THE CULTURE OF PEACE — Part V Teachings of Islam

anger and behaves in a balanced way towards the person who provokes him is much stronger than the person who is only physically strong. His behaviour proves that he possesses the power of intelligence, which is undoubtedly much more powerful than physical strength. Such a person can, because of his wise planning, win every battle without physically harming anyone. Formula for Social Peace What is the ideal formula for social peace? How can balanced conditions be established in society? In this regard, a Hadith report gives us some valuable clues. According to this report, the Prophet said that fitna, or strife, is asleep, and that God’s curse is upon he who wakes up a sleeping fitna. This is a natural formula for social peace. The Prophet said that a strong person is not one who defeats others in wrestling, but, rather, only he who when angry, keeps his lower self under control. The fact of the matter is that within every human being is a deeplyrooted egotism. And this egotism is such that if it is provoked, it very quickly explodes and sets off violence. However, Nature has arranged for this egotism to be dormant within every person’s breast. It is present inside everyone, but, in accordance with the system of Creation, it is in a state of sleep. Under such conditions, a simple way to establish a peaceful society is to let the egotism that lies fast asleep inside people’s breasts remain as it is. Only those people whose egotism has been provoked go about disrupting social peace. If one abstains from provoking other people’s egotism, social peace will not be ruptured. From this we learn that establishing social peace is within our own control, rather than being dependent on others. Through your positive behaviour you can avoid provoking other people’s egos, and then you will certainly remain protected from their wrath. Do Not Confront the Enemy In a Hadith report recorded in the Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet is said to have remarked that one should not desire confrontation with one’s