We should make decisions after negotiations (shura) - in the Quran

The Quran does not explicitly state that someone make decisions after negotiations. However, there are verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of consultation (shura) and seeking counsel in decision-making processes.

Shura (Arabic: شُورَىٰ, romanized: shūrā, lit. 'consultation') can for example take the form of a council or a referendum. The Quran encourages Muslims to decide their affairs in consultation with each other.

For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:159), it is stated: "And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]."

Similarly, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), it is stated: "And those who have responded to their Lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend."

These verses suggest that rulers and leaders should seek counsel and advice from others before making important decisions. This can be interpreted as a form of negotiation or discussion, where different viewpoints and perspectives are taken into account before a final decision is made.

It should be noted, however, that the Quran also emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in decision-making, and that rulers and leaders should always act in accordance with these principles.

Surah Ash-Shura, verse 38 of the Quran states:

"وَالَّذِينَ اسْتَجَابُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنْفِقُونَ"

Transliteration: "Wa allatheena istajaboo lirabbihim wa aqamoo alssalata wa amruhum shooraa baynahum wamimma razaqnahum yunfiqoon."

Translation: "And those who have responded to their Lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend."

This verse highlights the importance of certain qualities and actions that believers should possess, namely:

Responding to their Lord: This refers to obeying Allah's commandments and following His guidance.

Establishing prayer: This refers to performing the obligatory daily prayers and fulfilling one's religious duties.

Conducting their affairs through consultation: This refers to seeking the opinions and advice of others before making important decisions. The term "shooraa" means mutual consultation and decision-making among a group of people.

Spending from what Allah has provided: This refers to being generous and charitable with the resources that Allah has bestowed upon us.

This verse teaches us that these qualities and actions are integral parts of being a good Muslim, and that consultation and mutual decision-making are important aspects of Islamic governance and leadership. By seeking the opinions and advice of others, leaders can make better decisions that are more inclusive and reflective of the needs and perspectives of their constituents.

Surah Ash-Shura, verse 38 of the Quran emphasizes that true believers are those who respond to Allah, establish prayer, conduct their affairs through consultation, and spend from what Allah has provided them. This verse highlights the importance of seeking the opinions and advice of others before making important decisions, and encourages generosity and charity with the resources that Allah has bestowed upon us. By following these teachings, believers can become better leaders and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Rewards for peacemakers - in the Quran

In the Quran, there are several verses that mention the rewards for peacemakers. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208, Allah says: "O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy." This verse implies that by following the teachings of Islam and avoiding the ways of Satan, one can attain peace and harmony.

In another verse, Surah Al-Anfal, verse 61, Allah says: "But if the enemy inclines towards peace, then you (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah. Verily, He is the One who hears and knows all things." This verse emphasizes the importance of making peace with one's enemies and trusting in Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Fussilat, verse 34, Allah says: "And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel (evil) by that (deed) which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity (will become) as though he was a devoted friend." This verse encourages Muslims to respond to bad behavior with good behavior, which can lead to reconciliation and friendship between former enemies.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of making peace and being a peacemaker. Those who strive for peace and harmony, whether in personal relationships or on a larger scale, can expect to be rewarded by Allah.

Quran 42:40:

"وَلَجَزَاءُ سَيِّئَةٍ سَيِّئَةٌ مِّثْلُهَا ۖ فَمَنْ عَفَا وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ"

"And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward lies with Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers." (Quran 42:40)

This verse states that the punishment for an evil deed is another evil deed of the same nature. However, if one forgives and reconciles with the wrongdoer, their reward will be from Allah. Allah does not like those who commit wrongdoings and oppress others.

This verse encourages forgiveness and reconciliation rather than revenge and retaliation. It is a reminder that forgiveness and reconciliation are highly valued in Islam and are rewarded by Allah.

In summary, this verse emphasizes that the recompense of an evil deed is an evil like thereof, but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, then their reward is with Allah, and Allah does not like wrongdoers. This means that if someone has been wronged, they have the right to seek recompense and justice, but forgiveness and reconciliation are highly encouraged in Islam. Those who choose to forgive and make peace will be rewarded by Allah, and it is against Allah's will to be unjust and wrong others. Therefore, it is essential for believers to be peacemakers and work towards forgiveness and reconciliation in all situations.

Lower your gaze - in the Quran

The Quran talks about modesty and lowering gaze. "Lower your gaze" is a commandment in the Quran which refers to the act of avoiding looking at something that is inappropriate or that may lead to sinful behavior. The Quran emphasizes the importance of modesty and self-control, especially when it comes to matters related to sexuality and relationships between men and women. The command to lower one's gaze is often directed towards men, reminding them to be respectalful and mindful of their behavior towards women and to avoid indulging in lustful thoughts or actions. Women are also encouraged to dress modestly and behave in a dignified manner, in order to prevent unnecessary attention and potential harm. Overall, the concept of "lowering the gaze" is a reminder to Muslims to maintain good moral conduct and to avoid any behavior that may lead to sin or harm themselves or others.

Quran 24:30: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do."

This verse is addressed to men and instructs them to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. The command to lower the gaze means that men should not look at women in a lustful or inappropriate manner, and instead, should direct their gaze away from anything that may lead them to engage in sinful behavior. The command to guard their modesty means that men should dress and behave in a manner that is respectful and modest, avoiding any behavior that may be considered vulgar or inappropriate.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's gaze and behavior for the sake of purity and righteousness. It also highlights the idea that Allah is aware of all that people do and is the ultimate judge of their actions.

In this verse, Allah instructs the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty when they interact with women who are not closely related to them. The term "lowering the gaze" refers to avoiding looking at anything that may lead to inappropriate thoughts or actions. This includes looking at women in a lustful or sexual way. "Guarding their modesty" refers to dressing in a way that is appropriate and modest, avoiding any clothing or behavior that may lead to temptation or indecency.

The reason behind this command is to prevent any potential immoral behavior or indecent thoughts that could arise when men interact with women who are not their close relatives. By guarding their modesty and lowering their gaze, men are showing respect to women and protecting themselves from falling into sin.

It's worth noting that this command is not intended to restrict or prohibit interaction between men and women in a professional or social setting. Rather, it is meant to ensure that such interaction is conducted in a respectful and modest manner, with a focus on maintaining the dignity and honor of both men and women.

Quran 24:30 advises both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. It encourages believers to protect themselves and others from sinful behavior by avoiding anything that could lead to temptation. The verse emphasizes the importance of self-control and respect for oneself and others.

Criticizing believers unfairly is sinful - in the Quran

The Quran emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and kindness, especially believers in God. Criticizing or slandering them unfairly is considered a sinful act. In Quran 49:11-12, it states that believers are like brothers and sisters and should not engage in backbiting or defaming each other. Similarly, in Quran 68:10, it warns against spreading false rumors and accusing people of wrongdoing without evidence. These verses remind believers to uphold a high standard of moral conduct and to avoid any behavior that may harm their fellow believers.

In the Quran, believers are reminded to treat each other with respect and fairness, and to avoid criticizing or speaking ill of others without just cause. Criticizing believers unfairly is considered sinful because it goes against the principles of unity and brotherhood within the community of believers. This principle is emphasized in several verses throughout the Quran, including 49:11-12 which states, "O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers." Therefore, it is important for believers to treat each other with kindness and respect, and to avoid causing harm or offense through unjust criticism.

Quran 33:58: "Those who harm believing men and believing women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin."

This verse highlights the sin of harming or mistreating believers, whether they are men or women. It emphasizes that such mistreatment is not deserved and that those who engage in it are committing a serious offense. The term "calumny" in this verse refers to a false and malicious statement that is intended to harm someone's reputation, while the term "glaring sin" refers to a sin that is significant and apparent. Therefore, this verse condemns any form of mistreatment or harm towards believers and warns against the serious consequences of such actions. It reminds believers to treat each other with respect and kindness, and to avoid causing harm or spreading false rumors.

In the verse 33:58 of the Quran, Allah commands the believers to invoke blessings and peace upon him, as well as his family, as a sign of their respect and love for him. The verse also emphasizes the importance of seeking purification and cleanliness in both body and soul, as Allah is the ultimate source of purity and loves those who are pure. The verse also highlights that Allah is well aware of the deeds of His servants and that He is the only one who can judge and reward them accordingly.

Forgive readily - in the Quran

There are several verses in the Quran that encourage forgiveness and pardoning others. Muslims are encouraged to forgive others readily and to be patient in difficult situations. This includes forgiving those who have wronged them, as well as those who may have misunderstood or misrepresented their beliefs. The act of forgiving is seen as a way to attain spiritual purification and closer proximity to Allah.

Some of the verses that promote forgiveness in the Quran include:

Quran 42:40: "The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah."

Quran 7:199: "Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant."

Quran 24:22: "Let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

Quran 2:109: "Forgive and overlook, till Allah brings His command. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things."

Forgiveness is an important aspect of Islamic teachings and is seen as a way to foster peace and unity within society.

Quran 42:37: "And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive."

This verse describes the characteristics of righteous people who are able to avoid major sins and immoralities. Additionally, when they become angry, they do not hold grudges or seek revenge, but instead, they choose to forgive. Forgiveness is considered a praiseworthy trait in Islam, and the Quran encourages believers to forgive and overlook the faults of others, especially when the offender is repentant and seeks forgiveness. In Islamic tradition, forgiveness is seen as a means of purifying one's own soul, and seeking forgiveness from Allah is a way to attain mercy and blessings from Him. Therefore, this verse encourages believers to adopt forgiveness as a way of life and to seek Allah's forgiveness for their own shortcomings as well.

This verse reminds believers to perform two important actions: firstly, to respond to evil with good and secondly, to forgive those who have wronged them. The verse emphasizes that Allah loves those who act with kindness and forgiveness, and that they will receive great rewards for their actions. By responding to evil with good and forgiving others, believers demonstrate their commitment to living a just and compassionate life, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad.