A REFLECTION FOR WORLD PEACE

May Peace be unto All that follows the Guidance.

I seek refuge in Allah, Who hears and knows all things, from the accursed satan.

In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace.

“Hallowed be He (God) in whose hand all dominion rests, since He has the power to will anything: He Who has created death as well as life, so that He might put you to a test (and thus show] which of you is best in conduct, and [make you realize that] He alone is almighty, truly forgiving.”
(Qur’an: Al-Mulk: 67:1-2)

We all yearn for peace. But also realize that life is a test. Whether we attain to it or not depends very much on each one of us as human beings. Collectively, we have to learn to be morally responsible. At the very least each one of us must begin in ourselves.

“O Mankind! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female. And have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware.”
(Qur’an: Al-Hujurat: 49: 13)

Reflection / Testimony:


It is with gratefulness that we are gathered here firstly to celebrate our humanity. To acknowledge our common concern as a member of the human race. Though we may differ in other aspects, for such is also the diversity in God’s creation, yet we cannot deny our common origin and purpose. I have chosen these verses from the Qur’an as these are addressed directly to all people, irrespective of their makeup.

“O Mankind!”

“Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female. And have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another (not to despise one another)”

It is a reality that we are created with different traits and ethnicity, yet we cannot also deny our common ancestry. For we all belong to the human race. Male and female, reflects the intended destiny of our being. It alludes to procreation which demands living in tranquility and love. Lest some may foolishly claim superiority over others on the mistaken basis of gender, race and nationality, we must realize that our differences are meant to perpetuate closer bond between us, through efforts of knowing one another, understanding one another and through it, we are to perpetuate greater love and care for one another. Therefore celebrate our differences positively. Do not allow hatred and prejudice to blind us from knowing that we are all equally God’s creation.

“Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him.”

We all do not have any claim to nobility. Neither by way of association to nations or tribes; nor by ancestry. Neither by the outward form nor by self-deceptive idea we hold for ourselves. How can anyone or we ourselves claim any superiority? The truth is that only God, our Maker and Sustainer alone shall be the best to confer any such honor and nobility. And in His sight, the noblest are those who are most deeply conscious of Him (Taqwa). Our true worth therefore lies very close in our hearts and in the deep inner recess of our being (soul).

Whatever may be the difference in our theology or concepts, as humans, it is already in our nature to believe in God. The idea of a Supreme Personal Being, the first cause or the Originator. We are all drawn towards seeking after this Absolute Truth. This awareness of God should also make us realize that our existence has a meaning, that we shall be held accountable to Him for all our actions in this life. We are told to consider this in our inner consciousness lest our actions will be motivated by other things, which inevitably will lead to error. Today power and wealth may distract us. Our sensual desires and greed can deceive us. Hatred and jealousy may blind us. Our affiliations and associations may overwhelm us and become our only consideration, instead of the true awareness of One God Who shall be our judge Supreme.

“Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware.”

Let us all therefore turn to God, always. To the Holy Essence (Dzat) Who knows all things both open and secret. He Who is ever aware of what we do publicly or privately. For He will judge our actions in accordance with our intention. Remember that He will also judge us as to how we regard others and the rest of His creation. For to Him belongs the Kingdom of this world and the Hereafter. Our consideration of Him should transcend all others, such that we can patiently strive to co-exist harmoniously, despite the tensions existing today and which may continue to exist. We hope that by the Light of God Who guides our actions in striving for peace, it may shines upon all others who yearns for its illumination. Even if world peace cannot be fulfilled within our lifetime, at the least we may already find Peace in our hearts and with our God; a peace that can touch others around us. Though it may be small, remember that even a flicker of light from a candle can help those who may still be groping in the dark.

May we be Rightly Guided;
For with God is the Guidance

O Allah! Guide us on the Straight Path.
The Path of Those Whom You have bestowed Thy favors,
Not the Path of Those whose portion is Thy Wrath,
Nor of those who go astray! Aa-min!

Was-salaam.
May Peace be with all.
By Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
PERGAS
(Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association)



Delivered on the 23rd January 2002
At the Holy Family Church (Chapel Road Katong), Singapore.
In conjunction with “Interfaith Prayer for Peace” organized

by the Catholic Church concurrently held at Assisi, Rome.