The Quranic Way of Conflict-Resolution

Such hadith reports indicate that the definite solution to all sorts of problems that Muslims might face is to obey the Quran. Muslims can and will gain protection by following the commandments of the Quran. This is a sure way for them to save themselves from all sorts of trials and afflictions. If you ponder on the Quran, you will discover a basic guiding principle—that good and evil are not the same, and that in a seemingly difficult situation, one must respond using the best possible method. As a result of this, your enemy will turn into a dear friend. As the Quran (41:34) puts it: Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend […] Elaborating on this Quranic verse, Ibn Kathir8 reports that Abdullah ibn Abbas9 said: God has commanded Muslims to exercise patience when they are angry, to express tolerance in the face of others’ ignorance, and to exhibit mercy in the face of something that is wrong. When people act accordingly, God will save them from Satan, and He will soften the hearts of the enemy for them, so that they become friends. In this regard, Abdullah ibn Abbas, as reported in the Tafsir al-Qurtubi10, is also said to have remarked: 10 A famous commentary on the Quran by the noted scholar al-Qurtubi (d. 1273 C.E.). 9 Born in 618-19 C.E., Abdullah ibn Abbas was a Companion of the Prophet and is regarded as one of the most authoritative commentators on the Quran. Ismail ibn Kathir (1300—1373) was a scholar of Quranic exegesis and as well as a historian.