By Syed Shams Uddin
In a world increasingly overwhelmed by conflict, unrest, and division, peace is no longer a lofty ideal — it is a vital necessity. Across the globe, nations wrestle with war, communities battle division, and individuals struggle with inner turmoil. In this atmosphere, the essence of peace-lovingness—an inherent human tendency toward harmony, compassion, and coexistence—emerges as both a moral compass and a survival imperative.
The Natural Inclination Toward Peace
From the newborn’s need for security to the elder’s desire for tranquility, peace is foundational to every stage of life. Human beings, by nature, seek comfort, connection, and continuity. While conflict might occasionally erupt from fear, greed, or misunderstanding, history proves that civilizations have flourished not through war, but through periods of peace. Trade, art, science, culture, and human relationships grow when nurtured in peaceful environments.
To be peace-loving, therefore, is not a sign of weakness or passivity. It reflects an evolved consciousness that recognizes the futility of violence and the enduring value of dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect.
Why Peace is the Need of Every Being
1. For Human Dignity and Survival
Every human has the right to live with dignity, free from the fear of bombs, bullets, or oppression. Wars, terrorism, and ethnic violence strip individuals of this fundamental right. In contrast, peace creates the space where individuals can pursue education, work, spiritual fulfillment, and social contribution. Without peace, even basic survival becomes a struggle.
2. For Mental and Emotional Well-being
Peace is not only external—it is internal. Anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma are increasingly common in a world saturated with conflict and digital chaos. A peaceful mind is the bedrock of good mental health. When people live in safe, supportive, and cooperative environments, they are more emotionally resilient, empathetic, and hopeful.
3. For Environmental Sustainability
Peace extends beyond human society to include our relationship with the planet. Violent conflicts often ravage ecosystems, displace communities, and destroy natural resources. Environmental degradation, in turn, fuels further conflict. Only in times of peace can nations work together to combat climate change, conserve biodiversity, and build a sustainable future for all life forms.
4. For Children and Future Generations
Children raised amidst violence often carry its scars for life. The trauma of war zones, refugee camps, and domestic violence impedes their development and social integration. Peace is a gift we owe to the next generation. A peaceful world allows children to dream, to learn, and to grow into constructive citizens who themselves become ambassadors of peace.
5. For Global Prosperity and Cooperation
The world is more interconnected than ever. No country or people can thrive in isolation. Trade, healthcare, technology, education, and disaster response all rely on international cooperation. Peace fosters diplomatic dialogue, economic collaboration, and shared innovation. Conflict, on the other hand, leads to sanctions, isolation, and regression.
The Prevailing Global Situation: A Call to Conscience
Today, the world faces multiple, overlapping crises—regional wars, ideological extremism, economic inequality, the refugee crisis, and the climate emergency. The rise of populism, xenophobia, and fake news adds to the confusion and polarization. These realities demand more than political solutions—they require a collective moral awakening.
It is easy to be cynical in such times. But cynicism breeds inertia. Peace-lovingness, on the other hand, demands courage—the courage to listen, to forgive, to build bridges, and to refuse to dehumanize the other.
Around the world, peacebuilders—often unsung—are working tirelessly in conflict zones, interfaith councils, community centers, schools, and even social media platforms. They prove that peace is possible—not just as the absence of war, but as the presence of justice, equality, and understanding.
How to Cultivate Peace-Lovingness
Start Within – Peace begins in the heart. Practicing mindfulness, compassion, and emotional intelligence strengthens our inner calm.
Educate for Empathy – Teaching children and youth about diversity, inclusion, and nonviolent communication plants seeds of peace for generations.
Engage in Dialogue – Reaching across boundaries of race, religion, and ideology fosters understanding and reduces the fear of ‘the other.’
Promote Justice – Peace without justice is fragile. Addressing grievances, ensuring equity, and listening to marginalized voices are critical.
Support Peace Initiatives – Whether local or international, peacebuilding efforts need our advocacy, funding, and volunteer support.
Conclusion: The Time for Peace is Now
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” The world cannot afford more conflict; the stakes are too high. Peace is not a luxury—it is the most urgent demand of our age.
Let us reclaim our identity as peace-loving beings, not just in words but in our thoughts, actions, and public policies. For in choosing peace, we choose life, we choose hope, and we choose a future worth passing on.
A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...
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