Peace in Islam: The Gaza Ceasefire as a Model

Peace in Islam is not merely a slogan but a foundational principle upon which the faith is built. It is a universal message aimed at establishing security and stability for all humanity. At its core, Islam signifies peace with God, with oneself, and with others.

In light of the recurring events in Gaza, Islam’s call for ending wars and achieving justice as the sole path to genuine peace becomes ever more evident.

Islam presents peace as the default state and war as an exception, justified only in self-defense and in response to aggression. Allah says: “But if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah” (Al-Anfal: 61). This divine guidance prioritizes peace but with dignity and awareness. Even in the case of conflict, Islam imposes strict boundaries on conduct. Allah commands: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors” (Al-Baqarah: 190).

True peace in Islam is inseparable from justice. Justice is not optional; it is the cornerstone of societal stability. Allah says: “Indeed, Allah commands you to uphold justice and to do good” (An-Nahl: 90). Gaza’s ongoing suffering from oppression, aggression, and siege exemplifies the absence of this principle. Ending the occupation and restoring rights to their rightful owners is the only path to lasting peace, as no stable relationship can be built on oppression and subjugation.

The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is replete with lessons on achieving peace amidst conflict. When faced with adversaries during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet accepted terms that initially seemed unfavorable, understanding that peace could pave the way for dialogue and mutual understanding. Similarly, during the conquest of Mecca, he declared a general amnesty despite the crimes committed against him, saying, “Go, for you are free.” These examples illustrate that Islam prioritizes peace and forgiveness over vengeance and retribution.

Gaza is not merely a battlefield but a test of human conscience. The ongoing aggression exacerbates the suffering of innocents and crushes any hope for a brighter future. The siege blocks food and medicine, and airstrikes claim the lives of children and women, while the world remains largely silent in the face of this humanitarian tragedy. Islam unequivocally rejects all forms of injustice and calls for collective efforts to support the oppressed. Allah says: “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression” (Al-Ma’idah: 2).

The responsibility of the Islamic Ummah towards Gaza extends beyond mere sympathy. It requires concrete actions: providing humanitarian aid, engaging in political and diplomatic efforts, and offering sincere prayers. Unity among Muslims is the most effective means of confronting shared challenges and achieving justice, without which peace cannot be realized.

Islam teaches that peace is unattainable without ending injustice. Allah says: “Allah does not forbid you from being righteous and just toward those who have not fought you because of religion and have not expelled you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly” (Al-Mumtahanah: 8). The Ummah must strive sincerely to achieve this goal, recognizing that the Palestinian cause is not merely a local issue but a religious and human responsibility.

Peace in Gaza need not remain an unattainable dream if sincere efforts are united to achieve justice. We must carry the torch of truth and advocate for just peace that restores rights to their rightful owners and lays the foundation for a world governed by compassion and cooperation.