Message From the Imam: Salam alaikum, I’m calling from the Mosque Foundation…
The great Imam Al Awzaaie said, “No step is more lovable to Allah (SW) than a step to bring reconciliation.” This understanding from Imam Al Awzaaie is based on his knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah regarding the importance of this matter. Allah said, {Indeed, all the believers are brethren. Thus set aright [relations] between your brothers. And fear God, so that you may be shown mercy} 49:10. The prophet (pbuh) said, “Shall I tell you of what is better than the level of Salah, Siam and Sadaqah?” The companions said, “Yes O Prophet!” He (pbuh) replied, “to bring reconciliation among (people)” Hadith narrated by Abu Daoud.
One of the major issues our Masjid deals with on a daily basis is reconciliation. If I were to estimate a percentage of the phone calls we receive or the amount of our time invested at the Masjid as Imams, I would say that at least 30 to 40% is spent on reconciliation. It could be between a husband and wife or between business partners, between feuding family members or neighbors, and any other type of conflict imaginable.
My intention for addressing this topic is certainly not to praise what we do, but rather to focus attention on this serious matter. It’s all about rights and responsibilities. If each one of us were to keep up with his/her duties and responsibilities toward others, respect the rights of people and treat others with justice and (Ihsan) excellence, we would not need to mediate for reconciliation at all. During the time of Omar’s caliphate, he appointed a judge in charge of the court in Madinah. After few weeks, this judge asked to be released from his position. When asked why, he said, “I have been assigned to a place where people respect the rights of others; therefore no one is coming to the court, there is no need for me.”
The goal of reconciliation is for people to come to an agreement that leaves both parties pleased even if it means to let go some of their rights. Omar Ibn Al Khattab wrote to Abu Musa Al Asha’ri saying, “Delay judgment rulings between people (until reconciliation) because rulings leave grudges between them.”
This understanding from Omar tells us about the importance of solving problems in ease before it reaches a court judgment as this reflects the quality and stability of the community. The prophet (pbuh) also directed people’s attention to the type of rewards earned when people agree to sit down for reconciliation. The prophet (pbuh) said, “Two from my Ummah kneeled down before Allah (at the Day of Judgment) and one of them said, ‘O Lord. grant me my rights from my brother!’ Allah will say to the second person, ‘pay him (in Hasanat)!’ This person will say, ‘my Lord nothing is left of them!’ The first one will say, ‘then let him carry some of my bad deeds.’ The prophet’s eyes were teary and he said, “Indeed this is a momentus day where people need others to carry their bad deeds.” Allah will tell the first person to look up and see Heaven! The person will say, “My Lord, I see cities of gold and silver with gem stones! To which prophet, righteous or martyr does this belong?” Allah will say that it belongs to whomever can pay the price. The person will ask who could afford this price? Allah will say, “You can, if you forgive your brother!” The person will say, “O Allah I have forgiven him.” To which Allah will reply, “Take your brother’s hand and enter Heaven.” Hadith narrated by Abu Ya’la Al Mousili. Now imagine if this was delayed till the Day of Judgment, what about people who forgive here in this life? What kind of rewards would they earn?
Unfortunately, in many cases some people refuse any attempts for reconciliation. Fearing (the taboo) of being exposed (if they come to the Masjid) they often don’t return our phone calls, while some refuse outright to sit down for reconciliation or even threaten the relationship itself in the cases of marriage problems. The prophet (pbuh) said, “Do not hate (each other), do not envy (each other), do not turn your backs against (each other) and be as brothers, servants to Allah. It is not permissible for a Muslim to boycott his fellow Muslim for more than three nights.” Hadith narrated by Muslim. The prophet (pbuh) also said, “The deeds are presented to Allah every Thursday and Monday, Allah (SW) forgives on those days each person who does not associate someone with Him in worship except for a person who holds between him and his brother (friend) a hateful feeling. It would be said to hold (wait) for these two (people) until reconciliation.” Hadith narrated by Muslim.
As Muslims we should always answer the call of righteousness. Allah (SW) said: {O you who believe! Answer God and His messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life!} 8:24. Reconciliation is a tool to serve the rights of people and to bring us closer to each other as family, friends or community members. Life will always challenge us with problems, and reconciliation is always one of the best ways to deal with issues of life. So next time if you receive a phone call from the Masjid for reconciliation, open your heart and listen, and insha Allah by the grace of Allah we can offer you service and help for your own benefit.
Sh. Kifah Mustapha
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