How can all people, whatever their origin or religion, live in peace?

It is possible if humanity makes absolute justice its foundation. As long as justice applies only to one’s own people, or gives way to self-interest, there can be no lasting peace.

Many wars have been fought in the name of religion. From this some conclude that people of different faiths can never live together in peace. Islam sees it differently. Peace between all people is possible, whatever their colour, origin or religion.

There is, however, one condition. Peace requires absolute justice. As soon as justice becomes relative, applying one way to one’s own people and another way to others, things go wrong. Matters get twisted, and mistrust turns into conflict.

We can see this today. Many states do not decide according to what is just. They ask what advantage a decision will bring them at a particular moment. This is true of how they act both at home and abroad. Whoever behaves like this lays the ground for the next conflict, even if he wins today.

The Holy Qur’an sets a different standard. The first verse above says that God made people into nations and tribes so that they might know one another. The most honoured in God’s sight is the one who fears Him most, not the one who belongs to the strongest nation. The second verse demands justice even towards those who are hostile to you. The third commands kindness towards all who do not fight you because of your faith.

That is why there is reason for hope. Peace between religions does not begin with treaties signed by the powerful. It begins with every person who is willing to use the same measure for himself and for others.