"Whoever kills a soul, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all mankind" (Qur'an chapter 5, verse 32)
Photo credit: hahatango / Foter.com / CC BY
It is shocking and depressing to read the news of bloodshed, violence, murder and terrorism which fills the headlines these days. The Islamic faith is clear in condemning violence. Islam requires all human beings to work together to establish peace and to uphold the sanctity of life. Violence has no faith, and true faith necessitates eradicating violence. The Prophet Muhammad said, "A person can only remain sound in his faith so long as he does not shed blood." No faith in the world preaches violence, but terrorists from all walks of life attempt to justify their evil actions by misquoting and distorting God's message.
The Qur'an teaches us that the way to respond to hate and hostility is with spreading love and peace.
"The good deed and the evil deed are not alike; return an evil deed with a good deed, and then the one who previously was your enemy may become your close friend." (Qur'an chapter 41, verse 34).
Our hearts go out to all the victims of violence and their families, and we pray to God for safety and global peace.
