RECONCILIATION IS BEST

Reconciliation in controversial matters is great wisdom. It prevents one’s time and energy from being spent futilely and channelizes them towards constructive ends. Reconciliation inevitably leads to success, while confrontation only leads to failure and ruin.

In giving instructions regarding the relationship between a man and a woman, the Quran says: “If a woman fears ill-treatment or indifference on the part of her husband, it shall be no offense for her to seek reconciliation, for reconciliation is best. However, people are prone to selfish greed. If you do good and fear Him, surely God is aware of what you do.” (4:128)

Reconciliation, a common natural process, is the best policy. It relates to problems at all levels, from the home to the international domain. Whenever an individual or group experiences unpleasantness involving another individual or group, the wise approach to adopt is that of reconciliation, not confrontation.

The policy of reconciliation in controversial matters is not one of retreat or cowardice. On the contrary, its purpose is to prevent one’s resources from being spent futilely and channel them towards some worthwhile endeavour.

The opposite of reconciliation is conflict or violence. Both parties reach a dead end in a situation of conflict or violence. Their journey stops at the point of the confrontation itself. This fact highlights the importance of adopting a policy of reconciliation so that one may continue one’s journey toward one’s destination without interruption. The way of reconciliation might appear to some at first sight to be a way of loss. However, if we keep our eyes on the future rather than on the present, we shall find that it inevitably leads to success. On the other hand, a policy of confrontation cannot do anything other than lead to failure and ruin.