The United Nations first recognised an annual Day of Peace in 1981. Today, more than ever, its relevance is paramount. This year the International Prayers for Peace Day, which is commemorated on the 21st of September each year, has more recently come into focus.

In this article, we explore the origins and relevance of this newer day and why our world needs to reflect on its meaning and implication.

What is International Prayers for Peace Day?

International Prayers for Peace Day is a global initiative aimed at uniting people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds in a shared moment of reflection and prayer for peace.

In a world marred by conflict, violence, and social injustice, this day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to pursue and uphold peace, both locally and globally. 

Every year, we at the Muslim Women of Australia (MWA) observe the importance of this day. Through a deeper reflection on what we understand peace to mean, both individually and collectively.  

As a leading organisation supporting Muslim women across Australia, this year we joined this worldwide observance by reflecting on it internally, highlighting the concept of peace in our service delivery and face to face activities, and posting about it on our social media channels to spread awareness about this crucial concept that seems so missing from the world today.

Our involvement signifies the importance of women, particularly those from marginalised communities, in peacebuilding efforts. As advocates for both social justice and spiritual growth, we bring a unique perspective to the conversation around global peace.

History of International Prayers for Peace Day

The International Prayers for Peace Day has roots in the growing interfaith movement that has gained momentum over recent decades. 

First observed in 2016, it emerged from global efforts to create a day where people could transcend differences and come together in unified prayer or meditation for peace. 

This observance aligns with broader international initiatives like the UN International Day of Peace, but it is distinct in its focus on collective spiritual efforts to address the pressing issues of war, conflict, and human rights violations.

In Australia, the involvement of Muslim organisations like MWA reflects the increasing need to engage diverse voices in peace dialogues, ensuring that minority communities are not only participants but also leaders in these essential conversations. Our participation on this day highlights the important intersection of faith, activism, and advocacy.

Why Peace is More Important Now Than Ever

The world we live in today is fraught with conflict and uncertainty. From the ongoing crises in the Middle East and the political unrest in many parts of Africa to the rising tensions in Europe and even the persistent racial and social divisions in the Western world, peace feels increasingly elusive. 

Global headlines are dominated by stories of war, migration crises, economic hardship, and climate-driven disasters.

For marginalised and minority communities, including Muslims, the quest for peace is even more complex. 

Many Muslim communities around the world face multi-layered and intersectional forms of oppression, including racial discrimination, political marginalisation, and specifically anti-Muslim discrimination. 

The constant struggle for recognition, rights, and safety makes the idea of peace not just a luxury, but a necessity. Peace in such contexts is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equality, and security.

The recent rise in far-right ideologies, hate speech, and the targeting of minority communities—whether due to race, religion, or nationality—reveals just how urgent the call for peace is. 

For Muslim women, particularly those who are visible due to their attire or advocacy, the road to peace is paved with challenges that are often exacerbated by gendered Islamophobia. 

Their experiences highlight that peace must be comprehensive and address not just the political, but also the social and personal spheres of life.

Defining Peace: More Than Just Absence of Conflict

While the dictionary defines peace as the absence of war or conflict, this simplistic understanding does not capture its deeper complexities.

True peace involves not only stopping violence but creating an environment where justice, equity, and harmony thrive. For peace to be meaningful, it must be coupled with human dignity, economic fairness, and societal inclusivity. 

Peace means dismantling structures of oppression that continue to harm minorities, women, and marginalised groups. It means addressing systemic issues like poverty, discrimination, and inequity that hinder the realisation of a peaceful society. These layers of oppression are evident in various spheres—from refugee camps where displaced families struggle for survival to urban settings where minorities face daily microaggressions and prejudice.

In this light, achieving peace is not a singular act but a continuous process. It requires the involvement of policymakers, activists, faith leaders, and ordinary citizens alike to work toward justice and mutual respect.

Peace for Minorities: The Multi-Layered Intersectional Struggle

For minorities, peace is a multifaceted struggle, intersecting with their identity, safety, and societal acceptance. Achieving peace goes beyond the cessation of violence—it requires the dismantling of harmful stereotypes, equal access to resources, and the guarantee of rights.

This is particularly crucial for Muslim communities, who are often disproportionately affected by international conflicts, media misrepresentation, and discriminatory policies.

Muslim women, in particular, are at the forefront of this struggle. As visible symbols of their faith, they often face both misogyny and anti-Muslim dirscrimination, making their pursuit of peace even more complex. 

The International Prayers for Peace Day serves as an opportunity for these women to reclaim their narratives and emphasise their active role in peacebuilding, advocating not just for the Muslim community but for all oppressed groups.

The Islamic Conception of Peace

In Islam, peace is a central tenet and is deeply embedded in its teachings. The Arabic word for peace, salaam, is more than a greeting—it signifies wholeness, safety, and spiritual fulfilment. Peace in Islam is not limited to external tranquillity but extends to internal serenity, societal harmony, and justice. 

The Quran calls for Muslims to be “peacemakers” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:208), emphasising that peace should be pursued actively and that justice is an essential prerequisite for achieving lasting peace. 

Islam’s approach to peace also includes fostering positive relationships with others, ensuring that the rights of individuals and communities are respected, and striving to eradicate injustice. 

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The best among you are those who bring the most benefit to humanity,” underscoring the importance of social harmony and collective well-being.

Moreover, peace in Islam is closely tied to justice. Without justice, there can be no true peace. This is why Islamic teachings stress the importance of fairness, whether in governance, societal relations, or personal interactions. 

Muslim women, guided by these values, play a significant role in advocating for peace, drawing on their faith to challenge injustices in their communities and beyond.

A Call to Action

As MWA joined the International Prayers for Peace Day, our participation underscores the importance of including diverse voices in the global pursuit of peace. 

Our presence in this initiative is a reminder that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, equity, and human dignity. 

In today’s world, marked by division and violence, it is more important than ever to commit ourselves to the principles of peace. To striving for it, advocating for it, and calling out those who oppose its principles.