Praise be to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, and upon his family and companions, and all those who follow him.
Peace in Islam' is an essay written by Imam Hasan Al-Banna in 1948 in the monthly magazine known as Shihaab.
http://www.f1f7.net/vb/
It is the right of the new Muslim generation to have access to the writings of this great reformer; especially on this important topic. The attention of western writers, in particular the orientalists, has been directed at this crucial topic; the majority of them view Islam as a religion which was established and spread by the sword. They are certainly mistaken.
The Imam's argument in this essay is that Islam is a religion of love and peace, and indeed, the true manifestation of human brotherhood. In an age of violence and instability, this conception of the role of Islam in establishing world peace and human camaraderie, as it did in the past, is needed very much and it is also an inspiring call for mankind.
This book is of two parts, the first part elaborates on the reformist movements in the Islamic World, the causes, then the answer to the question: Is the Islamic threat- a myth or reality? Then he describes the Human Brotherhood concept of Islam.
In the second part, the Imam elaborates on Jihad, and why fighting is allowed in Islam. He defines the purposes of war in Islam and answers the commonly asked question: Was Islam spread by the sword? and what steps Islam has taken in terms of guaranteeing peace.
The Imam, may Allah bless him, shows us that ultimately, and insha' Allah (God-willing) time will be a witness to this, only Islam can save mankind from itself.
Islam has supported its theoretical consideration and practical plans with the spreading of the best of human sentiments in the hearts and souls. These feelings of love of the good for mankind and the attitude of altruism, even at the time of need:
'And give they preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that (which they have given). And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.'
(Surat-al-Hashr (59), ayah 9)
'And do good. Truly Allah loves the good-doers.'
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 195)
'We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner.[
(Surat-al-Kahf (18), ayah 30)
'Verily, Allah enjoins justice and Righteous deeds'
(Surat-an-Nahl (16), ayah 90)
The ordaining of good-deeds is not restricted only to dealings involving other humans, but it extends to include our dealings with animals as well. For, the doors of paradise are opened to he who gives water to the thirsty dog, and hell swallows a women for imprisoning a kitten - not feeding it nor allowing it to even feed itself. Many other examples are narrated in the Hadeeth to the extent that the companions of the Prophet (PBUH.), in utter amazement once said: "Is it so that in the good treatment of animals there is a reward for us, O Prophet of Allah?", "Yes, in the kind treatment of every 'soft livered' being, there is a reward for you." (Narrated by Muhammad).
There is no doubt that these compassionate virtues cultivate, the qualities of love and lead one to appreciate the value of universal brotherhood