Avoid Provocation

“The researchers have attributed most of the lion attacks on humans to provocations of the animals.” A lion is a fierce predator and the biggest natural threat to humans. But despite its ferocity, it stays true to its nature—and that nature is not to attack people unless it is provoked. This is one of the signs of creation, demonstrating how to protect oneself from the “predatory human being.” The only sure way to stay safe from a cruel person is to keep him within the limits of his nature. Before provocation, every person is guided by his nature; after provocation, he goes outside of it. In reality, it is nature itself that restrains man from cruelty and violence. Why take a step that breaks this restraint? Before provocation, a lion is a harmless creature. Once provoked, it can become man-eating. Do not provoke the lion, and you will stay safe from harm. Gentleness and patience are not signs of weakness. They are vital principles of life—taught by the Creator of nature to all His creatures. There is an Arabic proverb: al-samahu rabahun—gentleness and open-mindedness in dealings always bring benefits. This saying comes from human experience. Over thousands of years, people have tried both approaches: gentleness and harshness. Experience has shown that harshness often