Verses in the Koran for Peace and Happiness: A Closer Look

It is indeed a great question to inquire which verses in the Koran actually lead to peace and happiness or teach us how to be peaceful and happy. While praising Allah and His Messenger are abundant, are there more verses that enhance mental well-being or spiritually elevate us?

The True Beauty of Arabic

The true elegance of the question lies in the Arabic language. While translations aim to convey the essence, they often fall short of the perfect poetry. Arabic, with its rich and intricate nuances, is truly a magical language. For instance, the size of Paradise is mentioned as being vast as the heavens and the earth combined together. This verse (Quran, Chapter 57, Verse 21) suggests that everything is under the control of the Almighty God, who grants such blessings to those who deserve them.

Quran, Chapter 57
Verse 21: “So compete with one another for forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers. This is the favour of Allah. He grants it to whoever He wills.”

Verse 22: (Not provided in the source)

Verse 23: (Not provided in the source)

The Power of Recitation

I personally find solace in reciting verses from Surah Al-Kahf and Surah Yaseen early in the morning. Additionally, I recite Surah Al-Mulk, Surah Muzammil, and the Ayat-ul-Kursi in the morning and evening to seek divine protection. The Quran is a source of continuous inspiration and peace.

Peace
Indeed I am Allāh. There is no deity except Me so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance. (Quran, Verse 20:14)

He is Allah—there is no god worthy of worship except Him: Knower of the seen and unseen. He is the Most Compassionate Most Merciful. (Quran, Verse 59:22)

He is Allah: the Creator, the Inventor, the Shaper. He alone has the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth constantly glorifies Him. And He is the Almighty All-Wise. (Quran, Verse 59:24)

Evaluating Messengers of God

To determine the character of a prophet, one can look at their actions and conduct. Would a messenger of God be someone who loved peace and equality, as exemplified by Jesus, or someone who preached war and conversion, as perceived by Muhammad?

One key verse (Quran, Surah 9:5) is often cited by those who argue for a more militant interpretation of Islam. However, contextualizing this verse and understanding the historical and social context can lead to a different perspective. The verse speaks of treating enemies with mercy and forgiveness, as found in the earlier portion of the same Surah (Quran, Surah 9:1-5). The use of force in this context is intended for protection against unwarranted aggression, not for conversion or suppression. The true message lies in the transformation of hearts and minds.

Quran, Surah 9:5
“So when the Sacred Months have passed, then fight the Mushrikin wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and lie in wait for them in each and every ambush. But if they repent and perform the Salah and give the Zakah, then leave their way free. Verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Comparing Spiritual Teachings

Jesus preached love, mercy, and forgiveness. His message was one of kindness and understanding. Jesus said: Matt 6:43-45 (“Ye have heard that it hath been said Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans do so?

The essence of Christianity is forgiveness, mercy, and love. On the other hand, Islam teaches us to be peaceful and patient, but it also emphasizes the importance of defending the faith and upholding moral standards. The actions and character of Muhammad provide a historical context to this.

Peaceful Indeed
No declaration of war from ‘polytheistic’ people, just force conversion.

Oh yes, a detailed explanation from Tafsir. See below.
What did Jesus Christ say 600 years before Muhammad?

Jesus preached: Matt 6:43-45 (“Ye have heard that it hath been said Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.")

Hunt down, forcefully convert - Muhammad
Love your enemies - Jesus

Peace in Islam attributed to Muhammad comes at a price of shedding blood of unbelievers. Peace in Christianity comes from Jesus Christ with Him shedding His own blood on the cross.

Conclusion
Ultimately, the true essence of peace and happiness can be found in the teachings of both religions, if interpreted with love and compassion. The choice lies in our hearts and actions. May the words of the Koran and the Gospels bring us closer to attaining inner peace and tranquility.