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Salaam John,
Thank you for your question.
War is one of the unfortunate realities of our lives. According to the Qur’an, war represents an “unwanted obligation” which when absolutely necessary, has to be carried out with strict observance of particular humane and moral values. Allah says in Surah 5, verse 64:
*{Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they [ever] strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief.}*
Probably, the most frustrating feeling now is the feeling of impotence. What can we do to stop this war? We are talking about hundreds of thousands of highly trained and heavily armed soldiers, war planes, B52 bombers, highly sophisticated war equipment made for the specific purpose of killing and causing heavy destruction. What can one lone civilian do in the face of all this military might?
Islam, in fact, is a religion that demand its followers to positive and active. The prophet (pbuh) has always urged his companions and followers not to give up to that which is negative. On the contrary, he used to advise them to make changes, either by peaceful hands [action], by their tongues [speeches, preaching and orations] or the least – by detesting the negative.
There are many things one can do to protest the war. Other than participating in anti-war demonstrations, there are other avenues of protest. For example, one of the most successful ways to let your opposition to the war be heard, you can send protest letters to major newspapers. This is a good way to reach a large audience in a short time. Send to as many newspapers as you can, as you will find that not all newspapers will agree to publish your letter.
Since you are American, you can send letters of protest to your government. Send to the President, to your representative, and to senators. You can even send a letter to the United Nations. Try to let your voice reach as many people as you can.
You can also send letters to anti-war activists and volunteer to help them in their fight against the war. Get to know who they are, what their reasons for opposing the war are, and what they are doing.
Arm yourself. You have to be an informed pacifist. You have to read up on the history of the region. Read what other have written about the war – read up on the reasons that the US government has put forward as incentives for war and read anti-war activists’ response to these motives.
You can sign petitions against the war. For a list of anti-war petitions, you can visit: Sign Anti-War Petitions!
You can even vote to impeach the President!
Faith is stronger than all the military might in the world. The power that one man’s faith can have is more than anyone can imagine. Pray for an end to the war. Pray for all the victims of injustice and oppression. Do not underestimate what your prayer can do. God is - in all religions - Just, and would never support such a war.
Talk to people. Talk to everyone who is willing to listen. Talk to your neighbors and friends. Tell them what is going on. Log onto the internet and find an alternative to the mainstream news, and spread the word. Misinformation and ignorance is one of the main reasons that wars are waged.
Try to dispel all the myths surrounding the war. Make people aware of what is going on – what war is really like. Unfortunately, the amount of violence that can be seen on television only serves to desensitize viewers to the great tragedy and trauma of war.
Boycott products of countries which are waging the war against Iraq. But instead of merely not buying the products, also write letters to the companies and tell them why you are boycotting their product. Encourage others to do the same.
Last but not least, the most important thing is to take action. Do not be satisfied with the feeling that you can not change anything, and that this is beyond you. Speak out and take a stand. If people like you stay quiet, this world would be a much worse place.
Thank you and please… do keep in touch.
Salaam
Useful Links:
Spotlight on Iraq
The Theater of War
The Dogs of War
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