by Ijaz Ahmed

On March 28th, President Barack Obama delivered a speech at Syracuse University where he condemned the “divisive and often vulgar rhetoric” currently plaguing the political arena. He urged journalists and the media to seek the truth when it comes to the tone of the current political campaigns. Different media outlets will often provide a different angle on the news story, leaving the viewers unable to distinguish truth from falsehood. In a similar fashion, the media often fails to portray the majority of peaceful Muslims across the globe, who consistently condemn terrorism in all its forms. While ISIS and other extremist groups receive global coverage for killing people and creating chaos, the true and peaceful Muslims are rarely shown. The message delivered by President Obama parallels an eye-opening address delivered by the true Caliph of Islam, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, at the 13th National Peace Symposium (http://www.khalifaofislam.com/press-releases/peace-symposium-2016/).

His Holiness noted in his address that it is the media’s responsibility to highlight the true peaceful teachings of Islam practiced by the majority of Muslims. He advised the media to “show the world what true Islam represents, rather than focusing on the merciless acts of the tiny minority.” In order to keep people engaged, the media predominately covers death, destruction, and of course Donald Trump just to maintain high ratings.

Furthermore, His Holiness advised members of the media to suppress evil and cruelty and instead bring to light the goodness and humanity of the world. Such an approach is better as it will allow virtue and peace to spread far and wide. If the ultimate goal is peace, then why continue to allow evil to spread for the sake of ratings and attention.

But his address didn’t just admonish the media.

He continued by advising major nations to seek justice and peace in the world. He explained that governments should seek to establish peace, rather than regime change, while providing the situations in Iraq and Libya as proof that removing their leaders brought instability. He criticized the strategies used by the West in taking out terrorist groups like ISIS. Previously, His Holiness has stated that to destroy ISIS, their financial supply lines should be cut off. However, “when it comes to acquiring oil, morality goes out the window.”

While powerful nations are claiming that they are doing everything in their power to stop ISIS and terrorist groups, the evidence is to the contrary. The recent attacks across the globe are proof of the dire situation we are currently living in. The solution lies in all nations putting aside their vested interests for the greater good. This isn’t about showing the strength of America or Russia or Korea. This isn’t about who is stronger or richer, or who has the guts to kill the families of terrorists or violently torture prisoners. If we do not put aside our egos and make an honest attempt at peace and justice, then we should start preparing for a nuclear winter.

“I pray that we all play our respective roles in furthering the cause of humanity and I pray that true peace, based upon justice, is established in all parts of the world.” These are the words of a humble, peaceful, and pious individual who seeks only to establish sustainable peace in the world. These are the words of His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad.