Reconciliation is No Defeat
Where confrontation closes the door to progress, reconciliation opens the door to it. Reconciliation is no defeat, but another name for acting wisely.
The Quran teaches us that at times of confrontation both the sides concerned should opt for conciliation: “For reconciliation is best but people are prone to selfish greed.” (4:128) This principle applies to all matters in human life. Whether it relates to the home or to outside the home, whether it relates to two persons or to the whole community or group, whether it is national or international, in social life this is the only solution to controversy.
There is just one practical form of reconciliation and that is that both the concerned parties must be willing to accept the status quo. The only obstacle to such acceptance is greed. They want to have more than is their due at that time, and, naturally the other party is not willing to accede to this. This is the thinking which becomes an obstacle to reconciliation. And then the conflict goes on and on, futilely, until they have lost even what they already had.
Refusing to put an end to controversy is mostly what thwarts reconciliation. But this is a secondary issue. What is more important and worth considering is that reconciliation opens the door for fresh action. After reconciliation a person finds his way to continue his onward journey. The state of conflict halts life’s journey, while the act of reconciliation restarts the interrupted journey of life.
Reconciliation is no defeat. Reconciliation is in fact another name for acting wisely. Reconciliation is an acknowledgement of the reality. Reconciliation means taking an unemotional decision on an emotional occasion. Reconciliation entails avoidance of arrogance in controversial matters. Those concerned must refrain from making personal pride an issue. The way of reflection and control should be adopted rather than the way of emotionalism or provocation.
Where confrontation closes the door to progress, reconciliation opens the door to it.
