The Quran instructs us to avoid the ignorant (7: 199). The opposite of avoidance is confrontation. Avoiding conflict is one way to maintain peace. On the other hand, confrontation leads to violence between opposing parties.

No one—whether individuals or groups—lives alone in this world. People live in proximity with others who have their own aims and purposes. Each one has their own agenda. Because of this, people and groups often come into conflict with each other. There are two ways to respond to this situation: avoidance of conflict, on the one hand, and confrontation, on the other. There is simply no third option. If one opts for confrontation, it will lead to fighting and violence. The whole of human history testifies to the fact that fighting and violence do not produce any positive results. Hence, one must abstain from and consciously avoid confrontation. Avoidance not only prevents further harm, but also gives us the opportunity to carry on our journey of progress without being stopped by any hurdles that may come our way.

By avoiding confrontation, he is able to establish a balanced relationship with others, so that his journey progresses without being blocked.

Patience, the Secret of Success

The Quran instructs us:

Have patience: God is with those who are patient. (2:153)

According to a Hadith report contained in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, the Prophet Muhammad is said to have declared that it is greatly beneficial to exercise patience in the face of things we do not like. Success goes along with patience. Along with difficulty, the Prophet added, there is ease.

It often happens that when people are faced with a difficult situation or undergo a bitter experience, they get very worked up. In such cases, they may even take to violence. But this sort of reaction is contrary to nature. The fact is that the law of nature always supports those who are firmly established in truth and justice. Such people, if they act with patience will inevitably be successful. In most cases, those who fail are those who act hastily, driven by their emotions. On the other hand, those who are patient are inevitably crowned with success.

Whenever some differences arise between two parties, they should be resolved within the limits of peaceful dialogue.

According to the Quran (46: 35), the opposite of patience is haste. This means that a person who behaves in a patient manner acts according to the pattern of nature. In contrast, someone who acts hastily goes against this pattern—and because of this, he can be sure that it is impossible for him to succeed.

No To Conflict

The Quran tells us:

Let them not dispute with you on this matter Call them to the path of your Lord. (22:67)

From this verse we learn that whenever some differences arise between two parties, they should be resolved within the limits of peaceful dialogue. We must never let these differences go out of hand and turn into violent conflict.

In this world, it is but expected that tensions will arise between individuals or groups. This sort of tension is something quite natural. It happens everywhere, and under all sorts of conditions. However, we should make sure that these tensions or differences do not go beyond certain acceptable limits. They must remain within peaceful limits and not turn into confrontation and violence. Differences themselves are not wrong if they remain within the appropriate limits. They become unacceptable when they transgress these limits.

The law of nature always supports those who are firmly established in truth and justice.

The above-quoted Quranic verse tells us how a person who is inspired by a worthy and positive purpose in life should behave. For him to succeed, he must exercise patience in his dealings with others, even if need be, in a unilateral manner. In practical terms, he simply has no other choice. By avoiding confrontation, he is able to establish a balanced relationship with others, so that his journey progresses without being blocked.