A LIFE OF PEACE

When Hatim al-Asamm, one of the prominent Muslim scholars of the 3rd century AH, met Ahmad ibn Hanbal—a renowned jurist and hadith scholar whose teachings form the basis of the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence—Ahmad asked him, “Tell me, how can one remain safe from people?” Hatim al-Asamm replied, “Through three things: give them from your wealth but do not take from theirs; fulfill their rights but do not demand your own rights from them; and be patient with their harm, but do not harm them.” (Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’ by al-Dhahabi, Vol. 11, p. 487)

The essence of these three principles is this: let others feel completely safe from you—and as a result, you will be safe from them. This sense of safety can be established through three practical steps:

First, make yourself independent of what others possess. However, from what you have, continue to give people their due share, as much as you are able. Instead of being someone who takes from others, be someone who gives.

Second, fulfill the rights others have over you without negligence. But as for your own rights over others, never actively pursue them or make any effort to collect them.

Third, in social life, it is inevitable that you will face harm or annoyance from others. In such situations, adopt a one-sided policy of patience and endurance. Do not merely refrain from harming others—in fact, go a step further: be patient when harmed by others, and forgive them without seeking revenge.

This is the only sure path to a life of peace in this world. Any other method will fail to bring true safety and comfort.