By Ambassador Hamdi Saleh
In times of moral and social crisis, an initiative was launched by a group of intellectuals and public figures, led by the Arab scholar Ali Mohammed Al Shorafa Al Hamadi, to purify the message of Islam from the wrong interpretations and misinformations that caused much of this moral crisis.
The Book: The Message of Peace is a summary of the efforts led by Al Shorafa for three decades and supported by a group of intellectuals and public figures. The book is part of a larger effort that covers and answers the current moral crisis.
At the core:
• First, the initiative focuses on the main pillars of Islam that have been emphasized all along.
• Tolerance is the first pillar of Islam, repeatedly emphasized in the Qur’an and the behavior of Prophet Mohammed – S.A.W.
• Coexistence among all peoples and all religions.
• Real Islam respects all religions and emphasizes that the human being is free to choose his beliefs and his faith.
• Human life is sacred. Islam rejects any violations of the rights of other individuals.
• Even in a war, Islam urges for respect of human life.
Justice for all is a fundamental pillar of Islam, consistently emphasized throughout the Qur’an.
It affirms the equality of all human beings—men and women of all races and faiths.
This initiative addresses challenges facing both Muslims and non-Muslims. Its first priority was to purify Islam from misinterpretations that have accumulated over centuries—whether through ignorance or deliberate political manipulation for selfish gain. Over three decades, Mr. Al Shorafa traced these false interpretations in historical writings, exposed their errors, and clarified the true meanings of Islamic principles.
The second objective is to emphasize that religion calls primarily for ethical conduct—not merely the performance of rituals. It promotes morality and stands firmly against corruption and misconduct.
The third objective highlights that Islam’s foundation of justice is based on the equality of all people, regardless of race or background.
The fourth objective stresses Islam’s call for the use of reason and knowledge. It encourages critical thinking over blind adherence to preachers, insisting on understanding through analysis and reflection.
The initiative also examines the concept of jihad, which has been widely misunderstood and manipulated by extremist groups to justify chaos and injustice. In Islam, jihad is defined as a struggle on three levels:
1. The inner struggle to purify oneself from harmful emotions and behavior—a personal path of self-purification.
2. The collective effort to build a just society based on freedom and equality for all.
3. The right to defend oneself, one’s family, and one’s country against aggression.
Islam firmly rejects violence against others. It calls only for defense and upholds peace as the ultimate goal for humanity.
This initiative has made a lasting impact within the Islamic community, advancing a message of peace and the universal respect for human dignity.
