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