Meeting On Common Ground

Brothers and Sisters;

Today we want to talk a bit about something that many of us have forgotten about since becoming Muslim. We want to talk a bit about this thing called “A COMPROMISE.”  To be honest, many of us need to be ashamed of ourselves and how we act toward one another in times of disagreement and discord. We yell, we scream, we do all we need to prove ourselves right and the other wrong regardless of who is really right or wrong. The thing that is important to most of us, is that we are said to be the victorious one, or the one that came out on top of the argument at the end of the day. We really need to check ourselves and our actions. Is what we see that we involve ourselves in during these disputes really from Islam?

We have all experienced times in which we know without a shadow of a doubt, that we are the ones with the most correct point of view. We are the ones that have been wronged in the situation. It may even be that we are the ones that have the most right to that thing in which we are disputing over. So we just keep pushing and pushing in an attempt to get the other party to surrender and admit that they were upon some kind of foolishness.

Come on now, as Muslims we need to begin to have mercy on one another, and not try to destroy and intellectually humiliate one another. Rather then trying to show our superiority (whether it be in terms of intellect, strength or rights) we need to begin to be more gentle and easy going with one another. We need to begin to be able to see the picture from the other persons point of view.

If we actually take a step back for a second and view the situation as though we were an outsider looking in, we would notice that many-times there is no benefit in us going on and on about the issue to begin with. This is where we can begin to practice this whole concept of coming up with a compromise.  Think about it for a second  many-times this is the only way that anyone will get anywhere and that anything will get done. There really is nothing wrong with it.

As as matter of fact, “Compromising” is something that is legislated in Islam. It is a part of our religion. There are many times we find this done by not on the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم), but his companions (رضي الله عنهم أجمعين) as well.

Now, what we need to before we start discussing the whole of this issue, we really should start by defining what we are talking about so that we are all on the same page. In the Arabic Language this Compromise is called a “Sulh”. Islamically a “Sulh” is – A contract that is made as an agreement between two opposing or arguing parties, which is reached for the purpose of stopping the discord. Usually this is done by both parties giving in a little bit for the purpose of bring peace between the two parties.

As far as it’s being legislated in Islam (or part of this beautiful religion), then we find the proofs in both the Book of Allah, The Sunnah of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and also by the consensus of the Scholars.

The proof for it from the Book of Allah is;

 {لَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا أَنْ يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحًا وَالصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ}

{There is no sin on them both if they make terms of peace between themselves; and making peace is better.}

[4:128]

So we see here that making peace, meeting on common ground or compromising is not only legislated but said in this verse to be BETTER. When will be begin to take heed?

We stated earlier that we also find proofs for the permissiblity of this type of contract in that which was narrated on the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Imam Tirmidhi and other then him reported that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said;

” الصُّلْحُ جَائِزٌ بَيْنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ إِلاَّ صُلْحًا أَحَلَّ حَرَامًا أَوْ حَرَّمَ حَلاَلاً “

“The compromise is completely permissible between the Muslims except the one that makes the haraam (impermissible) halaal (permissible) and the one that makes the halaal (permissible) haraam (impermissible)”

[Related by at Tirmidhi]

We have mentioned all of this to hopefully open the people’s eyes to the fact that this is a solution that was legislated in Islam because of the all of the good that it brings. By way of it, a major goal is reached, which is a general benefit for the people and a sense of peace between them. As a result many good things are gained and many harms are avoided. 

So next time, now that we are aware of this, hopefully we will try to find some middle ground with the one that we are in a dispute or disagreement with, even if it means we have to give in a little bit. This way the peace and love is left in tact between the people. This allows both parties to feel as though they got some benefit out of the deal, and does not usually make anyone walk away feeling like they are the sole looser in the situation.

Next time you find yourself in a situation where some kind of common ground could possibly be reached, give it a try. You will not loose in the long run. Remember, it is something that was legislated in Islam because of all of the good it will bring about and the benefit the people will receive for practicing it.  Giving a little and taking a little will take you, the one that you are disagreeing with, as well as the whole of the Muslim Ummah a long way. And isn’t that what we all want to do anyhow?