Lessons from Switzerland

headquarters were in Geneva. Its objective was said to be international co-operation. However, as a result of the Second World War, the League of Nations collapsed. Following the war, another international body, the United Nations, came into being, with its headquarters in New York. Muslim leaders negatively commented when the League of Nations was established in Switzerland. An instance of this sort of negative comment was a Persian couplet which can be translated as follows: What is the League of Nations? Some shroud-robbers have set up an association to divide graves. In this world, characterised by multiple and diverse interests, it always happens that collective institutions cannot be to the liking of everyone. It being the case, the right approach is not to express one’s displeasure but, instead, to compensate for an aspect that one might dislike by availing of favourable aspects that can be used for one’s benefit. It is a fact that both problems and opportunities exist side by side. Through such wise reflection, prudence, and careful thinking, one can find and avail of opportunities despite problems. However, unfortunately, Muslim leaders could not