The Value and Importance of Peace in an Era of Discord

Abdullah ibn Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: “We were once with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. We stopped at a place. Some of us were adjusting their tents, some were practicing archery, and others were tending to grazing animals. Then the Mu’adhdhin called for prayer, and we gathered around the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Every prophet before me was entrusted with calling his community to what they knew was good and warning them against what they knew was bad. The tranquility and security of your community were in the time of those who came before. Various trials and tribulations unknown to you will come upon those who come after. Such fitnas (discord) will arise, some being lighter than others. And there will be such turmoil that every believing person among them will say, ‘This will destroy me.’ Then tranquility will return; then a tremendous fitna will emerge, and every believing person will say, ‘There is no escape from this.’” “Whoever desires to be saved from Hell and enter Paradise should die while he has believed in Allah and the Day of Judgment and should do to others what he would like done to him. Whoever gives bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) to a ruler, holding his hand and sincerely pledging to him, must obey him as much as he can. But if another person arises trying to seize power, you should immediately cut off his neck.”