THE CULTURE OF PEACE — Part V Teachings of Islam

him to focus all his energies on just one front: on his inner development. Consequently, he will be much more successful. The above-mentioned Hadith report tells us about this basic law of Nature on the basis of which the entire system of this world functions. Whatever one obtains in this world is what one gets by behaving in accordance with, rather than in violation of, this system. This system of Nature is based completely on the principles of peace and non-violence. That is why whenever you obtain something in this world it is by these principles. By deviating from them, you can be sure that you will get nothing at all. Limits of Dissension A Hadith report (Musnad of Ahmad) relates that the Prophet declared that the best jihad is to utter a word of truth and justice in front of an oppressive ruler. On the other hand, in another Hadith report (Collections by al-Bukhari), the Prophet is said to have declared that a person who sees something in his ruler that he does not like should exercise patience with regard to that matter. Likewise, in a Hadith report contained in the Sahih Muslim, the Prophet is said to have declared that one should listen to one’s ruler and obey him, even if he whips one on one’s back and grabs one’s wealth. Do not desire confrontation with your enemy, instead seek peace from God. — The Prophet These Hadith reports appear to provide two different commandments. On one hand, we are told that if we see something wrong with our rulers, we should openly announce it. On the other hand, we are also told that if we see something wrong with our rulers, we should exercise patience in that regard and that even if he oppresses us, we should tolerate it. These prescriptions clearly indicate the distinction between announcing something, on the one hand, and taking action on it, on the other. It is a desirable thing that if you see something wrong with your rulers, you should announce it in the form of exhortation and well-wishing. But as far as practical steps are concerned, one should completely abstain