Differences Are Natural

If everybody believed and followed one way, there would be no wars and peace would fill the earth. But part of God's plan is to test everyone with what they have been given. [4] So today we see different people, of many colors and different religions, these differences came over a period of time. In the Qur'an it tells us that all the messengers and Prophets came to teach how to worship One God and be good to each other. It also tells us that people are free to choose whether to believe or not, that is why today we can see churches, synagogues, temples and Mosques, and millions of people dressing and praying differently.

A believer is not allowed to make fun of other religions because that might create bad feelings in return and people may start fighting. So the Prophet, peace be upon him, taught us how to behave and try to be just to everybody, because he was the last Prophet sent to all mankind and a mercy to all the worlds.

Once a Jew and a Muslim were arguing. The Muslim was saying that the Prophet Muhammad was the best and the Jew was saying Moses was the best. Then the Muslim slapped the Jew. So the Jew went to the Prophet, peace be upon him. He told him what had happened and the Muslim was called. The Prophet, peace be upon him, then told the Muslim, "Do not try to make me higher than Moses, because on the Day of Judgment all people will struck with sleep, lifeless, and I will be one of them, but I will be the first to wake up and will see Moses standing and holding the side of the Throne of Allah. I will not know if he was also asleep and got up before me.' [5]

Even though Allah in His Holy Book had said that Muhammad himself was created with the best human nature, when he was once asked who was best amongst all the persons in the world, the Prophet never mentioned himself, instead he said, "Joseph, the Prophet, son of a Prophet, son of a Prophet, son of Allah's friend (meaning the great Grandfather, Prophet Abraham) [6]

He taught us to respect all Prophets of God equally, but mentioned some with extra honour: he said, "And if a man believes in Jesus and then believes in me, he will get a double reward." [7]

Love Leads to Peace

In the beginning we talked about learning to Love before we can find peace. That is why we must try to love and follow the Prophet, peace be upon him.  He was told to say, "If you love God, follow me, God will love you and forgive you your sins'. [8]

The last Prophet, peace be upon him, taught us to respect human life and property, how to look after the earth and the animals over which we have been given power. He showed us the path to peace and called all people and believers in God's Words to join together, bowing to One God. He read the Qur'an to people of all Faiths:

"There hath come to you from Allah a (new) Light and a clear Book.  Whereby God guides those who seek His good pleasure to paths of peace. He brings them out of darkness unto light by His power, and guides them unto a straight way. [9]

And so we ask Allah to send His peace and blessings on the last Prophet, Muhammad and on all of the Prophets who brought us the good news and showed us the way, if we follow their tracks, doing good and avoiding bad, one day – insha Allah (God willing) we will arrive at the home of everlasting Peace – Dar As salam.

There is a prayer that the Prophet, peace be upon him, taught, "Oh Allah! Your are Peace, from You comes Peace, So help us to live in Peace, Oh owner of Majesty and Honour'.

Listen to Yusuf Islam read "Peace Notes"