Ajami in the Senegambia

by Fallou Ngom

Ismaila Sané's Jóola Foñi Ajami Video

Islam, Religion of Peace and Forgiveness

Written by: Ismaila Sané
Date written: 2009

In this gallery, Ismaila Sané draws from the Qur'ān, and the life of Prophet Muḥammad to discuss the issues of religious tolerance, peace and forgiveness. He also discusses various social behaviors recommended by Islam for Muslims to ensure peace and tolerance in this world and the afterlife.

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Introduction: Peace & Tolerance in Islam
(Arabic Introduction)
Bismi 'l-lāhi 'r-Rḥmāni 'r-Raḥīm.

Al ḥamdu lil lāhi 'an āmana 'alaynā 'd-dīnu 'l-islām wa s̩alātu wa 's-salāmu 'alā man ursila raḥmatan li 'l-'ālamīna. Wa ba'da. Ikhwānī fa hādhā 'l-mawādhu'u yadūru ḥawla 'l-islāmu wa s̩abru.

In the name of God, The Beneficent, The Merciful
Thanks to God who brings to us the religion of Islam, Praise and peace be onto the one sent to bring blessings to humanity. That being said, the topic of this discussion centers on Islam and Forgiveness.

The topic of discussion today is Islam, a religion of peace, of forgiveness and of tolerance. God said about Islam, the topic of our discussion, that: "you who believe in God enter in peace." He said this because he wants nothing but peace among people. He does not want peace to be disturbed by anyone. For this reason, he said: "If you live in peace among you, there will be blessings and forgiveness. However, if one among you brings turmoil, you will all be affected by the negative consequences." That was said in the Sūrat Baqara (The Cow), verse 208.


On word "Salaam" (Peace)
God also told to human beings: "haven't you heard the words the Prophet Abraham when some guest came to him and told him before uttering any word "may peace be upon you" and he answered "may peace be upon you too." Peace is something that God likes, and he liked it before even the religion of Islam came to this earth. God continues to recommend peace in the world after Islam was born. The Prophet [Muḥammad] teaches us that you will not go to paradise unless you love each other, and that you cannot pretend to believe in God if you are not united and if you are not tolerant. "May I show you something that may make you love one another?" asked the Prophet [Muḥammad]. His companions answered: "What is it?" The Prophet told them that it is nothing other than "to greet each other" with the word of peace "assalaam." This is one of words that God likes the most in greetings (showing that he likes nothing but peace in this world, in Sané’s view).


Tolerance in Prophet Muḥammad's Life and Teachings
I draw your attention again to how much God loves peace. Consequently, we must do our best to avoid troubles or violence in our communities. This is the reason why we must be afraid of violence. But why should be afraid of it? We must be afraid of violence because its consequences spread beyond the one who triggers it, and affect everybody.

Prophet Muḥammad teaches us through examples that he was a man of peace. The most telling example is his attitude toward the person who attempted to kill him and was captured by his companions. After learning the person's goal from his companions, the Prophet ordered them to release him. Then he asked the person (who wanted to kill him): "Have you eaten?" He answered, "no." Then, the prophet ordered that this man be fed. This shows that the Prophet was a great man of peace, and we should follow his example.


Peace in Prophet Muḥammad's Life & Teachings
The Prophet, may peace be upon him, once asked his companions if each of them could ensure that there is peace in their home. He also asked them if they could ensure that there is peace in their country. Through these questions, the Prophet wanted to encourage his disciples to be peace makers in order to receive divine blessings. Thus, he draws people's attention to the need to promote peace and to know that God is one.

As an example, the Prophet, peace be upon him, has once said that he caused no harm to anyone, and insulted no one in order to promote peace. The Prophet has rather preached for people to unite, and to follow the recommendations of God to ensure everlasting peace in the world.


Diversity and Tolerance in Islam
If the people of Mecca had not accepted the injunction to make peace, they would have endured all the consequences. The Prophet once asked his companions if they had ever seen anyone using a sword to call for peace. They answered "no." This is because he did not want to fight and waited for a long time to receive the authorization for them to defend themselves against people who were attacking them. God himself said in the suurat al-hijiraat that he created humanity, divided it into families and diversified it so that we may know each other. Consequently, people must know that there is no difference between those who live in Senegal, in Europe; or between a Peul, [a Mandinka] or a Jóola. The most important person in the eyes of God is the one who fears him the most, and fear of God naturally leads to peace.

Islam must not be a source of violence or destruction, but rather it must be a source of peace and solidarity. God recommends tolerance and that means knowing how to forgive. In the eyes of God there is no difference whatsoever between someone from Africa and someone from Europe.