Issues of Ijtihad

THE ART OFCLEAR THINKING He sets off on the path of violence fired with negative emotions such as hate and vengeance. But instead, if he can keep his negative emotions under control, and, make an objective analysis of the matter in a realistic manner, if he plans the course of his actions wisely, he will never adopt the method of violence. Under all conditions, he will engage in action while remaining non-violent, even if in adopting the method of peace he might have to face some deprivation initially. It often happens that in adopting the peaceful method, a person feels that they have to tolerate some loss. But if they think in a balanced manner, they will realise that they ought to willingly agree to tolerate a small loss so that they will not be compelled to face a bigger loss if they refuse to do so. Rising Above the Situation If a dispute arises between two individuals or between two communities, often, people are not able to think by rising above the temporary problem that is at hand. Things like the immediate loss and the question of honour so overpower their minds that it does not remain possible for them to separate themselves from the dispute and think dispassionately, and thereby make a more appropriate decision based on farsightedness. The result of this narrow thinking and shortsightedness is that many individuals as well as communities remain