Peace with Strength: Lessons from Qur’an 8:61-62 and Imam Hasan’s Treaty

Introduction

On the 26^th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, Muslims recall the peace treaty of Imam Hasan (peace be upon him) with Mu‘awiya in the year 41 AH. This occasion invites us to revisit two verses from the Qur’an that emphasise the principle of peace in Islam. These verses remind us that peace is not weakness, but a divine path that demands trust in Allah while remaining aware of deception and betrayal.

وَإِنْ جَنَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ ﴿الأنفال، ٦١﴾ وَإِنْ يُرِيدُوا أَنْ يَخْدَعُوكَ فَإِنَّ حَسْبَكَ اللَّهُ هُوَ الَّذِي أَيَّدَكَ بِنَصْرِهِ وَبِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿الأنفال، ٦٢﴾

“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it also, and put your trust in Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (8:61) But if they intend to deceive you, then surely Allah is sufficient for you. It is He who strengthened you with His help and with the believers. (8:62)”

Educational messages of this verse for teenagers and youth

1. Strength Attracts Respectful Peace

When you build your character, knowledge, and faith, others are more likely to seek good relations with you. Weakness invites exploitation, but strength invites peace.

Practical Challenge: Strengthen one area of your life this week – study, skill, or spiritual habit – that makes you more confident and respected.

2. Trust Wisely, Then Rely on Allah

Trust in relationships should be tested and not given blindly. After assessing someone’s reliability, place your ultimate reliance on Allah.

Practical Challenge: Before trusting someone with a personal matter, pause and ask: “Have they shown signs of being trustworthy?”

3. God Is Always Listening and Watching

Remember that Allah hears every conversation and knows every hidden intention. This awareness keeps relationships honest and respectful.

Practical Challenge: In one conversation today, imagine Allah is the third listener – and let that awareness shape your words.

4. The Power of Righteous Friendships

A network of God-conscious friends is a shield in hard times and a source of strength in staying on the right peaceful path.

Practical Challenge: Reach out to one trustworthy friend this week and strengthen your bond with them in a meaningful way.

5. Trusting Allah in Uncertain Situations

Even if others may betray, trusting Allah gives security.

Practical Challenge: Recall one difficult time and consciously say: “Hasbiyallāh” (Allah is sufficient for me).

Educational messages of this verse for parents

1. Peace in the Home

The spirit of Islam is tranquillity; bring that peace into family life.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one evening to a family peace activity (meal, reading, or prayer together).

2. Instilling Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah)

While teaching caution, parents must also model reliance on Allah – showing that faith is the ultimate anchor when relationships are uncertain.

Practical Challenge: When facing a family decision, say aloud: “We put our trust in Allah,” so your children hear and internalise it.

3. God’s Awareness as a Family Value

Parents can nurture a culture at home where every word and action is weighed with the awareness that Allah hears and knows everything.

Practical Challenge: Introduce a short family practice where you pause and say: “Allah is listening” before addressing conflicts at home.

4. Building Supportive Networks for Children

Just as the verse mentions Allah’s support through believers, parents should help children find and maintain good companions who strengthen their faith.

Practical Challenge: Arrange one gathering or activity that connects your children with families or friends who share strong Islamic values.

Educational messages of this verse for imams and religious leaders

1. Explaining Peace in Islam

Show that the Qur’an calls for peace when possible, breaking the unjust stereotype of Islam as violent.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one sermon segment to “peace as a Qur’anic principle.”

2. Explaining Imam Hasan’s Peace through Qur’an

The treaty of Imam Hasan (peace be upon him) was not weakness, but a living example of Qur’an; choosing peace to protect the community, while relying on Allah against deception. Imams should clarify this balance between pragmatism and tawakkul when teaching history.

Practical Challenge: In your next lecture on history, connect Imam Hasan’s peace treaty directly with Qur’an 8:61–62, showing its wisdom for today’s challenges.