THE CULTURE OF PEACE — Part VI Teachings of Islam

Conscience, the Best Judge Two men belonging to different religious backgrounds were neighbours. One of them built a house. A controversy arose between him and his neighbour who was a contractor over an adjacent portion of land. Each one claimed the land belonged to him. The contractor accused his neighbour, who had constructed the house to be in the wrong and instigated some of his brethren who gathered outside the man’s house and indulged in raising slogans against the neighbour. Whenever an individual or group engages in violence, there also exists, at the very same time, the possibility of choosing non-violent or peaceful methods. The other man had a gun with him, but he did not use it. Instead, he came out of his house alone and empty-handed. He did not say a word to the slogan-raising crowd except to ask them who their leader was. A man stepped out of the crowd, saying that he was their leader and asked him what he wanted. The man turned to the crowd and requested them to remain where they were. Then, he took their leader into his house and requested him to be seated. He asked the leader why the crowd had gathered outside. The leader angrily replied, ‘You have grabbed our brother’s property, and that’s why we have come here.’ The man gently said, ‘You are aware that the name of the rightful owner of any property is mentioned in the official documents. These documents decide who the rightful owner of a plot is. So, what you should do is to take my documents and those of my contractor neighbour and examine them. You be the judge in this matter. After studying both our documents, I will unconditionally accept whatever decision you arrive at.’ At this, the leader suddenly calmed down and became friendly. He had entered the Muslim’s house in a rage, but he now stepped out all smiles. Then, he addressed the crowd outside, saying, ‘You all go back to your homes. Miyan-ji (a term of respect for a Muslim man) has himself made me the judge in this affair. I will see his and the contractor’s documents and come to a decision.