On Anger, Stress and Conflict

you. It is your problem and not that of others. According to Quranic teachings, one must keep one’s patience and refrain from giving the other party the chance to hit back. This principle can be called the ‘save yourself’ formula. Don’t make demands of others, but rather control yourself in your speech and behaviour. This formula gives the easiest solution to problems of antagonism. Moreover, by this method you can save your time and energy and can find more time for constructive activities. This formula saves you from being a victim of distraction, for distraction always leads to useless, timeconsuming activities. It is pointless to say to others: “Don’t hurt me!” It is better to avoid hurting others and then the problem is instantly solved. It is not the believer’s task to complain about others’ behaviour or to demand that others remain silent or refrain from using such language as does not suit the believers. The Best Way of Settlement In the chapter Al-Nisa’ (Women) the Quran gives guidelines on resolution of disputes. The translation of the relevant verse is as follows: