Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective

What is Peace?

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Peace can be defined as "freedom from disturbance; tranquillity." Inner peace is when we experience tranquillity within ourselves, and external peace is when our surroundings are free from conflict and war. Inner peace, also known as peace of mind, refers to a deliberate state of psychological or spiritual calm despite the presence of potential stressors. Being "at peace" is considered to be a healthy state, the opposite of being stressed or anxious, and is associated with a positive outcome as it allows our mind to perform at an optimal level. Peace of mind is generally associated with bliss, happiness, and contentment. Peace is a concept that denotes societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. Socially, peace is often understood as a lack of conflict, such as war, and freedom from the fear of violence between individuals or groups.

 

Consider these thought-provoking reflections:

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1. Prioritizing Peace: Global vs. Inner

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Which should take precedence—global peace or inner peace? One perspective suggests that an individual can maintain inner calm even amidst war and conflict. Conversely, it is also possible for someone to struggle with achieving inner peace, despite being in a serene and tranquil environment.

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2. Distinctions Among Peaceful States

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How do a peaceful heart, mind, and soul differ from one another? Each aspect plays a unique role in the overall sense of peace and well-being.

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3. The Relationship Between External Peace and Freedom of Expression

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Is it feasible to attain external peace without the freedom of expression? Furthermore, can freedom of expression be exercised harmoniously without acknowledging diversity and fostering inner peace? Without inner peace, humanity may struggle to wield freedom of expression responsibly. This imbalance can lead to the emergence of negative emotions such as envy and greed, as well as an excessive focus on material gain, ultimately resulting in conflict and war.

 

Why is Peace Important? 

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Inner peace is important because the more at peace we are with ourselves, the more likely we are to become at peace with our environment and the people in it. When we are at peace with others, there will be less conflict and war in our communities and globally. This paves the way for unity, harmony, and respect for life and diversity.

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How can Peace help us? ​

 

When we seek inner peace, we aim to unite ourselves with the spirit of the Divine, allowing the light to shine through us unto others. This enables us to act as vessels of love and light.

 

The feeling of inner peace is healing in itself. It liberates us from worries and anxieties that can lead to mental, emotional, and physical ill health. Our sense of spiritual peace and well-being can help to heal our physical bodies and minds, as well as bring us life. The more at peace we are within ourselves, the more likely we are to live in each moment to the best of our abilities, becoming more mindful of those around us. This enables us to better engage with our families, friends, and others in our communities who need and want our attention. In this way, we are more likely to have fulfilling relationships with our loved ones and help them feel listened to, loved, and cherished, thus healing them with our positive energies. When our loved ones are happier, this happiness is reflected back to us, creating happier and more peaceful environments for us to live in harmony.

 

The feeling of peace brings tranquillity, security and safety, freedom, humility, gratitude, contentment, happiness, joy, hope, patience, love, forgiveness, and other positive emotions. These emotions light us up from within and enable us to share that light with others. Achieving inner peace is akin to surrendering ourselves to that which is beyond our understanding, and letting go of our anxieties and fears that keep us trapped in the past and worried about the future. Surrendering to peace teaches us to let go of the need to control and instead live in each moment, using our blessings to serve a greater purpose.

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How can Peace help others? 

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It's amazing how being around peaceful, smiling, calm, happy, hopeful, patient, humble, grateful, and joyful people can lift our spirits, isn't it? Their positive energy truly makes a difference. And think about how a kind word or a smile from a stranger during a difficult time can brighten our day. On the other hand, being around people who are always depressed, anxious, or complaining can affect our mood and energy.

 

As humans, we have this incredible ability to pick up on the emotions and energies around us, just like other creatures and nature around us. When we find peace within ourselves, we radiate that peace to those around us, including other people, animals, and the natural world. Our positive energy becomes a guiding light, helping both ourselves and others on our journeys in life.

 

So, the more we focus on finding inner peace and truth within ourselves, the more we can bring positivity to the world. Making peace is about unifying, not dividing. It's about being a peacemaker, someone who seeks to bring harmony, counter evil with goodness, and calm conflict with compassion. But to do all this in the external world, we must first find that peace within ourselves.

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How to Achieve Inner Peace

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Much of the world's struggles stem from human behaviour, with war and conflict arising from envy, greed, and the desire for power. Divisions occur through religious labels and vengefulness, leading to fear and further separation. Thus, traits like 'envy,' 'greed,' 'arrogance,' and 'vengefulness' hinder peace. In contrast, 'gratitude,' 'love,' 'humility,' and 'forgiveness' promote it. Being grateful reduces the desire for what others have while loving others encourages sharing. Humility opens us to learning, and forgiveness fosters mutual mercy.

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Gratitude requires remembering God, the source of our blessings. Love for others is rooted in love for God. Humility comes from recognising our dependence on Him, and forgiveness is nurtured through empathy. Many anxieties arise from dwelling on past experiences, which can hinder our present and future. However, reflecting on the past can provide wisdom for improvement. Feelings of unworthiness can prevent us from embracing divine forgiveness, but scripture assures that sincere repentance leads to compassion and forgiveness from God.

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Engaging in good deeds, such as acts of kindness and charity, can purify us and help us achieve inner peace. Letting go of anxieties and entrusting them to God fosters peace. By surrendering to Him, we allow guidance on our journeys.

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God is the giver of peace. Why not turn to Him for forgiveness and guidance?

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Guidance for Peace Seekers:

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Establish Regular Prayer and Meditation:

 

Dedicate time for reflection and connection with God. By consistently remembering God in our actions and words, we cultivate inner peace. If our heart's desire is to seek His pleasure and understand Him, we must approach Him with repentance, gratitude, and humility.

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Engage in Acts of Loving Kindness:

 

Participate in selfless acts and share what you cherish to assist others. Such actions affirm our love for God and reflect our commitment to loving others as we love ourselves. God blesses those who show kindness and compassion to His creatures with peace in their hearts.

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Trust in God and Maintain Hope:

 

Relying on God during difficult times strengthens our relationship with Him. Trust is essential in any relationship, including our covenant with God. We must remain faithful to His guidance and teachings. Scripture reminds us to trust God always, fear no one but Him, and obey His commands. Those who do good will not have their efforts wasted, and through trust in God, we can find spiritual peace even amid loss and suffering.

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Embrace Sincerity:

 

A truthful sincere heart finds greater inner peace by aligning with its purpose, even if that purpose is unclear. By being sincere in our intentions, words, and actions, we express the 'Truth' (God) to those around us. Seeking truth requires us to embody it; the more we give and receive truth, the more we can share peace, love, and light, contributing to a more harmonious world.

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Practice Gratitude:

 

Expressing gratitude through our words and actions reinforces our appreciation for God's blessings and enables us to become channels of His Light, Love, and Peace for others.

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Cultivate Humility:

 

Relying less on our own intellect and self-sufficiency fosters humility, making us more receptive to Truth, Love, Peace, and Light. A humble heart strengthens our resilience and allows us to surrender to God's will, alleviating worries about the future. By doing our best and entrusting the rest to God, we align with His ultimate plan.

 

Obey and Cultivate God Consciousness:

 

Live in accordance with God's commandments as they resonate within us. Follow the inner voice that guides us towards good and encourages us to treat others as we wish to be treated.

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Embrace Forgiveness:

 

Forgiving others opens our hearts to receive forgiveness from the Most Merciful. Believing in our own forgiveness allows us to release past guilt and shame, enabling us to live fully in the present. Thus, the more we forgive, the more peace we can experience within ourselves.

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How Can We Achieve World Peace?

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The quest for global peace begins within each individual. As emphasised in various spiritual teachings, fostering positive change in our surroundings requires a profound internal transformation. This internal shift ensures that the peace we strive to create is both authentic and pure. When our intentions are sincere, they manifest in our speech and actions. By reflecting on the beautiful attributes of the divine and embodying them in our daily lives, we can inspire those around us to do the same. In this way, we become vessels of light, allowing love to flow from one heart to another. United through our words and deeds, we harmonize in a collective song of love and unity. The light within us can radiate outward, dispelling darkness and sowing seeds of positivity that grow into fruitful trees, nourishing those in our communities.

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The Role of Justice in Achieving Peace

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We must ask ourselves: can world peace truly exist without justice? It is imperative to stand against those whose actions perpetuate war, conflict, corruption, and oppression. Merely observing injustice without action allows evil to thrive. We must cultivate a society where justice prevails, ensuring that the rights of all individuals are respected and upheld.

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Managing Conflict and Anger

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Managing our anger during conflicts is a crucial skill that contributes to peace. While spiritual teachings encourage repaying evil with good to transform adversaries into allies, this approach requires immense strength and capability. The principle of "an eye for an eye" may be permissible, but forgiveness and overlooking transgressions are even more commendable. Instead of responding harshly, we should strive to avoid ignorance and seek understanding. For those able to do so, migrating for a noble cause can also be a path to peace.

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Establishing Societal Justice

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Establishing societal justice is essential for peaceful coexistence. It promotes reconciliation among conflicting parties and encourages migration to avoid conflict when feasible. Nevertheless, it also permits standing against oppression and fighting until the oppressor ceases their harmful actions. Importantly, once the conflict has subsided, we must actively pursue peace and reconciliation.

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Conclusion

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In conclusion, achieving world peace is a multifaceted endeavor that requires individual transformation, a commitment to justice, and the management of conflict. By embodying love and light, standing against injustice, and promoting reconciliation, we can collectively work towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.

 

Scripture Quotes about Peace

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God does not change the condition of a nation unless it changes what is in its heart. Quran 13:11

 

O believers! Enter into Peace wholeheartedly and do not follow Satan’s footsteps. Surely he is your sworn enemy. Quran 2:208 

 

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. Psalm 37:11 

 

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 

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“Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.” Quran, 13:24

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How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Mathew 5:9 

 

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 

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Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; But turn away from the ignorant. Quran 7:199

 

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 

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But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Psalm 131:2

 

Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116:7 

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I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people. Psalm 85:8 

 

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20 

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God enlarges the livelihood of whom He will, and straitens (it for whom He will); and they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of the world is but brief comfort as compared with the Hereafter.  Quran 13:26

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 And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And God does not like corruption. Quran, 2:205

 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world." Psalm 46:10 

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He is God, besides whom there is no God, the King, the Holy One, Peace, the Giver of Security..." Quran 59:23

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Not equal are the good deed and the bad deed. Repel evil by that which is better, and then the one who is hostile to you will become as a devoted friend. But none is granted it except those who are patient and none is granted it except one having a great fortune. Quran 41: 34-35

 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8 

 

When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Proverbs 16:7 

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It was He who made His tranquillity descend into the hearts of the believers, to add faith to their faith––the forces of the heavens and earth belong to God; He is all knowing and all wise. Quran 48:4

 

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 

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If two parties among the believers start to fight against each other, restore peace among them. If one party rebels against the other, fight against the rebellious one until he surrenders to the command of God. When he does so, restore peace among them with justice and equality; God loves those who maintain justice. Quran 49:9

 

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrew 12:14 

 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 

 

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18 

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Those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them, secretly and publicly, and repel evil with good, for those will have the good end.

Quran 13:22

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Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. Peter 3:9-11

 

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. Psalm 37:37 

 

I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Psalm 85:8 

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Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165 

 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 

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Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve . Quran 2:62

 

LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. Isaiah 26:12 

 

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 

 

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 

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They are those who spend in charity during ease and hardship and who restrain their anger and pardon the people, for God loves those who are good. Quran 3:134

 

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. James 2:14-24 

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Mathew 11:28-30

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..Surely, good deeds erase bad deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful.” Quran 11:114

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