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The Supreme Religious Authority identifies five methods of resolving societal conflicts

SHAFAQNA- Alkafeel: The Supreme Religious Authority confirmed that the problem in resolving societal differences and conflicts lies in how to deal with them in a legitimate and rational method to manage this conflict, so it does not escalate to quarrel and fight and be detrimental to members of the society.

These were the important points stated in the second sermon of Friday prayer of the 7th of Rajab 1440 AH, corresponding to March 15, 2019, which was held in the holy shrine of Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) and led by his eminence Sheikh Abd al-Mahdi al-Karbala’i, in which he stated:
Dear brothers and sisters, in this sermon, we will discuss the correct ways to manage a conflict, as the problem in resolving societal differences and conflicts lies in how to deal with them in a legitimate and rational way to manage this conflict, so it does not escalate to quarrel and fight and be detrimental to members of the society.
The holy verse indicates: {And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ. Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them. ..} (11:118 – 119) The issue of difference is a natural issue arising the various culture, ideologies, traditions, and the tendency to compete with one another in material and mundane matters, love of control and hegemony, as well as the remnants of the past that may lead to conflict between the components of the family, the work and the community.
We will begin first by the conflicts within the family. There is no doubt that there are diverse sources of difference within the family; the levels of culture, understanding, the followed education method, and how to react and deal positively in case of problems, crises and adversities experienced by the family. Both the husband and wife must understand the situation and the nature of the problem. There must be a climate of love, respect and harmony between the family members, as well as tolerance and patience so the family can have a wise method to deal with these tribulations and conflicts.
In the current time, most of the families are experiencing problems because of the complexity of the social and economic conditions which need more understanding and dialogue, more patience and forbearance, respect and compassion so we can overcome these problems, so it does not become a state of disintegration of the family with the many divorces cases in our society.
The second level is the differences within work, there are differences in the visions, in how to manage the work and how to solve work problems, and competition between the working individuals. The difference state must not turn into dispute, bickering and hatred. Everyone has to work collectively with the spirit of one team, each has to feel that all individuals are complementary to each other, and when a problem occurs, they have to face it together to find a suitable solution.
Then come the social differences. We do not mean by this the differences raised when people demand their rights, or when they ae defending their principles, values and justice face to the people of falsehood and evil. And not when defending the homeland and sanctities! We are highlighting here the difference between the societal entities, sectarian, religious, political or tribal entities, which lead to conflict. How can we manage this?
Islam warns us against this, and according to the following verse, conflicts lead to weakening everyone in the society: {And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient ones.} (8:46). The differences that turn to conflicts cause everyone to fail, as each party uses unacceptable ways against each other leading to the defeat of everyone.
Our word are to the political blocs and tribes: The energies will be wasted instead of using them for the good of the country and its citizens. When everyone is preoccupied with the management of conflict and crisis, these energies and capacities will not be focusing at all on the service of people. Also some may resort to social squabbling, and humiliation leading to a state of rivalry, hostility and strife among the society members, instead of the state of cooperation, solidarity and empathy for the service of all. There is no winner; everyone fails when you weaken, and your power and integrity will be lost.
Thus, what are the positive handling methods of the difference?
We will enumerate five methods as follows:
The first: The rational solution is to ignore and avoid disagreement when it is for trivial or simple matter.
The second: The settlement and reconciliation whether in the family, work, or community. It is better to resort to dialogue and clarifying the different points of view, which will solve the problem.
The third: The altruism and sacrifice, for which one will get great reward. Imam as-Sadeq (peace be upon him) stated about this subject: “If two men get separated and abandoned each other, one of them will deserve curse and maybe each of them will.” Mut’ab asked him: May Allah make me your redemption, this is for the oppressor, what about the oppressed? He said: “It is because he does not call his brother to keep in touch with him, and do not ignore his words.” Therefore, the imams (peace be upon them) recommended this good relationship and emphasized on the strength of the faith link between believers. Thus this requires altruism and sacrifice.
The fourth: overlooking simple differences and self-interests and not resorting to personal decision when solving these conflicts. One has to refer to the legitimate ruler to give his judgment and one has to surrender to this judgment: {O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.} (4:59) or refer to the authority of law. Otherwise the state of chaos will prevail. So, this is an invitation to organize our matters by resorting to rational methods in case of conflicts. Personal decisions must not be made in terms of other people’s rights, instead, one must consult a religious authority or the law.
The fifth: The political disputes over positions destabilized Iraq and caused it lagging behind other counties, loss of human potential, and caused stress for the citizens and loss of possibilities to achieve the necessary services they need. And it is time to wake up and to stop thinking of personal interests, to learn from past experiences to work on the future of our people and our homeland.
And, the latest of our prayers is; praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and Prayers and Allah’s Peace be upon Mohammad and his pure and virtuous lineage.

Read more from Shafaqna:

The Supreme Religious Authority renews its warning of the collapse of the moral system in society.

Representative of Supreme Religious Authority condemns murder of Yazidi women and Iraqi people, calls for intervention

Supreme Religious Authority: Everyone is responsible for protecting society

Representative of Supreme Religious Authority mentions how criticism turns to destroy society, viable criticism

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