The Role of Peaceful Living in the Growth and Development of Balkh's Citizens with an Emphasis on Religious Teachings

Abstract

Peace and peaceful coexistence have been emphasized and explicitly recommended in various forms in numerous verses and hadiths. Peaceful coexistence extends beyond mere peace, as countries and nations may be in a state of peace, but lack the necessary conditions for peaceful coexistence, such as cooperation and mutual assistance. Balkh is one of the oldest Islamic habitats, where the lifestyle of its people has been shaped by religious teachings over the years. Peaceful living and a pacifist outlook, based on religious teachings, have played a role in the economic, cultural, political, and social growth and prosperity of Balkh's citizens. The research is applied in its objective and follows a library-based documentary method for data collection, with a descriptive-analytical approach for execution. This study examines the role of peaceful living in the growth and advancement of Balkh's citizens with an emphasis on religious teachings. The most significant findings include; mutual respect, the observance of citizens' rights, equality between native Balkh residents and migrants from other provinces, and the active participation of men and women, universities, religious schools, general schools, cultural institutions, and media, all of which are manifestations of peaceful living in Balkh.