By Sharifatu Ja’afaru (400 Level)
The peaceful co-existence of every nation is the responsibility of all and sundry. Peace is the basic reason for our existence. Peace refers to a state of existence that is totally devoid of violence and intense misunderstanding. It upholds the presence of equity and justice, where human beings radiate with happiness and contentment. A system where peace exists is just to everyone. No discrimination on the account of ethnic, religion, gender, minority or majority group. No preferential treatment for anybody. People are treated equally because they are human beings that share the same attributes.
If someone thinks that peace and love are just clichés that must have been left behind in the 60s, that’s a problem. Peace and love are eternal. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other says, Mother Theresa.
Peace makes life worth living. It enables men and nations to grow and to hope to build a better life for coming generations. Peace generates a sense of security in our minds, helps us to live in a world which is far away from hostility. A nation without peace cannot function smoothly. There would be less crisis, war and murder if peace is given a chance to reign. The world longs for peace and has a desperate need for peace. Yet, wars, conflicts, increasing violence and situations of social unrest and endemic poverty continue to claim innocent victims and to cause divisions among individuals and peoples.
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign is everyone’s dream. This is a powerful, yet very humble statement that most people neglect nowadays. Every person wishes for peace but how come we still experience violence and crime? Why are there numerous cases of murders and massacres? Why do people experience discrimination and poverty? Why are there still many victims of violence? Why is it hard to attain a peaceful community? This only shows that we are not sincere with our oath. Peace appears a truly unattainable goal in a climate made cold by indifference and occasionally poisoned by hatred. How can one hoped for the dawning of an era of peace?
We must not lose heart. We know that inspite of everything, peace is possible because it is part of the original divine plan. God wished humanity to live in harmony and peace, and laid the foundations for this in the very nature of the human being, created “in his image”. That is why we need to still work and assess our life to totally experience this moment of happiness for a lifetime.
Fellow citizens, no religion, culture or tribe encourages violence. The Qur’an draws our attention to peace in Qur’an 17:53-54 where it says “And tell my servants that they should speak in a most kindly manner (unto those who do not share their beliefs). Verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men; for verily; Satan is man’s foe…. Hence, we have not sent you (unto men O prophet) with power to determine their faith. Likewise Qur’an 25:63 “Servants of the most merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them (harshly) they say (words of) peace”.
From the Biblical perspective, Mathew 5:9says that “Blessed are the peace makers: for they shall be called the children of God”. Romans 12:18 has it that “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. Same in Psalm 34:14 “turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it”.
We can earn everything which includes luxuries, accessories, comfort of all kinds and satisfaction to some extent, but one thing that we can never buy or earn is “peace”. Peace is priceless.
In the spring of 2014 the free world weighs one question above all others: the chances for a just peace for all peoples. No nation can progress in an atmosphere of rancor. Crisis and war have done no one any good. Any society that yearns to be developed must learn how to tolerate one another and respect the rule of law. The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war. I prefer the most unjust peace to the justest war that was ever waged. There never was a good war or a bad peace.
Let the clarion call of our clergy men, opinion leaders and the media sink into our hearts and minds sincerely. Let the thought of peace rule over our minds when faced with challenging situations.Years that have passed have seen that hope waver, grow dim and almost die. The shadow of fear again has darkly lengthened across the world. I agree with Mother Theresa when she said “peace begins with a smile”.
It is said that a smile can light up a room, so imagine what a world of smiles can do. If every day, someone does something kind for someone, it will create a ripple effect. Think of when you drop a stone in a pond. It generates ripple at first, but after a while, that little ripple spreads throughout the entire pond. Now think of a world of peace. If someone apologizes to someone else, and they do the same, imagine what we can achieve.
A state or nation is at peace when the social equilibrium of that nation is not disrupted or disturbed, when people relate well with one another, interact with each other without any hindrance, have opportunities to pursue their legitimate aspirations and when they are not expose to any danger.
Speaking on how peaceful coexistence can be promoted among individuals, the Director Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies (CECOMPS) University of Jos, Professor Nanven Audu Gambo noted thus, “peaceful coexistence can be promoted among individuals when they are sufficiently enlightened on the need to respect each other’s right and freedom, accommodate other people that are different from them either in terms of their beliefs, political views, colour, ethnic or cultural background”.When people are sensitized to respect such differences, they are likely to live in peace with one another. Gambo emphasized that, “government must be fair and just to the diversity of interest under its authority. Government must not discriminate against people on account of ethnic, religious, cultural or political differences”.
We need to work hard and create harmonious communities so that we can attain silence in our heart and mind. It is actually true that in silence we can make the right decisions.
We must pray and be a good example to everyone. Start from yourself. Correct those bad habits of yours. Forget the hatred that makes your heart aches. Think instead, of those happy moments and make it as your motivation to go on serving and working for unity and harmony. If you hurt people, do not hesitate to say sorry and ask for forgiveness.
Humbling yourself is not an easy task especially if you are not used to it, but after the reconciliation you will definitely feel at ease. Unload the bad experiences in your heart and replace them with good ones. Through this, you will create a peaceful environment where everyone lives together in peace, love, harmony and tranquility. Talk about peace, believe in it and work at it. Peace is beautiful.
