Today, September 21, is the International Day of Peace, a day established by United Nations to “commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”

Within many communities around the globe, World Renew promotes peace by working with local partners, providing peace-building training, and offering programs to equip individuals to become peace agents in their communities.  

Hiron Miah is a member of Peace and Justice Committee of a PI (Peoples Institution) in Barhatta, Bangladesh. He received peace-building training on topics including peace foundations, conflict transformation, family relationships, and domestic violence prevention.

“These trainings opened my eyes to see the needs and opportunities of working as a ‘peace agent.’ They changed my mindset and behavior towards women and children,” said Hiron.

Committed to restore peace in his community, Hiron defended a couple who was forced to get a divorce because of a misunderstanding. Salam Miah verbally divorced his wife, Bilkis, while having a heated argument. Salam didn’t actually want to divorce his wife, but when he said the word ‘talak’ (divorce) three times, he was heard by his neighbors, and they held him to his declaration. (This is an informal means of divorce in their culture.)

According to the local social system, now the couple couldn’t live as husband and wife unless they go through the process of “Hilla marriage.” This custom required Bilkis to be married to another man who would then divorce her, and only then could Salam get his wife back.

Salam and Bilkis regretted what happened in the heat of their argument, and they refused to go through the Hilla marriage process.  The situation worsened when some religious leaders called a meeting and tried to force them to abide by these social and religious rules.

Amid this chaos, Hiron stood up and defended the couple. He argued that Hilla marriage is an illegal practice and not even supported by the Islamic religion. He also explained the right process of an Islamic divorce. When a representative of the local government supported Hiron, the tension eased.

Finally, the verdict supported the restoration of Salam and Bilkis’s marriage. Their voice was heard; their justice and peace were restored.

“I am now an activist for peace. I am available, whenever there are any peace events, activities or any ‘salish’ (traditional mediation system),” said Hiron Miah. 

World Renew partners with many local communities, giving trauma-healing trainings and other peace-building education activities in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Nicaragua. 

You can support people like Hiron Miah as they promote peace in their communities by praying for them and supporting World Renew’s peace-building and justice programs. Your gifts will contribute to peace-building trainings and programs that prepare individuals to stand up for justice and peace.