THE CULTURE OF PEACE — Part III Teachings of Islam

This Quranic verse tells us about one of Nature’s secrets—that inside every human enemy there is a friend, and that we should discover this hidden potential friend. Once we do this, a veritable miracle will occur. The person who earlier appeared to us as our inveterate foe will turn into our close friend. The fact is that enmity is not something natural or intrinsic. Rather, it is an artificial reaction. Whenever, for whatever reason, someone appears to become your enemy, you should not react in the same hostile way towards him. Rather, you must respond by trying to behave in a good, kindly way with him, even if you have to do this one-sidedly and despite the hostile behaviour of your imaginary foe. Unilateral good behaviour on your part will dampen your opponent’s negative emotions. This unilateral good behaviour on your part will dampen your opponent’s negative emotions. It will kindle the flame of humanity that slumbers deep in his heart. It will make him a new person; or, in the Quran’s words, your ‘dearest friend’. The truth is that every human being is born with a common nature. Our common human nature is what unites ‘enemies’ and ‘friends’. This means that you share the same basic human nature as your imaginary enemy. That is why, despite your seeming enmity, you must search for this common humanity inside your imaginary enemy, too. Hope from others what you hope from yourself. A Result of Our Own Actions Whatever misfortune befalls you is of your own doing […] THE QURAN 42: 30 This Quranic verse describes a fundamental fact—that this world is based on the principle of causality. As the cause is, so the result will be. This verse teaches us that whenever we face any misfortune, we should discover its cause inside our own selves, instead of searching for it outside ourselves. If a person realizes this fundamental truth and remains deeply aware of it, he will never blame others for his woes and start inflicting violence