Is it correct to say "Islam is a religion of peace" in a dialogue with non-Muslims?

Peace be upon you.

Introduction: The dilemma of describing Islam as a religion of peace

We often hear Muslims say: "Islam is a religion of peace," especially in the West when Muslims try to defend their religion against followers of other faiths. They say: "Islam is a religion of peace" (Islam is a religion of peace).

Non-Muslims respond: "How can you say that Islam is a religion of peace when you have this verse and that verse in the Quran that say: (And fight them)?" Here, Muslims seem to be deceiving others and trying to hide something from their religion. You may see them entering into discussions with others that "And you also have in your books killing and fighting."

Brothers, there is nothing in our religion that we should be ashamed of. Rather, we must be clear, understanding the truth of our religion first, proud of it, then we will be able to boast to the whole world about it without shame or deception.

Why is it not correct to describe Islam as a religion of peace in general?

When you want to say: "Islam is the religion of such and such value," this value must be present in all the teachings of Islam, not contradicted by a single verse or a single hadith. Therefore, if we want to summarize Islam in a phrase, it is not correct to say that it is a religion of peace, because Islam commands fighting in some cases.

The two fundamental values in Islam: truth and justice

However, it is correct to say and announce to people that Islam is a religion of truth and justice... truth and justice. These two values are present in all the teachings of Islam, in all its verses and hadiths and rulings. It is impossible to find a single verse that commands falsehood, which is against the truth, or a single verse that commands injustice, which is against justice... it is impossible.

Truth and justice are the two values that Islam adheres to in all its rulings without exception.

Quranic evidence for the values of truth and justice

Allah the Almighty said: (Allah is He Who has sent down the Book in truth and the Balance)

And He said: (And with the truth We have sent it down, and with the truth it has descended)

And He said: (Verily, We have sent Our messengers with clear signs, and We have sent down with them the Book and the Balance that people may stand firm with justice)

So, Islam is a religion of truth and justice. These are the two values that apply to all its teachings. As for peace, it may be a truce with the disbelievers in some cases, which is falsehood and injustice, and it is the truth and justice to fight them.

Other values that should not be attributed to Islam

Similarly, freedom. It is not correct to say that Islam is a religion of freedom. It will be said: "If it is a religion of freedom, why do you not accept the freedom of perversion, for example?" Rather, we say: there are freedoms that are falsehood and injustice, which Islam does not recognize.

And it is not said: "Islam is a religion of equality" in this general way. It will be said: "If it is a religion of equality, why do you not equate between women and men in everything from social roles, rights, and duties?" Rather, we say: from equality, there is what is falsehood and injustice.