Islam is a religion, the edifice of which has been raised upon the foundation stone of peace. It is like a thick shady tree, stems from peace and provides peace to the weary and pooped bands of travellers. It is also a safe and peaceful highway leading towards the house of serenity and tranquillity (Dar-us-Salam).

The word Islam is of Arabic origin, stems from Salama means peace and therefore Islam is what, based upon peace or that produces and breeds peace. It means that the flesh and blood of Islam is peace, tranquillity and harmony. So a person embracing Islam is called “Muslim” or “Momin”(faithful) ie one who comes into the fold of Islam, enjoys peace and developing himself into the source and fountainhead of peace, provides the same to those around him regardless of their colour, race and creed. One who refutes this basic and central theme has nothing to do with Islam. Following tradition of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) throws light on the same concept:

“The faithful is he, in whom people repose their confidence about their property and life.” (Tirmzi V.2, P.90) Allah Almighty has also been named in the Holy Qur’an as “Salam” (The Giver of peace and the Keeper of faith. 59:24) .

The etymology of the word Islam reveals that Islam is the synonym of peace and denies every form of terror and oppression. It enjoins upon believers to sink their aspirations into the Divine Will and enter completely and wholeheartedly into the fold of Islam (peace). (2:208). Islam stresses the propagation of peace and the Muslims all over the world, conclude their prayers, five times a day, asking Allah Almighty for peace:

“O Allah! The Giver and Keeper of peace, keep us alive in peace and admit us into the house of peace (in the life hereafter).” (Muslim V.1, P:218)

Islamic history bears the testimony to the fact that Islam is the only religion across the globe that can claim to be the most peaceful religion, which abhors the spillage of blood of innocent people. From Asia to Africa to Europe wherever the Muslims established their authority, the first priority was to maintain order and peace. There is no denying the fact that it was the very characteristic of Islam that dwelt into the hearts of the non-believers and enveloped them into its benevolent fold.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself set an unsurpassed example of mercy by declaring amnesty to those who depleted all of their human and financial resources and exhausted all of their energies to annihilate the Muslims from the face of earth. A non-Muslim historian Stanley Lane Poole pays homage to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on his above mentioned act of mercy in the following words:

“The day of Muhammad’s (PBUH) greatest triumph over his enemies was also the day of his grandest victory over himself. He forgave the Qoraish all the years of sorrow and cruel scorn in which they had afflicted him and gave an amnesty to the whole population of Makkah.” He further states: “The army followed his example, and entered quietly and peacefully; no house was robbed, no women insulted.” He concludes the account of the glorious entry of The Holy Prophet (PBUH) into the Makkah, saying:

“It was thus Mohammad (PBUH) entered again his native city, through all the annals of conquest there is no triumphant entry comparable to this one.” (The Speeches and Table Talk of the Holy Prophet Muhammad) (PBUH).

The details, cited above, portray the vivid picture of Islam, the vivacious colours of which cannot be darkened by the filthy propaganda campaign launched by the Western media backed by the Western governments in the name of guarding their so-called “National Interest”. No doubt the propaganda is not based upon their hatred against Islam as a religion. It flows out of the fears and apprehensions regarding Islamic revival as a political power, that they consider, is detrimental to their “National Interest”.