By: Insha Rasool
Conflict is a serious disagreement & argument between two groups, individuals or communities. It is the result of opposing thoughts, actions or ideas disrupting the status quo. Nowadays, it is seen everywhere, & is a natural, often selfish, & sometimes productive phenomenon. It can lead to violence or war. From an Islamic point of view, conflict denotes taking a different position or course from another person in opinion or actions.
Almighty Allah says, “Had your Lord so willed, He would surely have made mankind one community. But as things stand, now they will not cease to differ among themselves and to follow erroneous ways.” (Qur’an, 11:118)
Conflict resolution in Islam focuses on the principles and values central to peaceful life, such as Justice (Adl), which is perceived as a pre-condition to peace, the concepts of patience (Sabr), Compassion, Mercy, Forgiveness & Kindness.
The Quran states, “Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners; and when you judge between people, judge with fairness”. (Qur’an, 4:58)
This Ayah has two main points:
One, if someone entrusts you with something, it is your duty to return it to them intact and not misuse it; two, when judging between people, you should judge with fairness.
In Surah, al-Nisa, Allah says,
“But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission”. (Qur’an, 4:65) Allah further says, “ “If you fear a breach between the two, appoint an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both want to set things right, Allah will bring about reconciliation between them. Allah knows all, and is well aware of everything”. (Qur’an, 4:35)
The Ayah suggests that if there is a potential for discord between a husband and wife, two arbitrators should be appointed, one from each family. If the couple desires reconciliation, Allah will restore harmony between them.
The Ayah is part of a comprehensive system for family life that can help eliminate disputes, hatred and hostilities. The system suggests that disputes should be resolved within the family, and if that is not possible, government officials can make peace through arbitration. If the matter goes to court, the judicial authority should investigate both parties and make a just decision.
Ayah 128 of Surah al-Nisa states,
“If a woman fears indifference or neglect from her husband, there’s no blame on either of them if they seek fair settlement, which is best. Humans are ever inclined to selfishness. But if you are gracious and mindful of Allah , surely Allah is all aware of what you do”.
Anas b. Malik reported: While we were in the Masjid with Allah’s Messenger (PBUH), a desert Arab came and stood up and began to urinate in the Masjid. The Companions of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: stop, stop, but the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Don’t interrupt him; leave him alone. They left him alone, and when he finished urinating, Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) called him and said to him: these Masjid’s are not the places meant for urine & filth, but are only for the remembrance of Allah, prayer and the recitation of the Quran. He (the narrator) said that He (the holy Prophet) then gave orders to one of the people who brought a bucket of water & poured It over. (Sahih Muslim, 285)
This Hadith teaches us how to deal with conflict by understanding, explaining in better manner, how to treat with conflict as well as the person who starts conflict by attracting him with patience, and Hikmah controlling all the situation.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
“He who believes in Allah & the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent” (Muslim)
Ubadah ibn al Samit reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH), said, “Speak what is good and acquire gains, or refrain from speaking evil and be safe”
These Ahadith convey that one should choose one’s words carefully before saying anything in any conflict or remain silent. Stay silent doesn’t mean we are ignoring any conflict, it gives us space to think and become powerful to resolve the conflict patiently, silently, and non-violently. It shows that silence is a sign of complete faith, good morals and pure soul. It can also be means to gaining self-control and dignity, and a savior from mistakes. It shows silence is the powerful tool in resolving the conflict in Islam.
Tail-piece
Islam provides us with healthy principles that can guide us for resolving conflicts and contribute to the stability of our society.
The writer is a student of MA, Islamic Studies, Department of Religious Studies, Central University of Kashmir. inshar321@gmail.com
