

Achieving a reconciliation between disputing parties

Published: 27/08/2011 08:05:00 PM GMT
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What does Islam say about conflict resolution between disputants by bringing about an amicable settlement between them? Is this a valid way of achieving justice?

Answered by

Sheikh Ahmad Dhû al-Nûrayn, Assistant Supervisor of the Islamic Research Office

Achieving reconciliation between people and bringing resolutions to their conflicts is a virtuous act upheld by the Qur’ân, the Sunnah, and juristic consensus, not to mention the dictates of good sense.

Allah mentions the lawfulness of seeking reconciliation between a husband and wife, saying: “If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband’s part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves.” Then Allah says: “And such reconciliation is best” [Sûrah al-Nisâ’: 128]

Allah says: “In most of their secret talks there is no good: but if one exhorts to a deed of charity or goodness or conciliation between people.” [Sûrah al-Nisâ’: 114]

Allah also says: “So fear Allah and keep straight the relations between yourselves” [Sûrah al-Anfâl: 1] This verse encourages us to increase goodwill among ourselves and avoid falling into disputation.

From the Sunnah, we have where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Deciding in justice between two people is an act of charity.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim] In this hadîth, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is referring to arbitration between two people and to the importance of upholding justice in doing so.

It is also related in Sahîh al-Bukhârî that the Prophet (peace be upon him) brought about an amicable settlement between Ka`b b. Mâlik and Ibn Abî Hadrad in a loan dispute by having Ka`b agree to deduct half the value of the loan and by having Ibn Abî Hadrad agree to pay the other half.

There are numerous examples of such arbitration in the hadîth.

Achieving reconciliation between disputing parties is one of the most useful and beneficial ways of interacting with people. It puts a stop to enmity and disputation. The Muslim Ummah is unanimously agreed that it is a lawfully sanctioned and highly virtuous endeavor.

And Allah knows best.

Source: Islam Today

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