When I was speaking in Doha at the U.S. Islamic World forum, I mentioned that what we need is not more “holy wars” but “love wars.” I reminded everyone of the story of Elijah and Mt. Carmel. They knew who God was by who destroyed the sacrifice (1Kings 18). Instead of guns and wars, what if our “faiths” were in competition over good works? What if the true God would be seen more from acts of love and compassion and service to humanity than by anything else?! “Let’s declare a love war and out-serve one another!”
Dalia Mogahed, a brilliant young lady who works at Gallup and describes herself as a researcher, wife and young mother was telling me about a verse in the Koran that says the same thing as I was proposing.
The Holy Qur’an 5:48 And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which God hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced out way. Had God willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So race one with another in good works. Unto God ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ.
Matthew 6:15-16 says, “Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket but on a candle stick and it gives light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
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