In the previous part of this topic, we emphasized that advertising peace and educating peaceful followers are of the main purposes of Islam. Here we review some more Islamic pieces of advice and lessons on having a balanced life and being in peace with other people of either the same religion or other.  

Being Good-Tempered

Being equable and good-tempered, and avoiding irascibility and harsh words are continuously advised to in the Islamic teachings such that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is invited in the Quran to “argue with them (unbelievers) in a way that is best” (16:125). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Imams (AS), as role models for Muslims, have demonstrated these acts in a way that the Quran says about the Prophet (PBUH): “And indeed, you are of a great moral character” (68:4). That is why the Quran says about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “So by mercy from Allah, you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you” (3:159).

Imam Sadiq (AS) has described being good-tempered as: “using friendly words, nice behavior and receiving your brother happily” [1]. Imam Ali (AS) said that the best and most important deed of a “believer” is behaving nicely with people [2]. Even in the case of facing ignorant people, it is encouraged to treat kindly: “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace” (25:63). 

These examples and many other Islamic pieces of advice demonstrate how much Islam cares about one’s behavior towards others. 

Moderation in All Affairs 

This is true that moderation can develop peace. Islam recognizes moderation as the most efficient and pleasant approach in life and interaction with others. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that: “the best of every affair is the middle of it” [3]. The Quran describes Muslims as a moderate community and says that: “we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you” (2:143). This means that the nation and people who are educated based on the Islamic teachings and the Quranic guidelines will avoid extremes; neither they are radical, nor conservative [4]. 

However, whenever the truth (Haq) and falsehood (Batil) are clear and apparent, there is no place for moderation. An example is the holy struggle (Jihad); i.e., when land is attacked by others, there should be no moderation and defense becomes obligatory. 

The Rights of Non-Muslims in peace

Islam has considered the rights for every being, from parts of the body to neighbors, parents, etc. Then, it is not surprising if Islam also considers some rights for non-Muslims over Muslims. Of the rights of non-Muslims are to believe in the promises they have given the Islamic state; not to bother them about what they want or on what they are obliged to; to judge among them just as God has ordered; not to oppress them since Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said that he would be against anyone who oppresses a non-Muslim1 [5]. Imam Ali (AS) was sensitive to any harm or injustice to whether Muslims or non-Muslims. He (AS) said that: “if someone is not of your religion, he is still a human being like you.”, he (AS) was therefore against any harm or damage to non-Muslims [6].

Dealing with Others in the Early Ages of Islam

After the rise of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) adopted the approach of moderation and fairness with the followers of the previous Abrahamic religions. 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) defended boldly Muslims and himself whenever needed. He (PBUH&HP) opposed any violence to Muslims, but he (PBUH&HP) still cared about the prisoners of the wars. He (PBUH&HP) had ordered to treat them with moderation, mercy, and humanity, to do good to them and to forgive them. Prisoners were usually kept in the mosques or proper and clean homes. The troops of Islam, following the manner of Prophet (PBUH&HP), preferred prisoners to themselves such that they provided prisoners with better foods and clothes. If a prisoner did not want to reveal the secrets of the enemies, he would not be beaten but whoever did so would be released [7].    

Considering the points mentioned above about how Islam educates peaceful followers and how it considers rights for non-Muslims, the role of Islam in promoting peace can be fully grasped. However, this should not be confused that a Muslim must endure every situation or the violation of his\her rights or the rights of the Muslims in general. The key point is that a Muslim chooses the moderation and peace as the first solution to his social affairs as long as it does not require the violation of the rights of one or several people. 

1 Here, the term “non-Muslim” refers only to a non-Muslim who is the citizen of an Islamic state or a non-Muslim who lives in a non-Muslim country which is in agreement with Muslims. 

References:

1.  Ibn Babawayh, "Man la yahduruhu al-Faqih," vol. 4, p. 412.
2. Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, "Tuhaf al-'uqul," p. 200.
3.  Allama Majlisi, “Bihar al-Anwar,” vol. 74, p. 383.
4.  Reference to: “How and why did Islam spread very quickly throughout the world? – Part 4: Islam and its moderate views.”
5.  Imam Zayn al-'Abidin (AS), “Treatise On Rights (Risalat al-Huquq).”
6. M. al-Kulayni, "Kitab al-Kafi."
7. peace in islam

    

1. The Taste of Water

The taste of water is the taste of life. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.49, p.99.

2. Cleanliness

Cleanliness is among the manners of prophets. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.335.

3. Halal Food

Any food that benefits the body and brings energy to it is allowed (Halal), and whatever harms the body and drains its energy is forbidden (Haram).

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.254. 

4. A Plan for Life according to Imam Rida (AS)

Try to divide your day into four parts; a part for praying to Allah, one for providing your livelihood, one for spending time with your friends and the ones you trust to tell your mistakes and love you sincerely, and a part for enjoying Halal pleasures which gives you the ability to fulfill the other parts.

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.337.

 5. This World and the Hereafter

The one who puts aside his/her world [ultimately] for the sake of his/her religion, or vice versa, is not among our followers. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.346.

6. Manners

Observe your manners in your relations with the ones older or younger than you. 

Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasa'il, vol.8, p.354. 

7. A Believer's Grief

Whoever washes away a believer's grief, Allah will save him/her from despair on the Day of Judgment.

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni,  al-Kafi, vol.2, p.200.

8. Gratitude 

Allah has commanded to express gratitude toward Himself and your parents; therefore, if you don't give thanks to your parents, you are not grateful to Allah.

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal, p.156.

9. Reason and Ignorance

Reason is your best friend and ignorance, your worst enemy.

Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.443. 

10. Make Attempts

You are ridiculing yourself if you ask for Allah's help, yet don't make any attempts [to reach your goal]. 

Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no.2790.

11. Greetings

The one who greets a poor Muslim differently than a rich person will face Allah's wrath on the Day of Judgement.  

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.59. 

12. Generosity

From the two groups who face each other, victory belongs to the one that shows more generosity. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.71, p.452.

13. Modesty in Imam Rida (AS)'s View

Modesty has different manifestations; one is for those who know their limitations, accept their position contently, like to treat people the way they expect to be treated, confront insult with benevolence, control their anger and forgive people. Allah loves the righteous. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni,  al-Kafi, vol.2, p.124.

14. Optimism 

Allah will treat the one who holds an optimistic view toward Him, the same as his/her approach. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni,  al-Kafi, vol.8, p.347.

15. Eating Less

Eating less and refraining from excessive use of food will protect your body against various diseases.

Al-Ma’mun ,al-Risa’la al-Dhahabiya fi al-Tibb, p.270. 

16. Sickness and Health

Two groups are always sick; A healthy person who abstains from food and a sick person who does not abstain.  

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.340.

17. Respect Allah

Whoever respects Allah's sanctuary, he/she will be respected, and whoever obeys Allah, will be obeyed. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.137.

18. A Generous Person

A generous person eats from other people's food [if invited], for people to eat from his/hers, and the ungenerous does not eat from other's food, to not offer his/her own food to others. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.1, p.15. 

19. Children and the Elderly

Respect the elderly, be kind to children, and pay a visit to your relatives.

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.265.

20. Praying to Allah

Allah delays granting the request of a believer, since He is eager to listen to him/her praying, saying, "This is the voice I love listening to" and hasten in granting the request of a hypocrite, saying, "This is the voice I loathe hearing." 

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.345.

21. Know Your Value

Whoever knows his/her value will never be devastated.

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.72, p.66.

22. Eid al-Fitr as Imam Rida (AS) Describes

Fitr has been appointed as Eid for Muslims to come together as a community on this day in the presence of the Lord and thank Him for His blessings.

Ibn Qūlawayh, Kamil al-Ziyarat, p.522.

23. Visiting Relatives and Friends 

Visit each other regularly to create more love between yourselves, and hold each other's hands and wipe anger away from your hearts.

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.347.

24. The Manner of Borrowing

The one who borrows something with the intention of giving it back is under Allah's protection until he does so. However, if he doesn't have the intention of paying the debt back to its owner, he is considered a thief.

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.268.

25. Signs of Awareness in Imam Rida (AS)'s Words

Patience, knowledge, and silence are signs of awareness. Silence is one of the gates to wisdom. It endows human beings with tenderness and guides them toward virtues. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.113.

26. Perfume

Wearing perfume is one of the manners of prophets.

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.510.

27. Repenting

The one who repents from sin and repeats doing it seems like a person who is ridiculing his/her Lord. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.504.

28. A True Worship 

The value of worshipping does not depend on the number of prayers or fasts. Instead, true worship is pondering deeply on Allah and everything related to Him. 

Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.442.

29. Knowing Allah

The first step in serving Allah is knowing Him.

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Tawhid, p.34. 

30. Allah's Reward

Whoever smiles at his/her fellow believer, will win Allah's reward. 

al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Kitāb muṣādaqat al-ikhwān, vol.1, p.157. 

31. Give Thanks

The one who doesn't gratify a kindness received by others has not given thanks to Allah Almighty. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.24.

32. Committing Sins

Insignificant sins lead into great sins and the one, who doesn't have any fear of Allah while committing the insignificant ones, won't feel any fear in doing the great ones. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.73, p.353.

33. Forbearance

You are not a devout worshipper if you do not seek forbearance. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.11.

34. Neighborhood 

If your neighbor is not safe from your harm, you are not among our followers. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.24.

35. Promises

The one who breaks promises is prone to unfortunate incidents.

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.67, p.186.

36. Relief and Despair

Verily, relief, and success comes after despair.

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.52, p.110.

37. Faith in Allah

Faith includes knowing by heart, confessing by the tongue, practicing by all parts of your body. 

Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.422.

38. The Manner of a Believer

A believer does not leave aside what is right, when in anger, and does not go astray, in happiness, and does not take more than he/she deserves, while in power. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.355.  

39. The Stingy, The Envious, The Ruler, The Liar

There is no peace for the stingy, no pleasure for the envious, no guarantee for the rulers, and no conscience for the liar. 

Ibn Shu'bah, A Summery of Tuhaf al-Uqul, hadith no. 500249. 

40. A Deceitful Worship

Doubt the faith of the one who shows off with his/her worships to Allah, since Allah Al-mighty abhors bragging about worship and appearance. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.70, p.252.