Comparative Theology · Common Ground
Blessed are the peacemakers
In short
- 1.Matthew 5:9 blesses peacemakers.
- 2.Qur'an 8:61 makes peace obligatory when offered.
- 3.Both traditions rank reconciliation above victory.
The claim being examined
The Beatitudes commend the peacemakers as children of God.
The Islamic position
The Qur'an commands that if the other side inclines to peace, you must incline to it too.
Analysis
Qur'an 8:61 is a command, not a concession, and is regularly overlooked in polemical treatments of the Qur'an's verses on conflict.
From the Qur'an
۞ وَإِن جَنَحُوا۟ لِلسَّلْمِ فَٱجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
wa-in janaḥū lilssalmi fa-ij'naḥ lahā watawakkal ʿalā l-lahi innahu huwa l-samīʿu l-ʿalīmu
And if they incline to peace, then incline to it also, and rely upon Allah.
From the Bible
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
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