Peace and universal brotherhood

Islam is a religion that sets great store by peace, brotherhood and amity. Every Muslim, while meeting his brother-in-faith, should wish him peace by saying Assalam-o-Alaikum (peace be unto you) before engaging in discussions.Peace brings human beings harmony that purges hearts of hatred, fear and other negative feelings. It ends the war, fosters love and paves the ground for development and prosperity.
Islam enjoins upon its followers to promote peace and do good to fellow Muslims. Muslims are under religious obligation not to tell lies, refrain from violence and avoid using drugs — acts that harm tranquillity.The Hudaibiya Treaty was an important event that took place in March 628, defusing tension between Muslims and non-Muslims and authorising the companions of Muhammad (PBUH) to return the following year to a peaceful pilgrimage. Muhammad (PBUH) desired to enter Makkah and do tawaf around the Ka’bah. His companions in Madina were delighted when they were informed about it. They all revered Makkah and the Ka’bah and yearned to do tawaf there.In 628, the Prophet of God and a group of 1,400 Muslims marched peacefully to Makkah to perform the Umrah (pilgrimage). They were brought sacrificial animals, hoping the Quraish would honour the Arabian custom of letting converts enter the city.
The Muslims had left Madina in a state of ihram, a premeditated spiritual and physical state which restricted their freedom of action and prohibited fighting. This, along with the paucity of arms, indicated the pilgrimage was always intended to be peaceful.
They camped outside Makkah and Muhammad (PBUH) met an emissary from Makkah. He said: “We have not come here to fight anyone, but to perform Umrah. No doubt, the war has weakened Quraish and they have suffered great losses, so if they wish, I will conclude a truce with them, during which they should refrain from interfering between me and the people.
“And if I win, the Quraish will have the option to embrace Islam as the other people do, if they wish; they will at least get strong enough to fight. But if they do not accept the truce, by Allah in Whose Hands my life is, I will fight with them death. Allah will definitely make His Cause victorious.”
It was a pivotal treaty between Muhammad, representing the state of Madina, and the Quraish tribe of Makkah. The Prophet of Islam and his followers were persecuted by the other residents of Makkah, primarily the powerful tribe of the Quraish, and eventually forced to flee to Madina. Armed hostilities ensued, at events such as the Battle of Badr and the Battle of the Trench.
The two parties decided to resolve the matter through diplomacy rather than warfare, and the treaty was drawn up.
In a nutshell, Islam urges its adherents to resolve all their problems peacefully. The Holy Quran says: “Mediate between the warring parties.” At many points, the Quran underlines the need for peace, which has been preferred over war.
We should live in consonance with the Quranic teachings for the sake of peace across the globe, at least in the Islamic world. Our religion asks its followers to live like brothers. This has to be done practically. Hajj is one significant move toward a closer global fraternity.
All people are the offspring of Adam (AS) and hence equality among them. Allah says: “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and We made you nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, (the) most noble of you is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Knower, All-Aware.”
In Islam, equality among men is not the sole objective behind brotherhood; this also applies to women. By the same token, the concept of international brotherhood aims to discourage discrimination among people on the basis of colour, caste, language and gender.