Is Islam a religion of peace?

Is Islam a religion of peace?

When I was skimming through a book on Islam, I found a
sentence stating that "Islam" in Arabic means peace, submission
and obedience. Thus, to me, a Muslim is one who submits to the
meaning of these characteristics.

The attack by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) in Kemang did
not reflect the religion's tenet at all; and as a Muslim, I
fervently condemn such a despicable act.

Apart from this issue, I realize that a number of Muslims who
reject Western culture have become entangled in their perceptions
of the different norms and values, such as drinking alcohol and
clubbing. However, it should not be a barrier to building
harmonious, horizontal relationships within our diverse
community.

Believing in God is a vertical relationship. It is strictly a
personal matter. However, this becomes recondite within the
context of peace, submission and obedience.

Some Muslims have been manifesting the peace inherent in their
religion as well as their submission to God by acting in a
positive manner toward both Muslims and non-Muslims. On the other
hand, a number of narrow-minded Muslims have erred in their
understanding of religious thought.

To me, submission to the will of God implies establishing a
peaceful relationship among Muslims and non-Muslims, for both are
creatures of God. Hence, different beliefs and thoughts among us
should be respected accordingly, as long as we comply with local
regulations and laws.

I am personally against every form of racism, segregation and
discrimination, and believe we should respect each other
regardless of the color of our skin, race, nationality or
religion, and I believe that Islam advocates this attitude.

Besides abstaining from eating and drinking, the spirit of
Ramadhan is to refrain from wrongful acts as well as to forgive
each other. Does the frenetic act of smashing and destroying
things fall in with such virtues?

AULIA RACHMAT, Jakarta