Just as 'Islam' literally means 'peace,' none of the 99 names of

In the sacred and timeless dance of human spirituality, few truths resonate as deeply as the belief in the inherent call for peace, compassion, and brotherhood within all great religious traditions. Sushma Swaraj's words, "Just as 'Islam' literally means 'peace,' none of the 99 names of Allah mean violence. Similarly, every religion in the world stands for peace, compassion, and brotherhood," echo this ancient understanding. They remind us that peace is not just an ideal but a fundamental essence that runs through the heart of every great tradition. To understand this truth, we must look not at the divisions created by human interpretations or misuse of religion but at the core values of the world's faiths, values that call us to love, to respect, and to live in harmony with one another.

The ancients, long before our time, knew that the divine, in all its forms, called people to peace. Consider the teachings of Zoroaster, the prophet who founded Zoroastrianism. Zoroaster's Asha—the concept of truth and order—emphasized the cosmic peace that arises when humans live in accordance with divine law. This law, which sought to promote good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, was the foundation of the Zoroastrian faith, urging individuals to live in peace with both their neighbors and the world around them. Like Islam, Zoroastrianism held that peace was not a mere absence of conflict but the manifestation of divine order and justice. In this way, we see that peace and brotherhood are not the exceptions in religion, but its very core.

The ancient Greeks also shared this belief, especially in the words of the great philosophers like Socrates and Plato. Socrates, in his dialogues, constantly sought the truth, the right way of living, one that would bring about peaceful and just societies. In his ideal Republic, justice was seen not only as a social order but as the key to inner peace—an understanding of harmony between individuals and the greater good. Similarly, Plato’s teachings emphasized the unity of the soul, where inner peace and unity would lead to a peaceful society. The idea that peace and compassion were essential to human life was not just a moral ideal; it was a philosophical foundation.

Now, in our time, Islam stands as one of the great religions, whose name itself, Islam, is derived from the Arabic root word “Salaam”, meaning peace. The very foundation of Islam is the call to peace—to submit, not to violence, but to the will of Allah, who is described by the 99 names, none of which suggest anger or violence. The names of Allah, such as Al-Rahman (the Most Gracious) and Al-Wadud (the Most Loving), speak to the mercy and love of God, emphasizing that the true path of Islam is one of compassion and benevolence toward others. This aligns with what Swaraj has so beautifully expressed—that no religion in its true form preaches hatred or violence, but rather, each one calls for unity, peace, and a collective bond of humanity.

History is rich with examples where religious leaders and communities have chosen the path of peace and compassion, even in the face of adversity. One such example is the life of Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi, deeply influenced by his Hindu faith, promoted nonviolence and peace as the core principles of not only his personal life but also of the entire nation. Even when confronted with oppression, violence, and injustice, Gandhi chose the path of peaceful resistance, believing that nonviolence was the most powerful tool for achieving freedom and justice. His commitment to these principles reminds us that the true strength of a people lies not in their ability to fight but in their ability to love and understand, to heal and forgive.

In the story of Martin Luther King Jr., we see the embodiment of the same principles that Swaraj speaks of: peace, compassion, and brotherhood. King, like Gandhi, embraced the teachings of nonviolence from his Christian faith, believing that the love of God demanded not violence, but a radical love for all people, even in the face of hatred. His famous words, "I have decided to stick with love...hate is too great a burden to bear," were not just a moral declaration but a spiritual one. In this, King reminded us that peace is not something we must wait for—it is something we must create through our actions, through our beliefs, and through our commitment to justice and equality for all.

From the ancients to the modern world, the lesson is clear: religion, at its core, has always sought to guide humanity toward peace, compassion, and brotherhood. Sushma Swaraj reminds us that no matter the specific faith we follow, the essence of religion calls us to unity, to respect, and to love one another. The divisions that often arise in the world, whether through race, religion, or nationality, are not the true message of any great tradition. True faith lies in the shared commitment to humanity, to the greater good, and to the belief that peace is not just an ideal, but the divine path that we are all called to walk.

Therefore, let us take to heart the words of Swaraj and the wisdom of the ancients. Let us live each day with a commitment to peace and compassion, striving to build a world where our differences are not the cause of conflict, but the source of richness and understanding. In our communities, in our families, and in our hearts, let us remember that the true purpose of religion is not division, but connection. Peace is the essence of the divine, and we, as its stewards, must carry that message forward to future generations, embodying it in our actions and in our love for one another.