Building peace with justice

Hujurat 9-10 addresses resolving conflicts among believers with the requirement of justice. Peace is not merely covering up a dispute. Recognizing injustice and observing the rights of the parties are an important part of the concept of mediation.

The initial context of the verses is active conflict among communities of believers. While reconciliation is requested, the responsibility regarding the aggressive attitude is not ignored. Therefore, the emphasis on justice goes beyond a peace understanding limited only to the silencing of two parties or forgetting what happened.

In daily disputes, it is also important to first understand what happened and what the parties need. Asking someone to constantly withdraw may not solve the real problem. Allowing them to speak, naming the concrete harm, and establishing a safe environment for conversation can be a more constructive beginning.

Not every conflict can be solved with a private conversation; if there is a security or rights violation, appropriate support and authorized processes may be necessary. The idea of conciliation is not to force the victim into unconditional reconciliation. When reading the source verses, one must keep the call for brotherhood and the requirement of open justice together.