts of submission to the will of Allah; a God-centred lifestyle, or sirat al mustaqeem which is achieved by the continuity of spiritual obedience, and possessing spiritual peace; as is encapsulated in the Arabic greeting Salaam (peace). Thus the potential for peace on earth in Islam is contained in Shariah Law; a synthesis of notions from the Quran and Hadith which have both an immediate, everyday connotation and an eschatological one; where eternal peace will reign supreme through the vehicle of
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The Quran encompasses the most significant passage of human guidance to attaining peace; the Five Pillars of Islam, or arkan al-islam, in which each pillar entails both an inner or spiritual vow composed with a noticeable action. The first pillar is the Shahadah, a testimony to the consecration to God; “I declare there is no God except Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God”. This profession of faith reminds Muslims that the repudiation of anything false includes a repudiation of self and selfishness which emancipates a Muslim to worship Allah freely without the restrictions of egocentrism. This emancipation is central to the quest for inner peace as ones deviation to the self will ironically destroy inner-tranquillity. This expression of faith is also a continual reminder to Muslims to revere and respect Allah’s commandments in all aspects of life, particularly in the interaction with all of creation. The second pillar is Salat, prayer which provides a structure of rhythm that contributes to the purity of the person praying, providing strength, forgiveness for transgressions and foundations for a sense of personal peace and a commitment to peace with others. Thus this inner peace is validated through the adherent’s assurance that they are discharging the obligations required of them so that one day they might enjoy eternal peace in Paradise; “Seek help with steadfastness and prayer- though this is hard indeed for anyone but the humble, who know that they will meet their Lord and unto Him they will return” (Quran 4:45) The third pillar of Islam is almsgiving, Zakaat, an annual charity derived from 2.5% of the individual’s savings which cleanses Muslims from greed and selfishness by helping them overcome strong affiliations with money and affirming that money is for the service of human kind and not for exclusive personal gain. This liberation from the
The Quran encompasses the most significant passage of human guidance to attaining peace; the Five Pillars of Islam, or arkan al-islam, in which each pillar entails both an inner or spiritual vow composed with a noticeable action. The first pillar is the Shahadah, a testimony to the consecration to God; “I declare there is no God except Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God”. This profession of faith reminds Muslims that the repudiation of anything false includes a repudiation of self and selfishness which emancipates a Muslim to worship Allah freely without the restrictions of egocentrism. This emancipation is central to the quest for inner peace as ones deviation to the self will ironically destroy inner-tranquillity. This expression of faith is also a continual reminder to Muslims to revere and respect Allah’s commandments in all aspects of life, particularly in the interaction with all of creation. The second pillar is Salat, prayer which provides a structure of rhythm that contributes to the purity of the person praying, providing strength, forgiveness for transgressions and foundations for a sense of personal peace and a commitment to peace with others. Thus this inner peace is validated through the adherent’s assurance that they are discharging the obligations required of them so that one day they might enjoy eternal peace in Paradise; “Seek help with steadfastness and prayer- though this is hard indeed for anyone but the humble, who know that they will meet their Lord and unto Him they will return” (Quran 4:45) The third pillar of Islam is almsgiving, Zakaat, an annual charity derived from 2.5% of the individual’s savings which cleanses Muslims from greed and selfishness by helping them overcome strong affiliations with money and affirming that money is for the service of human kind and not for exclusive personal gain. This liberation from the