AVOIDANCE OF CLASH

Avoiding conflict in all situations of provocation and remaining united, even in spite of differences, is an important teaching of Islam and a sign of excellent character.

Avoidance of friction is one of the important principles of Islam. That is, avoiding confrontation in the face of complaints and differences of opinion, refraining from reaction and maintaining a positive attitude when provoked.

Every man and woman differs in temperament. There are many differences between people which repeatedly give rise to unpleasant experiences. In social life, whether at home or outside home, facing such unpleasant circumstances or situations is totally natural. No one can prevent such situations from arising.

Now there is one method of proceeding on all such occasions of differences, and that is to directly confront those responsible for the unpleasantness in order to solve the problem. But such an attempt can only be infructuous. It only aggravates the problem. It is not going to solve it.

On such occasions, Islam teaches us avoidance of friction. That is, in all such irksome situations one should try to tolerate unpleasantness instead of putting an end to it. Avoiding conflict in all such situations of provocation and remaining united, even in spite of differences, is the teaching of Islam.

According to Islam, this is not only a social issue but is also a special case for reward. Living amicably with people is an act worthy of reward even in normal situations, but in the face of complaints and unpleasantness, maintaining friendly relations, curbing feelings of irritation and generally displaying a positive attitude attracts a far greater reward. In the eyes of God, people who show such restraint will be reckoned as being the righteous (16:128). The righteous are those who have given proof of living in the world at an elevated ethical level and at a superior level of humanity.

Without avoidance of friction, it is not possible to attain excellence in human character.