Islam and Peaceful Coexistence
This subject is a sermon delivered by Professor Dr Ali Qaradaghi titled ‘General Principles and Rules for Peaceful Coexistence’ and translated and made into a small Kurdish book and named ‘Islam and Peaceful Coexistence’.
This sermon serves as a beacon illuminating Islam’s stance on differences, including religion, nationality, and ideology. The purpose of this work is to rectify misinterpretations that have led to the misrepresentation of Islam, often resulting in bloodshed perpetrated in the name of God. It endeavours to rectify these misconceptions, thereby presenting the true essence of Islam as a religion of mercy, forgiveness, and coexistence.
The book comprises sixteen general principles and rules delineated by Islam to foster peaceful coexistence and humanitarian collaboration. Dr Qaradaghi meticulously dissects each principle, elucidating its nuances through reference to the verses of the Quran. These principles are as follows:
First: Recognising differences, and acknowledging disparities in nationality, religion, language, and ideas.
Second: Resisting and grace, resistance in a graceful manner.
Third: Recognising the dignity and nobility inherent in every human being.
Fourth: Oneness of religion and the divine origin shared by all heavenly faiths.
Fifth: Respect for all individuals, regardless of their life status or religious affiliation.
Sixth: Freedom of faith and rejecting coercion in matters of religion.
Seventh: Peace, not war, forms the foundation of Islam.
Eighth: Precedence of peace over war, even with concessions.
Ninth: Justice must prevail for all, without exception.
Tenth: Communication and debate as the foundation for conflict resolution, discouraging conflict and tension.
Eleventh: Quranic praise for heavenly religions and their respective messengers.
Twelfth: Rejecting aggregate judgments for all of humankind, emphasising individual understanding.
Thirteenth: Expanding collaborative efforts to include both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Fourteenth: Jihad is pursued for the attainment of freedom.
Fifteenth: War as the ultimate phase of Jihad, employed only as a last resort.
Sixteenth: Emphasising the importance of understanding one another, fostering dialogue and comprehension, rather than resorting to violence or annihilation.
In essence, this seminal work is a testament to Islam’s teachings, promoting tolerance, respect, and dialogue. It serves as a guide to dispel misunderstandings, encouraging a spirit of mutual understanding and coexistence among individuals, regardless of their diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Some key details about the book include:
– Original Language: Arabic
– Translated into Kurdish by Salah Al-din Baqir
– Number of Pages: 82
– Year of Publication: 2014