“Peace is built in the heart.” Pope Leo XIV
“War begins with words.” Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah
By Jan Figel and Sheikh Al Mahfoudh bin Bayyah
In an age marked by overlapping crises – from armed conflicts and ideological extremism to ethical breakdowns in public discourse – a need to return to the essence of words and their meaning is more urgent than ever. Words are not mere tools of expression; they are often sparks that ignite or extinguish fires. This is precisely what Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah, President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, warns of in his profound message: “War begins with words.”
With this statement he encapsulates an entire philosophy: that every physical war is preceded by a war of words, and every act of violence is rooted in a prior act of verbal aggression. Unless speech is restrained, purified of hatred, and founded on mutual respect, the path to peace will never begin.
Words: Instruments that Build or Weapons that Destroy
Human history is filled with examples of how words have sparked long and bloody conflicts. From hate-filled speeches that paved the way for the Holocaust to media propaganda that fueled ethnic violence in Rwanda or Bosnia – these tragedies prove that words are not neutral. Words can amplify fear, distort perceptions, and turn ordinary people into enemies.
But on the other hand, words can also heal, reconcile, and build bridges between hearts. Therefore, impactful peace building emphasizes that the real struggle is not only against weapons, but against the discourse that justifies their use.
Hate Speech: A Global and Local Threat
Hate speech is no longer confined to fringe groups or isolated contexts. It has become a global phenomenon – amplified by digital platforms and nourished by misinformation, religious fanaticism, and xenophobia. Even worse, some forms of hate speech are cloaked under the guise of “freedom of expression”, undermining the ethical principles that should govern that very freedom.
The recent surge in hate-driven attacks on churches, mosques, synagogues – and even schools and markets – reminds us that behind each act of violence was a flood of words, posts, videos, slogans, and speeches that legitimized hatred.
Vision: From Awareness to Protection
For true healing we need not only correct diagnostics – but also clear vision and deeply prescriptive effort. Religion cannot be seen as a problem, but as an essential part of the solution. Each freedom is a call for responsibility. This is a key with religions as well. Leaders and faith-based communities must nurture and share their religious social responsibility. One strand is a call to promote human dignity through religious discourse and education. Education on equal dignity is a source of peaceful coexistence and moral fortification against hate.
At major international gatherings such as the Global Conference on Human Fraternity, Sheikh bin Bayyah has urged political and religious leaders to “reengineer concepts”- such as loyalty, jihad, and the “other” – to align with the higher objectives of faith and the universal values of human rights. Human dignity is indivisible, and peace cannot be established in a climate poisoned by divisive speech. Real peace is achieved when people are seen, heard, and respected – regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background.
Hatred, intolerance, violence and war are ugly faces of evil. And every evil is strong because it has many influential allies. The most significant are three siblings: indifference, ignorance and fear. When we do not care about the others´ because it is not our problem, it is far away, it is complicated issue. When we do not know, nor understand what is going on locally or globally. And when we are afraid to raise our voice on behalf of the defenseless or voiceless people.
The best antidotes against these allies of evil are engagement for common good, education and learning the truth, and courage to stand up for justice and equal dignity of all people.
Responsibility: From Words to Deeds and Action
Combating hate speech is not solely the responsibility of governments. It is a shared duty that involves religious leaders, educators, media professionals, legislators, and even social media users. Every word we write, share, or amplify can either contribute to healing – or to harm.
The fight against hate speech must begin in education, be embedded in law, and reinforced through responsible media. Platforms must be held accountable, and clear legislation must be enacted to criminalize incitement while safeguarding freedom of speech within ethical bounds. Education is not mere preparation for life. It is a life itself. Lifelong we need to adapt, to learn how to live together in dialogue, cooperation and shared neighborhoods. To live means more than to exist only.
Above all, we must revive the power of truth and kind speech. Truth sets us free and shows that we are diverse siblings in one universal human family. Discourse is the key to understanding and peace in and among our communities.
Let Words Be Bridges, Not Barriers
Pope Leo XIV was elected at the 80th anniversary of V-Day in Europe, May 8, 2025. He often emphasizes that peace is built in the heart and through active participation, requiring the uprooting of pride and resentment, careful communication, and building relationships of unity and fraternity, even in difficult times. He frequently links the concept of peace to the heart, advocating for a deeper, more personal and relational approach to peacebuilding.
Peace begins not at the signing of treaties, nor with the silencing of weapons. It begins in human hearts and with words. It begins when we choose to speak with others rather than about them, when we engage in dialogue instead of demonization, and when we listen rather than judge.
Nurturing ethics and cultures grounded in human dignity and wise restraint – is the only real path to a world of greater peace and justice. Because indeed, war begins with words. So, let our words always begin with peace.
About the authors:
Jan Figel, is the president of FOREF Europe, Slovakia. He was EU Commissioner for Education (2004-2009) and former EU Special Envoy of Freedom of Religion or Belief (2016-2019).
Sheikh Al Mahfoudh bin Bayy, is the Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, UAE
