Essay On Inner Peace

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The sacred text and writings of the two traditions provide the adherent with the opportunity to explore the notion of inner peace. These texts provide different directions and perspectives on guiding their respective followers to achieving inner peace. To understand a Muslim and Christian view of peace one must acknowledge what the meaning of inner peace is. Inner peace is a state of calmness and tranquility experienced by an individual. It can also be understood to be associated with the spiritual peace with God for Christians and spiritual peace with Allah who desires peace for Muslims. Muslims believe that it is through complete submission to Allah that an individual may achieve inner peace.

For Christians the New Testament’s view of inner peace are derived from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and from his understanding of peace.
Throughout the Gospels Jesus is portrayed as a man of peace. In his interactions with people he teaches a non-violent way of living. In his teachings he emphasizes this peace. In John 16:33 Jesus says: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart I have overcome the world.” This verse emphasizes a Jesus at peace within himself and wanting to share this peace with his disciples.

Again in John 14:27 Jesus speaks of his inner peace- “I am leaving you with the gift of peace in mind and heart. The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” From this the Christian then has the obligation to take this message of peace and apply it to their lives in the way they act towards themselves and others.

A modern day expression of how this inner peace of Jesus can operate in the world is through ‘The Network of Peace ...

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...slims to stay close to God and in so doing be able to be at peace with themselves by separating themselves from the evils in today’s world.

The Quran is also very practical in guiding Muslims to achieve inner peace, Surah 2:224, speaks of not letting anything get in the way of “doing good and guarding against evil and making peace”.
Surah 25:63 says that God’s servants are those “who walk on the earth in humbleness, and when the ignorant address them, they say: Peace!” This scriptural verse teaches that in order to achieve inner peace they must show peace to others.

In summary sacred texts provide adherents with the appropriate guidance in order too achieve inner peace. It is evident that in both religious traditions of Christianity and Islam that obedience to the scriptures, prayer and making peace with others allow believers to acquire inner peace.

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