Spirit of Islam 2013 January

IGNORE PROVOCATION

Spirit of Islam 2013 January — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

Badges mark quoted or attributed material (Qur'an, hadith, another author, an opposing view). Unbadged passages are Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's own words.

Contents (21 chapters)
  1. FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
  2. THE ONLY SOLUTION TO CORRUPTION
  3. UNDERSTANDING ISLAM
  4. THE FAULT OF MAN
  5. SPIRITUAL LIVING
  6. NO END TO OPPORTUNITIES
  7. RESPECTING ALL RELIGIONS
  8. THE CREATION PLAN OF GOD
  9. BETTER LIVING
  10. THROUGH HARDSHIP, TO THE STARS
  11. RIGHT THINKING
  12. THINK POSITIVE
  13. DISCOVER, BY THINKING
  14. LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE
  15. IGNORE PROVOCATION
  16. THINK OUT OF THE BOX
  17. BE ACCOUNTABLE
  18. DIALOGUE IN RELIGION
  19. DOES ISLAM PERMIT VIOLENCE?
  20. LESSONS FROM NATURE
  21. HISTORICAL PROPHET

IGNORE PROVOCATION

Conflicts and quarrels have always been a feature of human society. That is not to say that there is no escape from this deplorable situation. It depends solely upon the concerned individuals whether they entangle themselves in such conflicts or manage to keep themselves away. This holds true for individuals, as well as for nations.

Most quarrels start with verbal exchanges that grow heated. People over-react and become hostile to each other. Their retaliatory thinking often results in full-fledged enmity. Negative action is the result of negative thinking.

Negative activities should be countered in a positive manner. The best principle to follow is that whenever you encounter any unpleasant situation, think carefully before speaking, or acting. Verbal exchanges can snowball into more serious conflicts; if something poses a real threat, it must be taken seriously. You should make every effort to solve the problem at hand, but confine yourself to resolving it by discussing it. Even if your feelings are hurt, there is no real harm, only imaginary harm. And reacting on imaginary grounds would not be wise. Exercise restraint. Ignore provocation.