Is Islam a religion of peace?<\/p>\n
When I was skimming through a book on Islam, I found a
\nsentence stating that \"Islam\" in Arabic means peace, submission
\nand obedience. Thus, to me, a Muslim is one who submits to the
\nmeaning of these characteristics.<\/p>\n
The attack by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) in Kemang did
\nnot reflect the religion's tenet at all; and as a Muslim, I
\nfervently condemn such a despicable act.<\/p>\n
Apart from this issue, I realize that a number of Muslims who
\nreject Western culture have become entangled in their perceptions
\nof the different norms and values, such as drinking alcohol and
\nclubbing. However, it should not be a barrier to building
\nharmonious, horizontal relationships within our diverse
\ncommunity.<\/p>\n
Believing in God is a vertical relationship. It is strictly a
\npersonal matter. However, this becomes recondite within the
\ncontext of peace, submission and obedience.<\/p>\n
Some Muslims have been manifesting the peace inherent in their
\nreligion as well as their submission to God by acting in a
\npositive manner toward both Muslims and non-Muslims. On the other
\nhand, a number of narrow-minded Muslims have erred in their
\nunderstanding of religious thought.<\/p>\n
To me, submission to the will of God implies establishing a
\npeaceful relationship among Muslims and non-Muslims, for both are
\ncreatures of God. Hence, different beliefs and thoughts among us
\nshould be respected accordingly, as long as we comply with local
\nregulations and laws.<\/p>\n
I am personally against every form of racism, segregation and
\ndiscrimination, and believe we should respect each other
\nregardless of the color of our skin, race, nationality or
\nreligion, and I believe that Islam advocates this attitude.<\/p>\n
Besides abstaining from eating and drinking, the spirit of
\nRamadhan is to refrain from wrongful acts as well as to forgive
\neach other. Does the frenetic act of smashing and destroying
\nthings fall in with such virtues?<\/p>\n
AULIA RACHMAT, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/is-islam-a-religion-of-peace-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }