Embracing Peace: A Qur’anic Call for Unity and Compassion

Introduction

From 9 to 15 November, the world marks the International Week of Science and Peace. Islam, since its very foundation, has consistently emphasised peace (silm), reconciliation, and the moral duty to build harmonious societies. To reflect upon this universal message, we turn to a powerful verse from the Holy Qur’an that invites believers to embrace peace in its entirety:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ

“O you who believe! Enter into peace, all of you, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan; indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:208)

Educational messages from the verse for teens

1. Avoid Unnecessary Conflicts Among Believers

Be alert to disputes and divisions that arise among your Muslim brothers and sisters; many of them are stirred by the whisperings of Satan rather than by real differences. True faith calls you to act for peace at school, online, and in your community.

Practical Challenge: When disagreement occurs, pause before reacting and ask yourself whether your words or actions will heal or harm.

2. Emphasise Common Values and Shared Faith

Focus on what unites you – your shared belief in Allah, your love for truth, and your desire for goodness – rather than what separates you.

Practical Challenge: List three things you share in common with a friend or classmate from a different background and discuss one of them together.

3. Be an Active Peacemaker

Creating peace and reconciliation is not the responsibility of leaders alone; every Muslim is called to be a bridge of understanding in daily life.

Practical Challenge: Take the first step to make peace with someone you have avoided or disagreed with.

4. Recognise and Resist Satan’s Temptations

Satan cannot force you to sin; he only invites you through deception and doubt. You possess the strength, faith, and reason to resist his call.

Practical Challenge: When faced with temptation, recite a short du‘ā or a verse of the Qur’an to remind yourself that you are stronger than your impulses.

5. Beware of Gradual Deviation

Satan misleads step by step. Small compromises in truth and kindness can grow into major harm if unnoticed. Avoid the “footsteps of Satan” by being critical of divisive content on social media.

Practical Challenge: Unfollow one online source that spreads anger, hate, or misinformation.

6. Value Diversity Among Muslims and Humanity

Entering “into peace entirely” means accepting others with respect, even when they differ from you. This would be seen as an opportunity to reflect on the differences.

Practical Challenge: Engage in a meaningful conversation with someone of a different background or opinion.

7. Cultivate Inner Peace Through Faith

A peaceful world begins with a peaceful heart rooted in trust in Allah.

Practical Challenge: Spend five minutes daily in a pure connection to Allah to calm your heart.

Educational messages from the verse for parents

1. Strengthen Faith as the Foundation of Peace

Entering into peace begins with faith. Only a home built on strong Imān can truly live in harmony.

Practical Challenge: Set aside time each week to read a short Qur’anic passage together as a family and discuss its meaning.

2. Create a Spirit of Calm and Trust at Home

A peaceful family atmosphere allows children to feel secure, express themselves respectfully, and respect others too.

Practical Challenge: When tension arises, lower your voice and model self-control. Teach peace through your tone as much as through your words.

3. Teach Tolerance and Mercy as Core Family Values

“Enter into peace” means nurturing empathy and understanding in your household. Teach your children that seeking forgiveness and restoring relationships are acts of true strength, not weakness.

Practical Challenge: If two family members are in conflict, guide them gently to apologise and rebuild trust before the day ends.

4. Balance Discipline with Kindness

Islamic parenting blends firmness with mercy, reflecting Allah’s balance of justice and compassion.

Practical Challenge: When correcting a mistake, include encouragement alongside the correction.

Educational messages from the verse for Imams and religious leaders

1. Remind the Community that Satan is the Enemy of Unity

Teach believers that discord, gossip, and hostility are tools of Satan, while sincere dialogue and forgiveness are marks of true faith.

Practical Challenge: In your next sermon, identify one common source of division within the community and present a Qur’anic approach to overcoming it.

2. Model Cooperation Among Religious Leaders

Show through your own actions how different mosques, schools, or organisations can work together for common good.

Practical Challenge: Partner with another local imam or community leader to deliver a joint talk on peace and shared responsibility.

3. Bridge Divisions Within the Ummah

Remind your congregation that all Muslims are part of one Ummah, and every call to division contradicts divine guidance. Encourage unity among diverse schools of thought, ethnicities, and communities.

Practical Challenge: Organise a joint event with another mosque or religious centre.

4. Promote Peaceful Engagement with Wider Society

Muslim leaders should model cooperation and mutual respect with non-Muslim communities.

Practical Challenge: Visit or invite members of another faith group for an open dialogue on shared values.