Issues of Ijtihad

The fact of the matter is that within every human being there is a deeply-rooted egotism. And this egotism is such that if it is provoked, it very quickly explodes and sets off violence. However, nature has arranged for this egotism to be asleep within every person’s breast. It is present within everyone, but, in accordance with the system of Creation, it is in a somnolent state. Under such conditions, a simple way to establish a peaceful society is to let the egotism that is fast asleep inside people’s breasts remain as it is. It is only those whose egotism has been provoked who go about disrupting social peace. If one abstains from provoking other people’s egotism, social peace will not be ruptured. From this, we learn that establishing social peace is within our own control, rather than this being dependent on others. Through your positive behaviour you can avoid provoking other people’s egos, and then you will certainly remain protected from their wrath. Salvation in Silence There are a number of traditions of the Prophet on the importance of silence. According to one tradition, the Prophet said that one who keeps silent has attained salvation. (Sunan At Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2501; Sunan Al Darmi, Hadith No. 2755; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 6481) This does not mean that people should stop speaking and become totally silent. Rather, what it actually means is