It is certainly possible to avoid violence, even
although there may be reason to justify the option
of violence. This is possible through the peaceful
strategy of avoidance of conflict. Such avoidance is
the most effective way of checking violence and is,
indeed, the most important principle of a peaceful
social life. Treading the path of avoidance keeps one
within the peaceful sphere, while its very opposite,
the way of confrontation, leads one into taking
violent action against antagonists.
In the present world no individual or group is
alone. There are many others with their own
objectives, and they have their own separate
agendas. For this reason, they often find themselves
in confrontation with others.
In such a situation, there are two paths for man—
avoidance or confrontation. There is no third
option. Now, if man opts for the way of
confrontation, the result will be a clash. It is evident
from the entire history of humanity that an armed
confrontation only intensifies feelings of animosity
in people’s hearts. It does not benefit either side in
any real way. Therefore, the policy of avoidance
should be favoured over that of confrontation. The
way of avoidance not only saves one from further
losses, but also allows one to continue on the path
of progress without any hindrance. Indeed, any act
of avoidance, appears to be benefitting the other
party but its actual aim is to save one from the
futility of confrontation, thus enabling the journey
of one’s life to continue without encountering any
obstacle.
Ref -The Ideology of Peace
- by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
