Conflict Resolution: The Islamic Approach Source: Tafseere Namune, as talked about in a lecture by Tahera Kassamali (March, 2005). Venue: Ja’ffari Islamic Centre

Is arguing permitted in Islam? Arguments are of two kinds: PERMITTED: When it is for the sake of learning. E.G. The angels asked Allah why He was creating human beings who would cause mischief on earth. And when your Lord said to the angels, I am going to place in the earth a khalif, they said: What! Will You place in it such as shall make mischief in it and shed blood, and we celebrate Your praise and extol Your holiness? He said: Surely I know what you do not know. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:30)

Arguments are of two kinds: 2. NOT PERMITTED: When arguing is used to find excuses not to follow Islamic law or teaching. E.G. Iblis’ argument - he was made of fire while Adam was made of clay. Was making excuses - not wanting to learn. And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam; they did Sajdah, but Iblis (did not). He said: Shall I make obeisance to him whom Thou hast created of dust? (Al-Isra, 17:61) He said: O Iblis! What excuse have you that you are not with those who make Sajdah? (Al-Hijr, 15:32)

ARGUE FOR THE TRUTH And do not mix up the truth with the falsehood, nor hide the truth while you know (it). (Al-Baqarah, 2:42) Say: Praise be to Allah and peace on His servants whom He has chosen: is Allah better, or what they associate (with Him)? An-Naml, 27:59 (27: 60–64 : Allah brings forth arguments about how He has made things for us – the earth, water, trees, gardens, rivers, mountains, answering our calls, giving sustenance, etc)

ATTACK THE PROBLEM! And Musa said: O Firon! surely I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds: (I am) worthy of not saying anything about Allah except the truth. I have come to you indeed with clear proof from your Lord, therefore send with me the children of Israel. He (Firon) said: If you have come with a sign, then bring it, if you are of the truthful ones. So he threw his rod, then lo! it was a clear serpent. And he drew forth his hand, and lo! it was white to the beholders. (Al-A’araf, 7: 104 – 108)

BE FAIR – ACKNOWLEDGE! They ask you about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: In both of them there is a great sin and means of profit for men, and their sin is greater than their profit. Al-Baqarah, 2:219

BE GOOD! And not alike are the good and the evil. Repel (evil) with what is best, when lo! he between whom and you was enmity would be as if he were a warm friend. Al-Fussilat, 41:34

1. Argue not to win, but for truth How to Argue: BEHAVIOUR ACCORDING TO ISLAM: WINNER! 4. Be good no matter how hard it is. 3. Be fair. Validate others’ point of view 2. Attack the problem, not the person 1. Argue not to win, but for truth

How we behave with students…

An Ineffective Teacher Sarcastic, Ridiculed Couldn’t teach OUCH! YOU Had favourites Yelled, threw things Boring, no enthusiasm Were unorganized Ineffective=Reactive

An Effective Teacher Effective=Proactive A+ YOU Polite, respectful Variety in lessons A+ YOU Knew their stuff Talked to us in private Enthusiastic, funny Organized Effective=Proactive

It is up to the student to enter A teacher opens doors It is up to the student to enter

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