Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Communication
By: Ali Zohery
Background
The Prophet Muhammad was assigned the Mission of peace in the world by
Allah. The fundamental purpose was to attain peace with the lord, peace with the
universe and peace with the people. The Quran, in very plain words, announces
the arrival of the prophet of peace in these words: “ O People of the book! Our
Messenger has come to you, Light has come to you from Allah and a book which
guides to the truth, whereby Allah leads to ways of peace those who seek His
pleasure.” ( 5:17-18) These verse stress that the Prophet was sent to guide the
people to the way of peace. The west misunderstood Islam and stereotyping it
What does it mean to be a Muslim? Islam literally means submission, and, in Arabic, the
root word for Islam (SLM) is peace. To be Muslim, then, is the struggle to peacefully
submit to reality, and this implies a perfectly balanced sense of self. Self that is founded
on the knowledge of its place in Creation, and that exists in perfect empathy with the rest
Kysia, 11/12/2001)
Peace is the most common word on a Muslim's tongue. Whenever two people
meet, they exchange greetings, wishing each other peace: "Peace be upon you."
But peace cannot prevail except through justice. Since the concept of justice may
differ from one man to another, or from one society to another, Muslims believe
Research Questions
History proves that religion has been one of the main causes of resentment and enmity
among humans. Millions of people lost their lives fighting against each other only in the
name of religion. In view of this how can we say that the religion of Islam is a source of
peace? How wars could be used for the specific purpose of securing peace and justice?
Methodology:
Textual analysis describes the content, structure, and functions of messages contained in
texts. The purpose is to ascertain the meaning intended by the producer of a text (Hirsch,
1967); other scholars focus on how consumers perceive and interpret text, regardless of
Textual analysis can be used to answer the two major questions posed in communication
to other variables?
Within textual analysis is embodied rhetorical criticism that owes its working definition
p.229)
Textual Boundaries:
Where does A text begin and end? If a text has a determinate state, then it would
necessarily follow that we should be able to localize the text. But where? The language of
the text suggest that we end the text where language ends. (Joseph Grigely, Textualterity,
Art, Theory, and Textual Criticism, P. 130) The language that the prophet used set
unlimited boundaries to the text. The message of the prophet was not intended for his
local people. It was for all people every where and for all generations to come.
Textual Event
Joseph Grigely argues that text might be prepared for a specific event and he raises the
universal quality in textual studies, where efforts are made to produce or reproduce a
particular text. (Joseph Grigely, Textualterity, Art, Theory, and Textual Criticism, P. 93)
The religion of Islam is misunderstood in the western world. The Muslims images in the
west are stereotyped with violent, terrorism and backwardness. Understanding the
Religion of Islam would correct the wrong ideas and introduce the religion of Islam with
its valuable values and principles to the non-Muslims. The values of Islam, if applied,
would be a public and private policy. A way of life, every one would enjoy and live in
peace with each others regardless their different backgrounds, colors or ethnicity’s.
Theoretical Framework
Earth far longer than written language. Long before recorded history, the only means our
ancestors had to preserve their history is through stories told and retold through countless
generations. Today we call these folk tales, old wives tales, fairy tales. Although the
Bible is a book of stories, its really a book of rules and human values cleverly disguised
to be infinitely applicable.
Donald Foster’s favorite Bible story is Mel Brooks playing Moses. He proclaims, "I bring
you the Word of God! I bring you these stone tablets containing the Fifteen.... [sound of
falling, smashing, crumbling rock] "...containing the Ten Commandments!" A story, even
The prophet Muhammad used the narrative methods to highlight a specific value or to
give an example of what he was talking about. Al- Bara bin Azib narrated that when
Prophet Muhammad concluded a peace treaty with the people of Hudaibiya, Ali bin Abu
Talib wrote the document and he mentioned in it, “Muhammad, Allah’s Apostle.” The
pagans said, “Don’t write: ‘Muhammad, Allah’s Apostle’ for if you were an apostle we
would not fight with you.” Allah’s Apostle asked Ali to rub it out, but Ali said, “I will not
be the person to rub it out.” Allah’s Apostle rubbed it out and made peace with them on
the condition that the prophet and his companions would enter Mecca and stay there for
three days, and that they would enter with their weapons in cases.
Authors West & Turner, citing Walter Fisher and the Narrative Paradigm, assert that a
narrative method is a better rhetorical tool than a rational approach. In addition to Fisher's
On the other hand, an appeal to logic (the prime tool in a rational paradigm) engages
the listener's mind in analytical thinking. By its very nature, analytical thinking
perspective.
An important aspect is that the listener must find a meaning in the narrative—I believe,
the listener must feel part of the story. He must identify with the players, with the
message, or with the circumstances. During any communication, of any type, the
message. It must be factual, truthful, and correspond to elements of knowledge and belief
the listener already holds as truth. Anything else generates cognitive dissonance. The
Muslim audiences believe the prophet in all his narrations of any story. The narration
method is a mean to deliver a specific rule or instruction. When the prophet tells a story
related to his instruction that will make it easy to remember and to apply when it is
needed. For the non-Muslim audiences, the narrative method, that the prophet used,
would be a way to convince them with idea that the prophet was conveying.
Coherence in a narrative is the property of "feeling right". The story matches and fits
with the listener's expectations, values, and experiences. The narrative must fit the
Some of Fisher's properties of narrative sound like the process in a court of law. Are
the statements true and factual? Has any important data been omitted or distorted?
What is the reasoning? How is the data relevant? Does the narrative address the
important and significant issues? (Donald Foster, The Narrative Paradigm Theory)
Allah in the Quran commands people to return the evil that is done to them by others to
Verse 13:22 "Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord;
establish regular prayers; spend out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance,
secretly and openly; and turn off evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of
Verse 23:96 "Repel evil with that which is best: We are Well-acquainted with the things
they say."
Verse 41:34 "Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel (evil) with that is better: Then
will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!."
Verse 28:54 "Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that
they avert evil with good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given
them."
Verse 42:40 "The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a
person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah)
Whether people speak evil of you, in your presence or behind your back, or they do evil
to you in either of those ways, all is known to Allah Almighty. It is not for you to
punish. Your best course is not to do evil in your turn, but to do what will best repel the
You do not return good for evil, for there is no equality or comparison between the two.
You repel or destroy evil with something which is far better, just as an antidote is better
than poison. You foil hatred with love. You repel ignorance with knowledge, folly and
wickedness with the friendly message of Revelation. The man who was in bondage of
sin, you not only liberate from sin, but make him your greatest friend and helper in the
cause of Allah Almighty!. Your credit for returning evil with good and paying for charity
is double. Also if you forgive and return the evil with good, then Allah Almighty will
"It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them. Wert thou severe
or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their
faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of
moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision, put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves
those who put their trust (in Him). (The Quran, 3:159)"
"Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and
pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good. (The Quran, 3:134)"
"Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant. (The
Quran, 7:199)"
"Allah loveth not that evil should be noised a broad in public speech, except where
injustice hath been done; for Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth all things. (The
Quran, 4:148)"
"Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan doth
sow dissensions among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy. (The Quran,
17:53)"
"And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: 'To us our deeds, and
to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.' (The Quran, 28:55)"
"...if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land
- it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if
he saved the life of the whole people...(The Quran, 5:32)" In this Noble Verse we clearly
see that Allah Almighty honors all the innocent souls that He created. Killing any
innocent soul is so hated by Allah Almighty that He considers it as a crime against all of
Mankind.
"Those who invoke not, with God, any other god, nor slay such life as God has made
sacred except for just cause, nor commit fornication; - and any that does this (not only)
meets punishment. (The Quran, 25:68)" In this Noble Verse we clearly see that Allah
Almighty considers the innocent soul "sacred". He will punish those who kill the
Negative impressions of Islam are most often based on a lack of accurate and objective
information. As God states in the Quran, Islam's revealed text: 'O mankind! We created
you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know
and honor each other (not that you should despise one another). Indeed the most
honorable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous.' (49:13)"The Quran also
states: 'Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue
with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best who have
5:16 “Wherewith Allah guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and
safety, and leadeth them out of darkness, by His will, unto the light,- guideth them to a
8:61 “But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and
trust in Allah. for He is One that heareth and knoweth (all things).”
25:63 “And the servants of ((Allah)) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in
humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!";
28:55 “And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: "To us our
deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant."
49:9 “If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them:
but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other then fight ye (all) against
the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies
then make peace between them with justice and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair
(and just).” ( The above Quran Verses were translated by Yousef Ali. The Internet search
"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a
non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black
nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action. Learn that
every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one
The message of the Prophet that he delivered included a very important concept, i.e.,
equality of mankind. People are equal in the sight of Allah and in front of the law. They
were born from Adam and Eve. Both of these parents, and all of us are made of dust – no
The concept of equality is based on justice: All are equal and no one can claim that he is
more pious or even more righteous than the other except through piety and righteousness.
(Sakr,1998, p. 19)
Um Kulthum heard Prophet Muhammad saying, “He who makes peace between the
people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar.”
George Bernard Shaw said about The Prophet Muhammad: "He must be called the Savior
of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him (Prophet Muhammad) were to assume the
dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that
A man came to the Prophet one day and said, "I want to perform Jihad [struggle]."
Mohammad asked, "are your parents alive?," and when the man said they were, he told
In the West, there is a misconception that Islam was forced on people and spread by war.
In fact, Islam was spread largely through trade, and its converts were often from among
the poor, and those who suffered from unjust oppression within their societies. Like
Jesus, Mohammad taught that the poor would enter heaven before the rich, and that all
people are equal before God, except in piety. The Prophet Mohammad did fight when the
family of Islam was threatened, and popular tradition holds that inscribed on his sword
were the words, "Forgive him who wrongs you; join him who cuts you off; do good to
him who does evil to you; and speak the truth even if it be against yourself."
The word for war in Arabic is harb. To fight is unhf, and to kill is qateel. Jihad means
none of these. Jihad is to struggle, to strive, and to overcome. In Islam, there are two
forms of Jihad: greater and lesser. Greater Jihad is the struggle within ourselves to
destroy our egos, to become less selfish and submit our wills to the greater Will of God.
Lesser Jihad is the struggle against worldly oppression, and it must be understood in this
context. It is our failure to live in submission to God that leads to our personal pains and
failures in life, and it is through those shortcomings that we can come to commit injustice
against others. As people of faith, it is our duty to help both the oppressed and the
oppressors. We help the oppressed by lifting their oppression, and we help the oppressors
by preventing them from doing harm to their brothers and sisters in the world.
There is no such thing as the concept of a holy or a just war in Islam. All wars result
either in or from injustice - or both. Muslims are permitted to fight only against injustice
and in self-defense. When Muslims fight, they are severely restricted in how they can
fight. The ends do not justify the means. Two of the most repeated phrases in the Qur'an
are that God loves those who act equitably, justly and mercifully, and that God does not
love those who exceed limits. In war, Muslims must not kill non-combatants, children,
the elderly, or the infirm. Nor are Muslims allowed to use torture, or to destroy crops,
animals, or people's homes in war. And if in the course of war the enemy honestly sues
for peace, then, regardless of who has advantage, peace must be granted. Indeed, the
Prophet Mohammad taught that a perfect Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands
mankind is at all times safe (al-Bukhari and Muslim). .(from an article in Islam online:
Qaradawi stated that "Islam, the religion of tolerance, holds the human soul in high
esteem, and considers the attack against innocent human beings a grave sin, this is backed
” Who so ever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth,
it shall be as if he has killed all mankind, and who so ever saves the life of one, it shall be
Haphazard killing where the rough is taken with the smooth and where innocents are
killed along with wrongdoers is totally forbidden in Islam. No one, as far as Islam is
concerned, is held responsible for another's actions. Upon seeing a woman killed in the
battlefield, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, denied the act and said: "That
Even in times of war, Muslims are not allowed to kill anybody save the one who is
indulged in face-to-face confrontation with them. They are not allowed to kill women,
Qaradawi then asserted that is why killing hundreds of helpless civilians who have
nothing to do with the decision-making process and are striving hard to earn their daily
bread, such as the victims of the latest explosions in America, is a heinous crime in Islam.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have stated that a woman
was qualified to enter Hell because of the cat she locked up to death.
"If such is the ruling applied in protecting animals, no doubt, aggression against human
beings, a fortiori, deserves greater protection, for human beings are honored by Allah
"I categorically go against a committed Muslim's embarking on such attacks. Islam never
allows a Muslim to kill the innocent and the helpless. (Yusuf al-Qaradawi -Islam Online-
The two main sources of the religion of Islam: The Quran and the traditions (Sayings and
deeds of the Prophet Muhammad) clearly are against killing innocent people.
A man asked the prophet: “which act in Islam is the best?” The prophet replied, “to give
food, and to salute everyone, whether you know them or not.” In another tradition, the
prophet said: “You will not enter paradise until you believe, you will by no means believe
until you love one another. Shall I inform you of something which, if you do, you will
Conclusion – Recommendation
The narrative methods that the prophet used to deliver his message through his sayings
made his ideas clear and convincing. His narrative fidelity and truthfulness was not
questioned from his followers or enemies. Even before his prophethood, he was known
by “the trusted and the honest one”. Textual analysis of his sayings would clarify his
message to be correctly understood. Hundreds of books are written for that purpose in
The Prophet taught exactly what the ancient Prophets had been teaching. The high and
noble aim of preaching such a universal religion is to unite the nations of the world,
establish peace, and eradicate all causes of conflict. Today the world is out of joint.
The light of scientific knowledge is spreading. But it has signally failed to dispel clouds
of hatred and hostility which have spread darkness. Every now and then, plans for world
peace are put forward. But they prove all too superficial.
The most effective panacea for world peace was proclaimed by the Prophet Muhammad.
He forcefully exhorted the people that they should cherish reverence for the Prophets of
This panacea was tried with unparalleled success in Arabia, where the warring tribes
were cemented into brotherhood. This panacea can be tried even today. It will surely lay
Belief in the Unity of God alone can bring about unity among nations. As this teaching is
universal in character, the Prophet who gave it to the world, was rightly entitled "Mercy
Just as one universal religion is an effective means of uniting the nations, it is also a
The Prophet laid the foundation and the guidelines for establishing peace and justice
among the nations. If any teachings can put an end to conflicts and strengthen the bonds
References
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54)
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11. Grigely, J. (1995). Textualterity, Art, Theory, and Textual Criticism, University
of Michigan Press.
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--www.islamia.com
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