«According to Islamic law (Shari’a), “the purpose of sulh
is to end conflict and hostility among believers so that they may conduct their
relationship in peace and amity». (Irani, 2001: 182). Therefore, Islam gave
great importance to reconciliation "Sulh" which appears
alongside other synonyms about 179 times in the Quran.
From an Islamic perspective reconciliation always
brings good and is beneficial to all parties. The Quran says «Reconciliation
is best» (Sura: 4, Verse: 128). Hence, in case of struggle between two
sides the Quran advises to use reconciliation to establish peace between them «If
two groups of believers fight each other, reconcile between them […]. The
believers are brothers, so reconcile between your brothers, and remain
conscious of God, so that you may receive mercy» (Sura: 49, Verse: 9-10).
Thus, reconciliation not only benefits the people
reconciled, but also benefits the third party, the reconciler, who wins the mercy
of God and a great reward «There is no good in much of their private
counsels, except for him who advocates charity, or kindness, or reconciliation
between people. Whoever does that, seeking God's approval, we will give him a
great compensation» (Sura: 4, Verse: 114).
Therefore, Prophet Mohamed indicates that the value of
reconciliation is better than fasting, praying and giving charity to the needy.
The Prophet may God’s blessing and peace be with him said: «Do you want me to
tell you of what is better than the rank of fasting, prayer and charity?” The
Companions said, “Yes, O Messenger of God. He said, “Making peace between
people among whom there is discord, as the evil of discord destroys mankind».
One example of reconciliation in Islamic History is
"Sulh al-Hudaybiya" which refers to the treaty signed in the
year 628 between the Prophet Mohamed representing Muslims living in Medina and
the Quraysh tribe representing the pagans of Mecca. A treaty that
emerged when Muslims wanted to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the Quraysh
prevented them from entering the city. The Prophet did not seek war, but preferred
reconciliation and signed a treaty based on four points that were not in favor
of Muslims interests.
This event shows that reconciliation goes beyond the present;
it seeks to engage the parties in conflict to be recognized and respected for a
better future, even at the expense of the interests of one party. Therefore,
the Prophet Mohammed accepted the treaty even though it did not benefit Muslims
who had to return without making the pilgrimage. Prophet Mohamed knew that reconciliation
will be beneficial for the present and future. Firstly, it gave a direct
recognition from the Quraysh to the Muslims, and secondly, it gave the Muslims
sufficient time to preach Islam in peace.
Dr. Said Bahajin,
Researcher at UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain
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