The Need for International Relations for Peaceful Coexistence (Part One)

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 1 September 2025 Abstract: Peaceful coexistence depends on strong international relations, mutual respect, and tolerance. Islam teaches unity, justice, and protection of human rights. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established treaties, the Constitution of Madinah, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Equal treatment, dialogue, and kindness strengthen societies, prevent disputes, and build global harmony for humanity’s survival. Main Points: 1. Peaceful coexistence requires respect, tolerance, and strong international relations. 2. Islam promotes unity, justice, and protection of human rights. 3. Prophet Muhammad resolved conflicts wisely and established formal treaties. 4. The Constitution of Madinah ensured equality, minority rights, and religious freedom. 5. Forgiveness and fairness build trust, eliminate hostility, and strengthen societies. 6. Leaders must uphold equality, kindness, and harmony for humanity’s survival. ----- The existence of cordial relations between nations and societies is a sign of healthy and righteous communities. Cooperation and mutual support based on humanity can never be denied in importance. Harmony, brotherhood, and tolerance are the foundations upon which relations between states and nations can be built positively. If ideas, beliefs, or social relations clash, the chances of unrest and disorder between societies and nations increase greatly. It is therefore necessary to restrain corruption and every action that may lead to injustice and violence, so that humanity does not fall victim to oppression or cruelty. This can only be achieved when nations, families, and states adopt traditions of peace and create sound principles and laws for coexistence. Wrongdoers who spread injustice must be held accountable. The continuity of social, political, economic, and religious ties depends only on mutual harmony and strong international relations. In today’s world, material progress has advanced, but unfortunately the moral and spiritual values inherited from our civilization and culture have been badly affected. Our greed and misconduct have deeply harmed international relations. It is extremely important to control this changing situation. Often, social values and mutual affection lose their influence when the interests of governments and nations clash, and when the spirit of service and sympathy for humanity disappears. Tragically, those powers that today claim to be protectors of peace are, in fact, the very forces that have damaged human relations for their narrow interests. This has caused destruction and misery in many societies. History proves that whenever human relations are damaged, the results have always been harmful and destructive. Living together peacefully, good character, and kindness strengthen our relations. Sweet speech leaves a lasting effect on people’s hearts, remembered for generations. Societies with good relations are recognised for their goodness, sacrifice, and compassion. Establishing international relations on positive principles is more important than ever today, because the entire world has become a global village. This is why writing, speaking, and spreading awareness on this subject has become a pressing need. Understanding its value and benefits in the modern age will strengthen our mutual ties. For this reason, large-scale dialogues and discussions are being held across the world. Books and research papers are being written. The purpose of all this is to ensure that nations, despite differences in religion, thought, or ideology, do not fight each other but live in tolerance, peace, and calm. These dialogues often end with agreements or resolutions, where all parties commit to maintaining good social relations while following their own faiths and beliefs. Ignoring the importance of dialogue in preserving social values and stability is not possible. When we look for solutions to these problems in Islam’s sacred teachings, we find that the laws it laid down for peace and security are foundational. Islam not only recognised the importance of unity and mutual trust but also legislated on it. For example, in his youth, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) took part in the historic Hilf al-Fudul ( حلف الفضول)pact, which was made to uphold justice and protect the oppressed in Makkah at a time when lawlessness and oppression were widespread. Later, the Prophet said that even after becoming a Prophet, he would still have valued this pact over a hundred red camels. This shows the great importance of such agreements in establishing justice and peace. Historians also record another important pre-Prophethood event, which can be seen as a lesson for ending conflict: the placing of the Black Stone ( حجر اسود). At that time, severe disputes arose among the tribes of Makkah about who should have the honour of placing the stone. A violent clash was near. The Prophet (peace be upon him), with wisdom and fairness, resolved the matter in a way that satisfied all sides. His decision saved Makkah from bloodshed and strengthened unity among the people. Such examples prove that even before Prophethood, he was a promoter of peace and social harmony. After Prophethood, he laid the foundation of formal international relations. Following the migration to Madinah, the Constitution of Madinah was written. This is recognised by historians as the first written constitution in the world. Dr Muhammad Hamidullah has written extensively on this in his works “ عہد نبوی کا نظام حکمرانی ” and “The First Written Constitution in the World”. Historians note that the Western world only developed such a document in 1215, with the Magna Carta. Thus, claims that Islam is aggressive are nothing more than signs of jealousy and ignorance. The Constitution of Madinah introduced humanity for the first time to principles such as minority rights, tolerance, peace, and unity. It guaranteed non-Muslims freedom of religion, the right to follow their customs, and protection of their places of worship. Madinah thus became a centre of human rights. Seerah writers also highlight the Brotherhood of Madinah (مواخات), where emigrants and residents were bound in ties of kinship and care, showing remarkable fairness and kindness. Later, the Prophet (peace be upon him) made treaties with many tribes and nations, such as the Banu Khuza‘ah, the people of Bahrain, Oman, Najran, Maqna, Ailah, Jundal, Jarba, and Adhruh, and the historic Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. This treaty declared a ten-year truce between Muslims and Quraysh. After this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) began sending formal invitation letters through ambassadors to world rulers, including: Najashi (King of Abyssinia) Heraclius (Caesar of Rome) Khosrow bin Parviz bin Hormuz (King of Persia) Muqawqas (Governor of Alexandria) Harith bin Shamir Ghassani (Governor of Damascus) Huza bin Ali al-Hanafi (Yamama) Jifar and Abd ibn Julandi (Chiefs of the ‘Uz’ tribe) Mundhir bin Sawa Abdi (King of Bahrain) Dhul-Kala’ bin Nakur Dhul-‘Umar (Himyar, Yemen) Harith bin Abd Kilal al-Himyari (Yemen) These letters, sent to rulers firmly established on their thrones, remain powerful evidence of the Prophet’s vision in building international relations. Another shining example is the Conquest of Makkah, where he (peace be upon him) forgave his former enemies, even though they were legally guilty. This act of mercy built trust and removed hostility. Similarly, the Farewell Sermon emphasised equality and brotherhood, rejecting discrimination of all kinds.ث If societies are to live together peacefully, equal treatment of all people is essential. Leaders must realise that the survival of humanity depends on unity and solidarity. No selfish interest should be allowed to harm global relations. Humanity has been granted dignity and honour, and this sanctity can only be preserved through peace, respect for rights, kindness, and strengthening the roots of international relations within societies. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/international-peaceful-coexistence-part-one/d/136667 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism