Conflict resolution in Islamic teachings

Contrary to the over-reactive and at times compulsive nature of Muslims (or Muslim politics), displayed only too often nowadays, Islamic teachings present an entirely reasonable and sensible three stage approach to the handling of human conflicts, wherever and whenever they may occur.  Their guiding aim in resolving any conflict is reconciliation, with a fair deal for all parties involved and they include clear and unambiguous principles for achieving it.

Islam links this approach to conflict resolution with the essential beliefs of a person in Allah’s justice and rewards in both this world and in the Hereafter.

In the first of the three stages of approach necessary to resolve a conflict the individuals concerned must demonstrate their personal and public commitment to behave in a just and fair way at all times.

In a hadith of the Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said when he was asked about al-bir (righteousness): ‘You have come to ask about the al-bir? (in the first place) ask yourself about it. Al-bir is what your soul finds its tranquillity in and your heart is at peace with. A sinful act is what may put your heart in discomfort and you feel your chest struggling with it, even though, people may judge your act being the right one.

In another hadith, the Prophet says: ‘al-bir is the best of character, and the sinful act is what may place your heart at discomfort and you dislike being exposed to people about it’. Narrated by Imam Muslim

It is a duty for Muslims to demonstrate aspects of absolute justice in all their dealings. These two verses from the Quran, among many, are a direct reference for guidance to behave justly and fairly. The Quran says: ‘Believers! Be upright bearers of witness for Allah, and do not let the enmity of any people move you to deviate from justice. Act justly, that is nearer to God-fearing. And fear Allah, surely Allah is well aware of what you do’. S5 V8

In another verse, the Quran guides: ‘Believers! Be upholder of justice, and bearers of witness to truth for the sake of Allah, even though it may be against yourselves or against your parents and kinsmen, or the rich or the poor, for Allah is more concerned with their well-being than you are. If you twist or turn away from (the Truth) know that Allah is well aware of all that you do’. S4 V135

Self-awareness of truth and justice is essential in the Islamic belief of accountability and human destiny. Achieving and employing this stage of awareness and personal commitment will stop many conflicts arising, let alone flourishing.

In the second stage, when a conflict becomes apparent and needs third party intervention, the Islamic system, as in any civilised society, provides logical steps so that justice can be served. The Islamic legal system provides all the essential guidelines and protection for a just outcome for all parties involved. 

In the third stage, the justice of Allah will be implemented. While His justice may not be apparent to us in this world, it surely will in the Hereafter. On the Day of Judgement, all such cases will be resolved by Allah and immaculate justice served by Him.

Acts of justice and injustice are present in all our deeds and all our decisions.  But, we need to be careful how we glorify our deeds, as Allah’s justice is ultimate and inevitable.

A sensible and God-fearing person will always find a way out of conflict and reward himself spiritually, by repelling a provocation with an act of goodness. In a hadith, our Prophet, Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘whoever is a believer in Allah and in the Hereafter, let him say a word of goodness or let him be silent’.

The Quran’s guidance for the resolution of any conflict is described in this beautiful verse: ‘Good and evil are not equal. Repel (evil) with that which is good and you will see that he, between whom and you there was enmity, shall become as if he were a bosom friend. But none attains to this except those who are steadfast; none attains to this except those endowed with mighty good fortune’. And if you are prompted by a provocation by Satan, seek refuge with Allah, He and He alone is All-Hearing, All-Knowing’. S41 V34-36

With our divisiveness and the dominance of greed and selfishness in many of us, we Muslims appear to care little about the guidance shown in the teachings of Allah in resolving our conflicts in this world. In the process, we have become cheap in name and nature. People would rather act through a sense of enmity and destruction than try to seek the pleasure of Allah and build further upon the achievements of the past. The words of wisdom say: ‘do not destroy the good in achieving your ideals.

Systemic destruction is taking place in many Muslim lands. The hearts, minds and desires of the people are totally disregarded in any attempt to resolve these conflicts. Yet they are the true witnesses to the destruction of entire towns and cities, the victims of bombardment, the families with nothing left in their lives and have become refugees and are in dire need. But, still, the fighting continues!.

A sensible approach will only prevail when and if the leaders in all conflicts look beyond their immediate interests and fear the inevitable consequences of their evil actions. Such an event appears to be increasingly further out of reach. People have now become so intolerant of each other that the smallest error results in savage reprisals between them. Yet, still, most Muslims, leaders and those led, would claim their religiosity and the pleasure of Allah.

Personal bonds are broken, without thought, for worldly gains, no matter how insignificant they may be. A good character is a fast disappearing commodity. Fitnah is overtaking our lives in all aspects and we don’t fear the consequences and accountability of our actions. We still see ourselves as the one who is the ‘saved one’. The Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him said: ‘Take advantage of good deeds, in the time of Fitnah, as it will come as dark nights. A person would wake up in the morning as Muslim but by the evening ends up as disbeliever, or would spend his evening as Muslim but wake up as disbeliever. He would sell his religion (deen) for any price of this dunya (worldly matter). Narrated by Imam Muslim

However, we do not seem to be in the business of resolving most of our conflicts; rather it seems that we are in a race to create even more conflicts and sustain them at any cost. Wise and cool headed leadership is needed if peace and justice is to be brought to the peoples in Muslim lands in particular and to the people of the world in general.