Quran advocates peace or war? A suggestion by French intellectuals, bureaucrats, Ex-President & Prime Minister to change Quran has again highlighted the issue of using quotes from Quran to prove it a peace loving and war waging book.
People misquote Quran by claiming that Quran only propagates Peace or War. They cherry pick some verses and generalize it on the whole Quran while it contradicts the reality. It is because Quran is the final revelation by Allah through which he addressed human kind and gave guidance for the whole humanity till the end of this world.
So Quran addresses the issue of peace, war, jihad, negotiations, economy, marriage, minorities, education, technological advancement and many other issues which all are addressed in the holy book.
Unlike other religious books it doesn’t restrict itself to ethics rather it talks about ethics, life, death, about human nature, about sanctity of life and the exceptions when it is justified to use force to repel unjust aggression.
Here we will provide verses (ayat) from Quran on some specific topics to show how Quran address different topics.
Quranic Quotes on Peace:
“if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” 5:32
[junkie-alert style=”green”] And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say “Peace!” 25:63 [/junkie-alert]
“When he turns his back his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not mischief.” 2:205
Quranic Guidence About War:
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.” 2:190
“And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan and the captive (8) (Saying) We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.” (76:8,9)
Inspirational & Motivational Verses of Quran:
So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers. 3:139
[junkie-alert style=”green”] Verily, along with every hardship is relief 94:5 [/junkie-alert]
Thy Lord has not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased. 93:2
And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the steadfast “ 2:155
Similar the narrations of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also reflect how Islam is a complete code of life with Quran & Hadith addressing all spheres of life. No matter you are a ruler, judge, military commander, a father, son or husband you will find that Quran addresses you on your life.
That is why rather than cherry picking verses from the holy book we should take Quran as our teacher and accept whatever we get from it. This is the best way to learn from the Quran.