Is True Peace Possible Without a Connection to God?

From the perspective of the Holy Quran, achieving true and lasting peace is impossible without establishing a deep and continuous connection with Almighty God. The Quran, as divine guidance, repeatedly emphasizes that human hearts find tranquility only through the remembrance of Allah. This peace differs fundamentally from fleeting worldly gratifications or transient pleasures; Quranic peace is a state of inner calm, stability, and serenity that remains unshaken even in the face of life's most severe challenges and adversities. This peace does not come from a bulging bank account, social status, or sensory delights; rather, it originates from a higher, eternal source: Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Verse 28 of Surah Ar-Ra'd is central to this discussion: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." This verse clearly states that peace of heart is the fruit of faith and the remembrance of God. "Dhikr Allah" (remembrance of Allah) does not merely mean the verbal repetition of God's name; it encompasses all dimensions of connection with Him: knowing Him, believing in His power and wisdom, obeying His commands, performing acts of worship, reciting the Quran, prayer and supplication, gratitude, and reliance upon Him. When a person dedicates their heart to these divine truths and organizes their life according to the pleasure of the Lord, it is as if they find an anchor in the turbulent sea of life that protects them from spiritual turmoil. Humans are inherently seekers, constantly searching for meaning, purpose, and ultimate tranquility. This inner need is part of the divine "fitra" (innate disposition) that God has placed within every human being. If this need is not quenched by its true source, which is God, then humanity falls into bewilderment, anxiety, and emptiness. The Quran describes this situation well. For instance, in verse 124 of Surah Taha, we read: "But whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a difficult life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind." This verse clearly indicates that turning away from the remembrance of God results in nothing but a "difficult life" (ma'ishatan dhanka). This difficulty does not necessarily mean material poverty but rather spiritual constriction, constant anxiety, despair, and inner dissatisfaction, even if the person is materially wealthy. Connection with God provides a person with a broader perspective than the limited worldly sphere. When an individual believes in God's eternal power and wisdom, they understand that every event in their life, whether sweet or bitter, is not without purpose. This understanding grants them patience in adversity and gratitude in blessings. They know that all affairs are in God's hands and that He is the best planner. This reliance (tawakkul) lifts the heavy burden of worries and anxieties from one's shoulders and bestows a profound peace that is beyond one's direct control. Prayer (Salat), supplication (Du'a), recitation of the Quran, and contemplation of divine verses are all tools for strengthening this connection. Prayer is the believer's ascension (mi'raj) and brings a person directly into the presence of the Lord, where all worries fade, and the soul is nourished by divine light. Supplication keeps alive the sense of dependence and need for the Creator, assuring that there is a listening ear that hears one's innermost feelings and is capable of solving problems. Recitation of the Quran, in addition to intellectual guidance, bestows sakinah (tranquility) and peace upon the human heart, for it is the word of God, who is the very source of peace. Therefore, true peace is not achieved by escaping problems, but by being able to face them with a calm spirit and a heart reassured by the Lord. This peace helps individuals to stand firm in the face of fear of the future, regret over the past, and present pressures. It is this peace that makes life meaningful and empowers a person to view themselves, others, and the universe with a divine outlook. Any attempt to find peace without this connection is like trying to quench thirst with a mirage; it may seem alluring for a moment, but it will never truly satisfy the soul's thirst and will ultimately lead to despair and emptiness. The Quran has a clear and decisive message: the true path to peace passes through returning to God, for He is the source of all good and blessing, including true and lasting peace.