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T. Khan: Islam Is a Middle Path
Written by Dr. Tanvir Khan, Islamic Circle of North America
Monday, January 2, 2006
Like other religions, Islam teaches us to love and respect, to be kind and helpful to everyone. Prophet Mohammed clearly prohibited killing those who are not fighting with you and killing women and children even during war. Life is sacred. Saving a life is like saving all of mankind. And killing one is like killing all of mankind.
He prohibited poisoning, which can be applied to biological warfare. He prohibited using fire as a means to kill because only the lord of fire can punish with fire. Similarly, the destruction of property is prohibited.
Islam is a way of middle paths and not of extremes. Any extreme action comes from not following the proper teachings of Islam. To stop extremism of any kind, families have a responsibility to reevaluate and reestablish the moral system of theist religions and to teach their children.
We are all a part of a big universal family. We all are related. In Islam, neighbors have many rights. Do not hesitate to offer them any help if they need it or to share their happiness and sorrow. Let us have a bright, happy future for our children of all religions.
But, we are forming new values in our family system. The promotion of peace in nuclear families will lead to peace in the universal family. Global peace is our goal. It is very important to teach children kindness toward people who are suffering, even those with whom we have political disagreements.
Encourage our children to participate. America is a land of immigrants. We have different colors, faces, dresses, and appearances, but all of us are equal. And we all love this beautiful country. Once we establish that close relationship with our loved ones and families, it will help bring peace to our hearts.
The path to global peace begins within the heart. Let’s extend our hands to each other with love and acceptance and walk together to establish global peace for us and our children. I know so many beautiful, good-hearted people who are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist—and we all share things in common. We all share the same feelings. We all have the same needs in life. If we all follow the teachings of our religions, which always teach peace in life, then our families will learn to accept and respect each other. It is up to us to attain global peace by making the changes necessary to ensure global peace, beginning with love and peace in our families.
[Source: Islamic Perspectives on Peace. Tarrytown, NY: Universal Peace Federation, 2006.]