CONFLICT-RESOLUTION

CONFLICT-RESOLUTION The Quranic Way T ODAY’S Muslims may know much about the divine rewards for reciting the Quran, but they are unaware of the immense reward for following the Quran in their own lives, although this is precisely the highest sort of reward that is associated with the Quran. The fact is that the solutions to all problems are contained in the Quran, but these solutions can work only for those who agree to accept them without any mental reservations. Uthman ibn Affan narrates that the Prophet remarked that the best person is one who studies the Quran and teaches it to others (Sahih Bukhari). According to another Hadith, Umar ibn al-Khattab narrates that the Prophet said that God will elevate some people through His Book (Sahih Muslim). Such Hadith reports indicate that the definite solution to all sorts of problems that Muslims may face is to obey the Quran. Muslims can and will gain protection by following the commandments of the Quran. This is a sure way for them to save themselves from all sorts of trials and afflictions. If you ponder on the Quran, you will discover a basic guiding principle—that good and evil are not the same, and that in a seemingly difficult situation, one must respond using the best possible method. As a result of this, one’s enemy will turn into a dear friend. As the Quran (41: 34) puts it: Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend […] Elaborating on this Quranic verse, Ibn Kathir reports that Abdullah ibn Abbas said: God has commanded Muslims to exercise patience when they are angry, to express tolerance in the face of others’ ignorance, and to exhibit mercy in the face of something that is wrong. When people act accordingly, God will save them from Satan, Muslims are very well aware of the rewards for reciting the Quran, but they do not know about the rewards for obeying the Quran.