Need to Live in Harmony

NEED TO LIVE IN HARMONY Tolerance is one of the greatest factors in stabilizing human relationships. Viewing d ifferences in a spirit of tolerance will often make differences simply disappear. Family unity is based on mutual consideration and respect. This happy state of affairs can easily be extended to the level of communities if enough individuals simply put their minds to carrying it into effect. Islam prescribes people to show love, tolerance and kindness to others in society, as per the following prophetic traditions: “No one truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 13146) The Prophet said, “Show kindness, tolerance and you will receive the same in return.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 2233) If the kind of harmony that families achieve through patience, affection and general tolerance is set up as a definite aim by all communities, there is no reason why it should not be attained. It is a question of wishing it to be so, making positive efforts towards it and forgetting all the old scores and grievances. From my childhood days, I remember a friend who used to recite: Kabhi bhul kar kisi se na karo suluk aisa Ke jo tum se koi karta tumhen naagawar hota (Never, even in a moment of forgetfulness, should you behave with anyone in a manner that you would