DO NOT PROVOKE
In India, lions are found most abundantly in the Gir Forest Sanctuary in Gujrat. At the beginning of the twentieth century, there were fewer than twenty lions there. But according to a census in May 1990, the number had risen to 280. Because of this increase, human life in the area came under threat.
A Times of India report dated August 22, 1990, noted that over the previous two years, these lions had killed sixteen people and injured 140 others. Following these incidents, a team led by Mr. Ravi Chellam was appointed to investigate. Their findings indicated that although lions caused several attacks, many of these incidents were triggered by human actions that provoked the animals, rather than outright aggression. As the report states:
“The researchers have attributed most of the lion attacks on humans to provocations of the animals.”
A lion is a fierce predator and the biggest natural threat to humans. But despite its ferocity, it stays true to its nature—and that nature is not to attack people unless it is provoked.
This is one of the signs of creation, demonstrating how to protect oneself from the “predatory human being.” The only sure way to stay safe from a cruel person is to keep him within the limits of his nature. Before provocation, every person is guided by his nature; after provocation, he goes outside of it. In reality, it is nature itself that restrains man from cruelty and violence. Why take a step that breaks this restraint?
Before provocation, a lion is a harmless creature. Once provoked, it can become man-eating. Do not provoke the lion, and you will stay safe from harm.
Gentleness and patience are not signs of weakness. They are vital principles of life—taught by the Creator of nature to all His creatures.
There is an Arabic proverb: al-samahu rabahun—gentleness and open-mindedness in dealings always bring benefits.
This saying comes from human experience. Over thousands of years, people have tried both approaches: gentleness and harshness. Experience has shown that harshness often yields the opposite of what one wants, while gentleness leads to results that are helpful and positive.
Imagine a simple scene at a train station. Two men are walking—one in front, the other behind. The man behind is carrying a large trunk. As he hurries forward, the trunk hits the foot of the man in front, causing him to fall onto the platform.
The man behind immediately stopped and, embarrassed, said: “Excuse me.” Hearing this, the man in front relaxed and replied: “OK, no harm done.” Both then continued on their way.
Now imagine the opposite. Suppose, in the same situation, both become angry. One shouts, “Are you blind?” The other retorts, “You are ill-mannered, you don’t know how to speak!” If such words are exchanged, the quarrel will escalate until they fight. At first, only dust was on their clothes; later, blood may be on their bodies. At first, only their clothes were torn; later, their bones may be broken.
Whether in family life or outside, whether in disputes within a nation or between nations—the principle remains the same. Gentleness and generosity of spirit end conflicts; harshness only makes them worse.
Gentleness is like pouring water on a fire; harshness is like pouring gasoline on it. The first puts out the flames, while the second makes them burn brighter.
