An Example of Noble Character

RECONCILIATION IS BETTER Conflicts often arise between men and women, sometimes to the extent that it seems the dispute may never be resolved. The Quran offers various types of guidance for such situations. In one place, it provides a principle that applies to all such cases: “If a woman fears ill-treatment or indifference on the part of her husband, it shall be no offence for her to seek a reconciliation, for reconciliation is best. But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do good and fear Him, surely God is aware of what you do.” (4:128) Conflicts regularly arise in domestic life and within family relationships. Sometimes the dispute is purely emotional, while at other times it is over a real matter. At times, the woman believes the man is at fault; at other times, the man thinks the woman is in the wrong. In such moments, there are generally two approaches: one, which the Quran describes as shuhh (selfish greed), and the other, (sulh) reconciliation. The psychological basis of each is entirely different—one is self-centered, and the other considers both sides. When a man or woman is driven by selfish greed, they view the issue only from their own perspective. Their focus remains on defending their own emotions, preserving their interests, restoring their sense of dignity, or insisting on their demands. Such a mindset becomes narrowly selffocused and disconnected from the other party’s point of