The role of ḥadīths in preventing the culture of violence

ABSTRACT MASTER'S THESIS THE ROLE OF ḤADĪTHS IN PREVENTING THE CULTURE OF VIOLENCE GÜZİDE ER DALGIN SİNOP UNIVERSITY, GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF BASIC ISLAMIC SCIENCES SUPERVISOR: DR. HAYDAR GÜNGÖR The concept of violence is the intense and destructive manifestation of hostile and angry feelings directed toward individuals or objects. The actions are defined as violence upon remaining at the interpersonal level while they are referred to terrorism upon acquiring a collective dimension. Islam as being an ultimate divine religion aims at ensuring individual and social peace and establishes principles and prohibitions to achieve this goal. In this context, the Qur'an emphasizes the inviolability of human life and prohibits sources of violence such as sedition (fitna), oppression (ẓulm), transgression, anger, and revenge. Moreover, all forms of humiliation and coerciveness are considered in the scope of psychological violence. Qur'anic verses further advocate being just, moderate, peaceful, and conciliative, and advise establishing merciful and compassionate relations among believers. In a similar vein, the Prophet Muhammad advised to avoid from oppression, emphasized the control of anger, and encouraged forgiveness, patience, gentleness, and mercy in his Prophetic narrations (ḥadīths). By establish a precious society, the Prophet advised to build relations based on brotherhood, justice, and moral virtue. Ḥadīths also stress that no harm or violence should be inflicted upon any creature—beginning with oneself and extending to other people, animals, and the environment. The principles, therefore, are established to aim at preventing violence among Muslims. The ḥadīths, also, recommend refraining from excessive violence in dealings with enemy forces and prioritize acting peaceful and reconciliatory even during times of war. The Islamic permission for the usage of armed force in cases of injustice or aggression does not contradict its overarching principles centring on preventing violence. This is because the Islamic concept of holy war (jihād) seeks to eliminate violence, prevent greater terror, ensure social peace, and defend fundamental rights and freedoms. By employing a qualitative research method, the study elucidates the preventive role of Qur'anic verses and ḥadīths against the formation and dissemination of the violence culture in society. It also aims to identify universal principles derived from these sources contributing the prevention of violence in both individual and social level. Keywords: Ḥadīths, Violence, War, Peace November 2025, 95 pages.