13. The Principle of Arbitration

Disputes may sometimes arise within family life. The Quran provides a natural and fair principle for resolving such disputes, as mentioned in the following verse:

“If you fear any breach between a man and his wife, appoint one arbiter from his family and one arbiter from her family. If they both want to set things right, God will bring about a reconciliation between them: He is all knowing and all aware.” (Quran, 4:35)

This principle of hakam (arbitration) is highly effective for resolving conflicts. When two people disagree, their judgement is often influenced by emotions, which can create bias and prevent them from viewing the situation objectively. In such cases, the most effective approach is for both parties to agree upon a neutral third-party arbitrator who is not personally involved in the issue. Free from emotional bias, this person can assess the situation clearly and make decisions that uphold truth and fairness.