The power of peace is far greater than the power of
violence. One who, failing to recognize this truth,
adopts a violent course of action in order to achieve
his goals, demonstrates his own foolishness. For
peace is the way of the wise, while violence is the
way of the foolish.
Peace and war are not just two equal modes of
achievement in the simple sense of the phrase.
Rather they reflect two different standards of
humanity. One who adopts the path of peace raises
the level of humanity, while one who adopts the
path of violence decidedly lowers it.
In moments of crisis, when the individual opts for
the way of peace, he cultivates positive thinking. He
raises his moral standards. He goes from strength to
strength in the improvement of his own character.
Indeed, he gives a practical proof of his being a
human being. On the contrary, when a man opts for
the path of violence to solve his problems, he slides
down the slippery slope towards perdition. He
makes it all too clear that he is suspect as a human
being.
Inclinations towards peace or violence serve as
indicators of the true character of the human being.
If the former proves the humanity of the individual,
the latter proves his animality, despite his
appearing to be a human being.
Peaceable behaviour is indicative of self-control.
Self-control is undoubtedly a very great strength: it
saves man from engaging in negative activities like
violence. One who does not have the power of self
control will be enraged at times of provocation and
will hurl himself into violent activities. Controlling
one’s anger is the way of the peaceful person, while
losing one’s self control when provoked is the way
of the violent person.
Ref -The Ideology of Peace
- by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
