The Role of Religion in Establishing Peace: Facilitator or Obstruction? An Analytical Study in the Contemporary Context

قیامِ امن میں مذہب کا کردار: معاون یا رکاوٹ؟ عصرِ حاضر کے تناظر میں ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

The question of global peace has become one of the most critical issues of the contemporary world, particularly in an age marked by technological advancement, globalization, ideological polarization, and the proliferation of destructive weapons. In this context, religion is often debated either as a source of peace and harmony or as a cause of conflict and instability. This study critically examines the role of religion, especially Islam, in the establishment of global peace and social coexistence. It argues that religion in its authentic form is not a barrier to peace; rather, the misuse of religion, political interests, racial superiority, economic exploitation, and forced ideological domination are the actual causes of violence and disorder in human societies. The article highlights the Islamic concept of peace through Qur’ānic teachings, Prophetic traditions, and historical examples from the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Rightly Guided Caliphs. Islam presents peace, justice, equality, tolerance, and mutual respect as fundamental principles for human interaction. The study discusses key factors that disturb global peace, including the forced imposition of beliefs and cultures, unlawful occupation of land and resources, and discriminatory attitudes based on race, ethnicity, nationality, or language. It further explains how Islam strongly condemns coercion in matters of faith, economic injustice, imperialism, and racial discrimination. The research also analyzes important historical models such as the Charter of Madinah, the Treaty of Najran, and the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings on human equality and coexistence. These examples demonstrate that Islam established a practical system of religious freedom, social justice, and peaceful coexistence centuries before the emergence of modern human rights discourse. The study concludes that sustainable global peace can only be achieved through justice, equality, tolerance, and respect for human dignity, values that are strongly emphasized in Islamic teachings and remain highly relevant in the modern globalized world.