TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE

from taking retaliatory action ever again. Taking an action of revenge would have given impetus to a chain reaction from the Makkans. Silence is Action An advice of the Prophet is mentioned in books of Hadith: When the Imam (the person leading the prayers) is delivering the Khutba (sermon), and you ask your companion to keep quiet and listen, then no doubt you have done an evil act. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 934) If the Imam of the mosque is giving a Friday sermon, and a person speaks at that time, then the listener should silence him with a gesture. If he speaks to silence him, it will be considered an insensible act. Because earlier only one person was speaking, now there are two people speaking. It means the problem had increased twofold. This type of method is undoubtedly imprudent. The wisdom behind this advice is related not just to the prayer at the mosque, but it is related to our whole life. It happens time and again in collective life that interfering in a matter makes it worse. On such occasions, the wise policy is that a person should adopt the method of silence, he should not interfere and make the matter more complicated. The wise person knows when to act, and when not to act. He knows when to speak, and when to keep quiet; when to move forward, and when to retreat; when to take action, and when to refrain from action to the last extent; when to try to win, and when to give up. Those who possess this wisdom succeed in this world, and those who are unaware of this wisdom, their only end is to jump into a matter without thinking, and then never find a satisfactory conclusion. Sustainable Action The Prophet of Islam said: “The most pleasing deed in the sight of God is that which is durable.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6464) Any real success in this world always takes time, so the best course of action is that which is sustainable. Therefore, a result-oriented action in this world is sustainable. Such an action is in accordance with the law of nature. The man should plan his actions before taking an initiative. He should review all related matters. He should make a thorough assessment of his abilities and available resources, as well as the prevailing circumstances. Only then should he start his work according to a well-thought-out plan. Once he starts working at it, he should never leave it in the middle. This is the way to achieve success in life.