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Religion and Peace – Islam and Christianity

Religion and Peace – Islam and Christianity Islam: How does Islam guide its adherents towards the attainment of inner peace, using the five pillars? -

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In Islam peace is recognised as a state of existence, essentially connected to beauty – with the attributes of divinity such as love, mercy, justice, tranquillity, humanity and peace, that of which is antithetical to jahiliyya (ignorance) (El Fahdi,2014) In a religious context, the word Islam translates to submission to Allah, and the word literally is derived from Arabic word “salaam”, which means peace. Notably, Muslims use the greeting “Salaam alaikum” translating to “peace be upon you”. Therefore, peace is imbedded in all parts of Islam and next to submission to Allah, is the ultimate motive in a Muslims life

Five Pillars – inner peace - It is through the five pillars of Islam: Shahada, Salat, Sawm, Zakat and Hajj, where a Muslim is enabled to attain inner peace. The five pillars provide a foundation for Muslim life, being mandatory by believers, they are to engage in practices and obligations that allow for a justification/reminder of their faith. In doing so, adherents can achieve inner peace as the concept of peace is one that is emphasised through the completion of these pillars. -

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The Shahada is the declaration of faith that a believer will say in order to become Muslim. As they declare that there is “no God but Allah” and that “Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”, they submit to the worship of the one true God, entering the faith with intentions of peace. Fundamental pillar as the identity of a Muslim is declared through the Shahada Salat fosters a close relationship with the adherent and Allah, to perfect their relationship with God. The idea of 5 times a day allows a Muslim to step back from the busyness of their lives and give that time to God. Viewing the day and getting a sense of perspective often about things that have been challenging them, as prayer calms the mind, giving them a sense of peace. As all Muslims pray together symbolising the connection to the ummah have a sense of belonging. Teaches them importance of keeping God at the centre of their lives, serves to give adherent inner peace. “truly in remembering God, do hearts find rest” (surah 13) Sawm consists of fasting, zakat and discipline. Discover a sense of inner peace as they embark on a journey where they are tested regarding their patience, self-control and devotion. For many Muslims, it serves as reminder about the needy and hungry all over the world, where they learn about the significance in thanking Allah for the things they have as well as pray for the needs of all to be met. A time of self-reflection, for inner peace Zakat Charity  purify adherents’ wealth, but in serving the needs of others it is following Allah’s will. Zakat fulfils not only inner peace but develops peace within society as it manifests social justice. Inner peace and world Hajj – being in sense of peace when Ihram, staying in this state. The most significant is the idea of forgiveness of past present and future sins, with this idea that adherent is given a new beginning. Ultimate sense of promise of paradise for which every Muslim is striving towards. Pilgrimage for reconnection, reconciliation and rededication

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Also: Jihad bin nafs (strive without ego) – as they set aside material pleasures and luxuries, and demands of their egos, they are striving to please God with the only intentions of worshipping Allah for the greater good that will allow for “peace and tranquillity of the heart” (surah 48)

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Muslims will immerse in a state or concept known as ‘Tawakkul’ - a positive reassurance that everything happens according to Allah’s will, and that one must abide to God’s plan for harmony and peace to be present

Religion and Peace – Islam and Christianity

World peace – Islam - Social justice – Interfaith Islamic Relief Australia: “communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled and people respond as one to the suffering of others” not-for-profit organisation – Overall, the global Islamic Relief family was able to distribute more than 160,000 food packs in 33 countries, reaching over 900,000 people. Done through Zakat as people donate to support Muslims who fast in countries where they are suffering in the face of injustice, poverty, disaster or conflict and have difficult access to food. Or the ALYATEEM CHILD SPONSORSHIP, when sponsoring a child, they receive education, health checks, clothes, shelter, food and clean water ICNA (Islamic circle of North America): “work collaboratively with inter-faith groups and other nongovernment organizations, seeking to be a Muslim voice of peace and reason in the midst of civil unrest and war” Affinity intercultural foundation: Interfaith Islamic organisation, to create and sustain enduring relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, by organising public events, talks and lecture series that bring groups of different people together. Commemorating and honouring the Christchurch shootings, bringing together Muslims and other members of the community to remember and reconcile the event. Iftar dinners during Ramadan - Ecological justice – peace with creation Green Muslims: “strive to serve as a bridge connecting the Muslim community with local climate action organizations” “The Vision of Green Muslims is to see Muslims living in the environmental spirit of Islam, striving towards connection with nature and environmental stewardship” – Partnered with interfaith organisations and have programs and activities that promote environmental awareness to many young people, especially kids. Teach how to not have any left overs during Iftar (Ramadan) and be zero-waste as prophet Muhammad emphasises the importance of avoiding wastefulness in Islam (surah 7) Ifees EcoIslam: dedicated to maintain the healthy balance of earth. call to Muslims to live up to their responsibilities as guardians (Khalifa – Qur’an 6:167) of Allah’s creation and work towards leaving a liveable earth for future generations. During Ramadan have extensive classes and programs that -

God gave humans the role of Khalifa (steward), it is said by Muhammad in a hadith that: “the world is beautiful and God has appointed you as His stewards over it” Everything must be in mizan (balance) (Quran 54) In Islam, justice is seen as an essential element of peace. Islam There can only be peace in the world if… and the Quran teaches that… and the prophet echoed this sentiment when he….. The ___ organisation promotes peace through….

Peace must be actively and earnestly sought (jihad) - Islam and violence are contradictory to each other - 2008 – high council of religious leaders in Iraq created first joint sunni-shia fatwa against violence in known history of Islam, condemning terrorism and violence and recognising rights of both ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq - 2006 – Sheikh Al Gomaa, Grand Mufti of Egypt in a speech said “It must be said to any terrorist, you are not from amongst the Muslims…terrorists are criminals, not Muslim activists”

Religion and Peace – Islam and Christianity

- “Spread peace and you will receive peace.” Hadith Teaching 1: GOD IS SOURCE FOR ALL PEACE - ‘Allah is the… source of peace and perfection’ (Surah 59), in submission to Allah and observing Islam, peace can be attained - Part of the 99 names of Allah – “As-Salaam”, the ‘perfect and giver of peace’: part of his attributes, demonstrating Allah as the source for peace - Tranquillity and peace are a gift given by Allah: “sent down tranquillity into the hearts of the faithful, so that their faith may grow stronger” (Surah 48), emphasising the importance of living in peace as it is what Allah intended, and it is through peace where submission and faith can be strengthened - It is said in the Hadith, that when Prophet Muhammad finished his prayer, he would say “O Allah you are peace and from you is peace” - Inner peace and world peace - Tawhid belief and Shahada pillar

Teaching 2: SUMBISSION TO GOD IS PATH TO PEACE - As a form of invitation from Allah: “Allah invites to the abode of peace and guides whom He pleases into the right path (Surah 10) - Hadith: ‘peace be upon the one who follows the right path’ - Reflects belief in Tawhid, Shahada and Salat strongly - Inner peace - Links to teaching 1

Teaching 3: STRIVING FOR PEACE IS GREATER JIHAD - Concept of greater jihad or inner struggle (striving) is central to developing inner peace - Link to pillar of Hajj – great persistence and struggle to maintain peace excessively while a pilgrim and allows for achieving inner peace - “Those who believe, and suffer… and strive with might… they are the people who will achieve salvation” (Surah 9) - The term jihad labelled ‘Holy war’ has often been used in negative ways that defeat its true understanding and purpose. The lesser Jihad is what is seen as a fight for religious freedom in times where one must defend themselves, but the greater jihad is what is valued highly by Muslims and Allah. - The prophet described the act of engaging in the self, critically and honestly – confrontation of the weakness of one’s ego (nafs) – as the highest form of Jihad (jihad al-Akbar) – inner peace - In striving in ‘the path of God’, adherents recognise the struggles they face to resent evil and are therefore reminded of Allah’s intentions for peace Teaching 4: PEACE IS LIVING IN LOVE/HARMONY + PROMOTE JUSTICE - Peace amongst brothers and sisters is essential as it develops a strong ummah and Muslim family. Having peace with society and globally is significant as it fulfils Allah’s plan to live in harmony with one another - Hadith: “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself” - The Quran presents the universe as a model, which is characterised by harmony and peace (Quran: 36:40) When God created heaven and earth, He so ordered things that each part might perform its function peacefully without clashing with any other - Pillar of zakat promotes justice - Following footsteps of prophets (Rusula)

Religion and Peace – Islam and Christianity -

World peace

Teaching 5: PEACE IS REJECTION OF VIOLENCE AND CHOOSING NON-VIOLENCE - Making active choice to not engage in conflict in a violent manner - Link to jihad, lesser vs greater - “Not equal are the good deed and bad. Repel evil by that deed which is better” (Surah 41) – reflects belief of Yawm-al-din and al-Akhira, where their fate is determined through Allah’s judgement and the completion of true good deeds - Inscribed on Prophet’s sword: ‘Forgive him who wrongs you; join him who cuts you off; do good to him who does evil to you, and speak truth’ - Sufism is important – focuses on attainment of peace and why it is the model of non-violence in Islam - “I will speak of love until you go mad and join me in my mad worship of love” (Kamand Kojouri) showing how love and ultimately ‘divine love’ of God is the way towards peace as it rejects violence – resolving conflict through love, rather than violence Whirling dervishes separates the Muslim from burdens to ‘engage the rising of the human soul by releasing the ego to become enlightened and thus become united with god’ (a. lakmut) Inner conflict is often a result of a break in relationships with God or neighbour, restoring this brokenness is often the path to cultivating inner peace… The leading cause of global conflict is injustice, organisations that improve understanding go these injustices are often a way in which religion provides an avenue for restoring peace in a broken world, increasing in educational opportunities regarding awareness of justice, both socially and ecologically

Religion and Peace – Islam and Christianity

Christianity Celebration of the Eucharist – example of prayer in Christianity, both personal and individual as well as communal - As Christians we are called to live out in our own lives this eucharistic mystery. "Love one another as I have loved you" is a call to live Calvary in our daily lives. All true Christian “calvarias" are lifegiving and lead to inner peace. (living Calvary means being a living sacrifice just as Christ, aligned to his sacrifice, e.g. Mother Teresa where her whole life was a Calvary, and yet she brought peace to millions of people through that act of Calvary) - Love is man’s origin and love is his ultimate fulfilment in heaven. If we would have life in abundance, we must learn to love as Christ loved us - The peace given through communion is transcended and beyond what is ordinary peace in the world, that of which is guided by materialistic luxuries. Christ's peace is different from the peace that the world affords. The world's peace is won at the price of capitulation, of giving in to one's weaknesses. Christ's peace comes from His Cross. And the Cross and the Eucharist have always been mystically one. “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ” Philippians 4:7 - Peace – specifically referred to at least 3 times, reminding adherents of the centrality of peace within the celebration - Dismissal – call to action (to promote peace), Christian and religious understanding is something you’re working towards “go in peace to love and serve the Lord” - Consecration/communion unites adherents with Christ (Prince of Peace)  promise of salvation through Christ’s supreme sacrifice brings peace - The inner peace that the adherent gains must be taken out and shared to the world through service - Eucharist is a community celebration  peace comes from the sense of being connected and belonging, sharing a purpose with a group of people that an adherent can identify with - “The Eucharist is peace from the Lord” Pope Benedict Reconciliation - Christians believe that peace can be achieved through reconciliation, as its ultimate goal is for the restoration of peace within oneself, with God, and others. In order to do so, Christians will acknowledge and recognise their wrongdoings and thus take action in seeking a way to reconcile - The concept of reconciliation is emphasised through the gospels as a way of adherents being at peace with each other and with God. Jesus prioritises peace with neighbour, over peace with God. This is because peace with neighbour is a tangible expression of an adherent’s intent to be at peace with themselves and God “if you really love God, it will show in your actions” Catherine McCauley - Rid of the burden of guilt, and reconciliation is followed by reconnection with self, God and others - Sacramental reconciliation is for Catholics only. It is formalised through the formal sacrament of reconciliation for adherents as it is a tangible practice as you go to confession - In the sacrament, the priest offers absolution of sin as he stands in the place of Christ as a conduit through which the peace of Christ is offered to the adherent. Reflecting Jesus’ own words in the Gospel “whosevers sins you forgive, they are forgiven” - Forgiveness of sins removes the burden of guilt, serving as a time for reflection - “get rid of bitterness, rage and anger… be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” Ephesians 4:31 – Paul urged the early Christians

Religion and Peace – Islam and Christianity

Inner peace – reconciliation Christians believe that peace can be achieved through reconciliation, as its ultimate goal is for the restoration of peace within oneself, with God, and others. In order to do so, Christians will acknowledge and recognise their wrongdoings and thus take action in seeking a way to reconcile. The concept of reconciliation is emphasised through the gospels as a way of adherents living in peace with all of God’s creation. When ridding of burden and guilt through a process of acknowledging one’s mistake/sin, forgiveness is further emphasised by reconnection for the adherent and their faith, developing inner peace as they strengthen their relationship with God. Similarly, when forgiving others, Christians are reminded of the compassionate nature of Christ, and like Him, are to exemplify peace amongst others, but more notably, within themselves. As St. Paul urged the early Christians to “get rid of bitterness, rage and anger… be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31), adherents are to follow this understanding that peace with neighbour is a tangible expression of an adherent’s intent to be at peace with themselves and God. For Catholics, this is formalised through the sacrament of reconciliation as it involves the practice of confession. In the sacrament, the priest offers absolution of sin as he stands in the place of Christ as a conduit through which the peace of Christ is offered to the adherent. Reflecting Jesus’ own words in the Gospel “whosevers sins you forgive, they are forgiven”. Therefore, as adherents commit to reconciling, with others, themselves, and God, they can achieve inner peace. -

Penitential rites are central rituals for Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox Christians. Through confession or reconciliation, the love of God is renewed and burden of sin is removed, allowing for the individual to be a peace with God, themselves and others, thus contribution to the development of inner peace.

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“may almighty God, who sent his Son into the world to save sinners, bring us his pardon and peace, now and forever” (Anglican Penitential rite)

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“May God give you his pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sin in the name of the father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Catholic)

Christianity teaches that peace is in the “Reign of God” in the lives of people. Thus, adherents believe that as they demonstrate and strive for what is the “Kingdom of God”, as Paul described that is “is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 4:17). Therefore, an adherent is to recognise that righteousness, peace and joy is what is essential in fulfilling God’s intentions for His Kingdom. In order to uphold and reflect the “Reign of God”, adherents must collectively, and actively engage in ways to promote justice, peace and love globally, resulting to world peace. Due to the recent “Black Lives Matter” movement in the US, many have been racially subjugated, facing racial injustice and discrimination, where this issue has globally Beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” Bishop Michael Curry: “if we will work together to create a society where there is room for all of God’s children, where every human being, every one of us is treated as a child of God”

Religion and Peace – Islam and Christianity

Christianity teaches that peace is in the “reign of God” in the lives of people. “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called ‘Children of God’” (Beatitude) This taching informs adherents that through the centrality of God in their lives, they have the implication to actively build His Kingdom of Peace in their communities, therefore establishing a peaceful envionemnt and peaceful world. The need for action in order to reinstate the Kingdom of God has been brought to life in the midst of violence, rasicm and police brutality in the US. The Southern Baptist convention emphasised that “followers of Jesus Christ cannot remain silent when out friends are mistreated and abused” therefore, the action of peacemaking is seen as an imperative to inshilling the kingdom of God in out world, so that all people mau experience peace....