Peacemaking has been a cornerstone of the UN charter. How ironic that Israel, whose rebirth was made possible in 1948 because of the UN, should now be seen as the greatest threat to world peace. To say that peace has eluded Israel, is an understatement. During the last six decades the United Nations has undertaken many peace initiatives and enacted dozens of resolutions. But what have they accomplished?
This longstanding dispute has become incredibly complicated. Moreover, recent events in Iraq and Israel have evoked a deepening bitterness against Israel and western nations, especially America. This polarization has worsened in recent months because Ahmadinejad is threatening to annihilate Israel, while trying to acquire nuclear weapons in defiance of the United Nations. These developments do not bode well for peace.
The outcome of the current war may be that Hizbollah's threat against Israel will be reduced. However, there will be no less hatred against Israel. Indeed this deep-rooted hostility will most likely erupt sooner or later somewhere else.
Recognizing that politicians have not been able to bring peace, one hopes that religious leaders would be teaching values that promote tolerance and peace. Unfortunately religious devotees have seldom been seen as promoting reconciliation. Indeed, 'religion' is often seen as fueling the flames. Godfearing people on both sides of this conflict claim to be followers or children of Abraham, but many are still harbouring hatred and unforgiveness in their hearts. Where are the peacemakers? Jesus the Messiah taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God."
An exceptional best seller, "Light Force", has recently been printed about a follower of Jesus who went to the Middle East and risked his life to be a peacemaker. Inspiring stories like this - though rare - still give us a glimpse of hope.
Muslims, Jews and Christians worship One whom they describe as forgiving and peaceful (Jehovah Shalom, As-Salaam). How ironic that the heartland of these three faiths is the most volatile region of the world! Moreover, everywhere in the Middle East, people greet each other "Peace be with you" (i.e. "Shalom alekhem" "Salaam alaikum")
We hear Muslims, (and Western leaders) saying that Islam is a religion of peace. Unfortunately, the actions of radical Muslims suggest otherwise. During the last couple of years thousands of Muslims have been killed in Iraq at the hands of fellow Muslims and this death toll has been climbing dramatically during the first 7 months of 2006.
Islam's peaceful reputation was also dented in March 2006 when Muslim clerics in Afghanistan wanted to pass the death sentence against a Muslim for converting to Christianity. Not long before this, news was dominated by worldwide protests over the cartoons of Muhammad. These were so violent that a prominent Afghan Muslim cleric declared it was discrediting and "defaming Islam".
There is no doubt that these widely publicized actions have reinforced a negative image of Islam in the west. One of the sayings of Muhammad, seems relevant to this situation; "your deeds are your religion". A Muslim lecturer at Kuwait University observes that this kind of stigma is causing "Westerners to perceive Islam as an intolerant religion that rejects religious pluralism. The Muslims, therefore, are responsible for the distorted image of Islam prevalent in the modern West and they are the ones who failed to present a positive image of Islam."1
Christians believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth in the end times to conquer evil forces and usher in an era of worldwide peace. Accordingly he is described by the prophets as 'Prince of Peace'. In a similar way, Muslims believe that Al Masihu Isa will bring peace to a war ravaged world in the end times. The Messiah is qualified to bring peace because of his profound spirituality. Pause and think for a moment how this trait contrasts with what we see in most leaders of the UN.
It is interesting to see how the Qur’an and the Bible describe Jesus Christ as intimately associated with the ‘Spirit of God’. He is said to be ‘filled with’ or ‘empowered by’ the Spirit of God. Muslims even ascribe to Jesus Christ the title, ‘Spirit of God’. It is not surprising, therefore, to see this connection between the Messiah and the Spirit as foretold by Isaiah the prophet, "the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord ... He will never judge by appearance, false evidence or hearsay ... he will be clothed with fairness and truth." (Isaiah 11).
This same paragraph speaks of the utopian peace that will prevail under the Messiah’s reign, saying, "the wolf and the lamb will live together ... Babies will crawl safely among snakes". These particular details are echoed in authoritative Muslim Ahadith.2 Not only so, the prophets foretold that the Messiah "will settle international disputes. All the nations will beat their swords into ploughshares. All wars will stop ... Your king will bring peace to the nations." (Isaiah 2:4; Zechariah 9:10).
Islamic sources confirm that the Messiah’s coming will abolish Jihad; "Sayyidina Salamah bin Nufayl has said that the messenger of Allah said, ‘The (command of) Jihad will not be abolished until the descent of Isa Ibn Maryam.’ (Seerat al-Mughlata', Musnad Ahmad)"3
Another belief Muslims and Christians share in common pertains to peace filling the whole earth during the Messiah’s reign. For some inexplicable reason the Hadith says this peace will last only 7 years. This contrasts with scripture, which says, that Messiah’s "ever expanding, peaceful kingdom will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this." (Isaiah 9:7)
In spite of this difference, it seems more than coincidental to see so many similarities. An intriguing link between Jesus and peace is seen in a prophecy that describes Jesus Christ as guiding "our feet into the path of peace." (Luke 1:79) One hopes that these points of agreement can encourage peaceful relations between Muslims, Jews and Christians. Perhaps these observations will inspire the reader to explore how the Messiah exuded peace.
A more detailed article on this theme is available here: Converging Destinies: Jerusalem, Peace and the Messiah.
For more information write to starsign77@hotmail.com.
Footnotes
1. Dr. Ahmad Al-Baghdadi, in ‘Kuwaiti Reformist: The Muslims – Not bin Laden – are Responsible for the Hatred Towards Them in the West’, by MEMRI, April 12, 2006
2. Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah as quoted by Mufti Mohammad Shafi in ‘Signs of Qiyamah and the Arrival of the Maseeh’, p. 38, p. 78, Hadith #13)
3. Ibid., p. 109
Articles by Roland Clarke
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