(As salaamu 'alaikum. Greetings of peace. Below is our presentation at the Annual Interfaith Forum series sponsored by the Interfaith Council Of Southern Nevada. In addition to the text, video and photos of the event are to be found. Many thanks to the Muslim community for its support as well as the SGI Buddhist Center for hosting the event.)
WORLD PEACE
Can Peace be our future?
(Presentation at the thirty-eighth annual Interfaith forum series, sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, October 26, 2025 Las Vegas, Nevada.)
In the name of God, The Compassionate, The Ever-Merciful
Our topic can be viewed as theoretical, yet it can also be seen as the most important topic of this era, particularly in a Western context, where we have viewed ourselves as largely immune from the conflicts and turmoil experienced overseas. Recent events in the contemporary political climate have placed those sort of assumptions into question.
“Peace” as a word, can carry diverse meanings in the minds of people. For most, the popular meaning is the end of war. Yet, wars are fought for both good and bad reasons. The African-American theologian and social reformer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (d.1968) has famously written “ True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.”
Islam has placed great emphasis on justice. Peace is a by-product of not only justice, but a correct mentality. It stands against racism in the strongest terms. It calls for economic justice, the removal of oppression, a healthy and sober society in which the environment and natural resources are protected, where minorities are not subjected to exploitation and abuse. It is when these conditions are addressed, peace will naturally follow.
The Qur’an says “ And God invites towards the abode of peace, He guides to a straight path whom He wills.” ( Q 10:25). The ultimate “abode of peace” is in the next life. This world will always have some sort of problems, but we do our best to bring forth what is beneficial to mankind. The Qur’an says “Indeed, God orders justice and excellent conduct, giving to those closest to you, He forbids immorality, repugnant acts and wickedness. He gives you admonition, so that perhaps you will take heed.” ( Q 16:90).
The Quranic verse cited last is actually very important on this overarching topic. It presents the foundations for authentic peace, be it within a person, society, or between opposing sides. “Justice” (Al-’Adl) is the proper balancing within all situations, “Excellent conduct” (Al-Ihsaan) denotes beautiful embellishments, of people and places, of the soul and body. The Qur’an says further to “give to those close to you.” This doesn’t mean charity only, it denotes having an attitude of communal benefit, which captures the big picture of human needs , not just individualistic or limited interests. Much of the impediments to peace, even the peace of a person’s soul, is linked to lack of true balances, failure to engage in authentic introspection, and the unavailability of a support system. These impediments can be caused not only by individual trauma but also emerge from structural injustice.
These points cannot be ignored if we are serious in seeking peace, be it the peace within an individual or between different groups of humans in our world. There is a global trend today, heavily represented within political discourse, which obscures the realities which we have shared by resorting to scapegoating, xenophobia and calls to irrational behavior. We have to be strong enough and have enough education to resist that trend. There are things all of us can do for our own selves, which includes activities such as attending sessions of this kind, reading physical books, travel to diverse areas, and of course spiritual efforts and a baseline moral foundation. We have the ability for growth, we say that God has placed the capacity within us.
We say that if a proper mentality is instilled deep within us, through the examples of effort which was highlighted earlier, peace will come to us as individuals, and if justice is truly the interest for those who yield power, peace on earth is attainable.
Thank you.
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