National Peace Consciousness Month-

By Ashary S. Tamano, WebMaster

September holds a significant place in the Philippines as it is observed as the National Peace Consciousness Month, a time of reflection and action dedicated to the pursuit of peace and harmony. This observance is established by virtue of Proclamation No. 675, s. 2004, signifying the nation’s commitment to prioritize peacebuilding efforts.

Peace, a fundamental aspiration for humanity, lays the foundation for progress and unity within societies. As the Philippines commemorates the National Peace Consciousness Month, it underscores the importance of nurturing peace as a catalyst for a progressive and harmonious society. Through a series of activities and initiatives, Filipinos are encouraged to actively participate in the shared responsibility of peacebuilding, unity, and mutual understanding.

Drawing inspiration from both the teachings of the Qur’an and the wisdom of Prophetic hadiths, the Philippines’ Muslim communities, through the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, seeks to reinforce its commitment to peace. The Qur’an’s verses resonate with the essence of unity, justice, and reconciliation, which are indispensable components of conflict resolution and societal coherence. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), the Qur’an promotes the concept of brotherhood among believers, accentuating the significance of unity and mutual understanding in resolving conflicts.

The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And be mindful of Allah so you may be shown mercy. ~Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10)

Furthermore, the Qur’an advocates for the pursuit of justice, even when dealing with adversaries, as exemplified in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8). This principle of fairness serves as a guiding light for achieving equitable resolutions, thereby contributing to the preservation of peace. Such teachings resonate with the spirit of the National Peace Consciousness Month, encouraging individuals to seek avenues of reconciliation and understanding.

O believers! Stand firm for Allah and bear true testimony. Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just! That is closer to righteousness. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what you do. ~Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8)

The Prophetic hadiths complement the Qur’an’s teachings, offering practical insights into conflict resolution and peace. The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) emphasis on forgiveness, self-control, and dialogue serves as a blueprint for peaceful coexistence. His teachings inspire us to prioritize emotional restraint, even in moments of anger, as exemplified by the hadith: “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”

Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.” ~Sahih al-Bukhari 6114

As Filipinos engage in diverse activities during this significant month, they echo the call for unity and understanding found in the Qur’an and Prophetic hadiths. By embracing the values of forgiveness, justice, and dialogue, they align their actions with the noble teachings of Islam and contribute to the establishment of a more peaceful and inclusive Philippines.

In essence, the National Peace Consciousness Month resonates with the teachings of Islam, emphasizing the paramount importance of peace and conflict resolution. Through reflection, education, and action, Filipinos honor the spirit of this observance and embark on a journey towards a society where harmony, progress, and coexistence flourish.