By Olugbenga Salami
Founder and President of the Al-Hakeem Islamic Foundation of Nigeria, AIFN, Ustadh AbdulHakeem AbdulRasheed Adebayo, has said that Islam places great emphasis on peaceful coexistence between Muslims and other people in the society.
The Islamic scholar maintained that Islam, as stated in the Glorious Quran, prohibits violence and aggression, but emphasizes the importance of protecting human life and property.
In a statement on his Facebook page, he said the Quran encourages peace at various levels—between individuals, communities, and nations, and also advise believers to be humble and to respond to harshness with words of peace, and to be inclined towards peace if others are.
“Islam places great emphasis on peace and coexistence in society. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and respect for human life,” he stressed.
Ustadh AbdulHakeem listed some of key principles as peace and coexistence,
insecurity and protection, justice and fairness.
“Islam promotes peace and encourages Muslims to be peacemakers (Quran 8:61). The Quran states that the best word is ‘peace’ (Quran 10:10). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, ‘You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something that will help you love one another? Spread peace among yourselves” (Sahih Muslim),” he pointed out.
On insecurity and protection, he stated that “Islam prohibits violence and aggression (Quran 5:32). The Quran emphasizes the importance of protecting human life and property (Quran 5:33). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, ‘A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand people are safe” (Sahih Bukhari).”
Also speaking on justice and fairness, he said: “Islam commands justice and fairness for all, regardless of religion or background (Quran 16:90). The Quran warns against oppression and injustice (Quran 42:42). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, ‘Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed” (Sahih Bukhari).”
Ustadh AbdulHakeem maintained that Islam promotes peace, coexistence, and security for all individuals in society; emphasizes justice, compassion, and respect for human life, and prohibits violence and aggression.
According to him, the concept of peace is reflected in core Islamic teachings found in the Quran and Hadith, which emphasize tranquility, compassion, and humility in interactions with others, citing an example of a common greeting in Islam is “As-salaam alaikum” (Peace be with you), which encourage followers to respond peacefully even when faced with aggression.
Ustadh AbdulHakeem added that peace is also connected to God in Islam, informing that “Al-Wahhab” (The Supreme Bestower) and “As-Salaam” (The Source of Peace), are among God’s 99 names, while inner peace is a result of submitting to Allah.
He, however, agreed that the message of peace is sometimes misinterpreted or ignored by many, noting that those who justify violence are misrepresenting the full scope of Islamic teachings.
The Islamic scholar further explained that the all Quranic verses and sayings on peace aren’t just words, but they require Muslims to put these words into action, and therefore, urged Muslims “to be friends of peace, to extend kindness even in the face of hostility, to remain steadfast even if they are in the eye of a storm, and to embody humility in every interaction.”
These, he noted would encourage many people to embrace Islam, stressing that peace means more than just promoting tolerance, but actively working to build bridges, heal divisions, and create spaces of safety and hope for all.
