AT present, we are living in a world of increasing material plenty, of voluminous material activities, and where a large part of our energy, time, intelligence and thoughts are reserved for providing material benefits. Yet, regardless of the material rat race, nearly every single person wishes to have peace of mind or spiritual peace.

We all crave it, but in a world filled with constant distraction, stress and pressure, finding peace of mind seems difficult.

Every religion encourages its adherents to follow the path of seeking peace. It is a major goal, and though hard to achieve, it is not impossible. Some would say peace of mind is the most sought-after thing in the world.

Peace of mind cannot be compared with any other material object. It is non-material; it cannot be bought or sold in the market, nor can it be bequeathed from parents to children. It is a blessing of Allah the Source of peace. And He bestows it upon whom He wishes. Every believer is asked to implore Allah to bless him or her with peace of mind.

This type of blessing comes when one is ready to receive it. We can prepare ourselves by living within the ethical parameters of religion. The fulfilment of the rights of Allah and the rights of people (Haqooq Allah and Haqooqul Ebaad,respectively) are fundamental prerequisites to secure peace of mind.

In Islam, peace is the central theme.

Among the beautiful names of Allah is As-Salaam; ie, the Giver of peace. Allah promises peace to all who adhere to the teachings of Islam. The Almighty says in the Quran: `It is He who sent down tranquillity into the hearts of the believers...

. (48: 4).

Our everyday salutation is based on peace. Whenever a Muslim sees/meets his friends, acquaintances or near and dear ones, he says `Assalamu Alaikum`, (peace be upon you), and gets the response `Wa Alaikum as-Salam` (peace be upon you as well). In this way, it is implicit that Muslims ensure that they will never be harmful to each other but promote peace among themselves.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasised peace between people, peace in thought and in action. He always insisted on kindness and gentleness towards all living beings.

Peace of mind begins from within.

When a person, having fulfilled their religious obligations, engages themselves in the constant remembrance of Allah, they find inner peace and tranquillity in their own mind, and this subsequently brings change in their life and the world aroundthem. According to the Quran, the believers` hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah: `Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah` (13:28).

However, many people are unaware of the disorder and chaos within their own minds because, perhaps, they are too focused on the external world. True peace comes from understanding interdependence among people and letting go of needless worrying and grieving. By cultivating poise in our character and a happy disposition, one can spread happiness and kindness to others.

It is also a fact that Islam does not approve of asceticism. We are to live in this world though for a limited period but we have to fulfil all moral and social responsibilities. We have to maintain a balance between our worldly and spiritual responsibilities.

Spiritually, we are connected with our Creator and our soul is the connecting point. Peace of mind is to be experiencedby the soul from within.

However, the majority of people are unaware of consciousness of the soul and have forsaken this important aspect of life.

At the time of the Prophet, many people used to ask him about knowledge of the soul.

Allah responded,through the holy book, thus: `And they ask you, [O Muhammad PBUH], about the soul. Say, `The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little`` (17:85). We need to strengthen our soul by performing good deeds. By practising gratitude and other religious obligations, we will elevate our soul and feel closer to He who is above all else.

Like eating nutritious food in right quantity and at the right time is necessary for building the physical body, similarly, peace and harmony in relations with family and society are essential for spiritual peace.

Human life is multidimensional. It has physical, emotional, social and intellectual dimensions. They are limited in time and they change over time, but the spiritual dimension is permanent, unlimited and most important. We can strengthen the spiritual dimension by living a life of balance.

This means fulfilment of all our duties and setting aside all material thinking when we are engaged in remembrance of Allah.

The wnter is an educationist with an interest in religion.

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