ALL human beings are different from each other in many ways. They are different in their lifestyles, cultures, thoughts, habits and likes, dislikes, etc. However, most people have an innate desire for peace and tranquillity. Everybody wants peace in life, but very few people manage to attain it. The major reasons for the absence of peace are internal and external conflicts, rigidity, quarrelsome behaviour and some other negative tendencies. In order to attain peace, one needs to be pragmatic, adaptive, flexible and compromising in his/her attitude.
It is said that a sure key for peace in life is compromise. It is by adopting such an attitude, rather than being unyielding in dealing with others, that a person becomes fluid. Many disputes within families, societies and nations are resolved by adopting the way of compromise — an agreement that involves concessions from both sides.
In the history of mankind, wars have been stopped, lives have been saved, peace has been restored, material losses have been curtailed and people have kept their dignity by resorting to compromise. An uncompromising attitude from any side is an obstacle to peace, therefore, all major world philosophies have supported the idea of compromise.
It is not good for people to remain in perpetual animosity. Holding out an olive branch to opponents does not mean weakness, but a way out of turmoil. This principle of compromise advocates that ‘half a loaf is better than none’.
A rigid attitude is an obstacle to peace.
The early history of Islam indicates that Muslims under the benign leadership of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) followed the principle of compromise. They concluded the treaty of Hudaibiyah, which allowed the Muslims to live in peace. The agreement also allowed the Holy Prophet and his followers to enter Makkah the following year for what came to be known as the first pilgrimage.
Similarly, the Holy Quran enjoins that if they (enemies) are inclined towards peace on just terms, the overture should be accepted: “If they incline to peace, incline you as well to it, and trust in Allah. Surely, He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing” (8:61).
Through compromise, each party gets less than it feels it is entitled to, but agrees to it because the situation it anticipates under a deal is better than the one it expects in the absence of one. It can provide a bridge across a difficult period. This is an essential aspect of life whereby one can end disputes and spend life in peace and tranquillity.
At present, Pakistan is experiencing turmoil because of differences among various political parties. The best way to address the turmoil is compromise. Violence and confrontation are never an answer to this political challenge, especially when the country is going through a serious economic crisis. The art of compromise is an essential component of politics, without which life goes into gridlock.
Since the beginning of time, compromise has been the main way for people, groups and countries to work out their differences. It is a tool of diplomacy, but needed in all areas of life, such as politics, business, professions, etc. In Pakistan, where there is a huge backlog of unresolved court cases, the principle of compromise would be worth trying out. It would reduce the burden of the courts and also satisfy the disputing parties to some extent. There should, therefore, be a mechanism to make disputing parties agree to a compromise.
There are certain situations which one cannot change. It is better, then, to accept the situation as it is and wait for better times. One should never make his/her desire or liking the final word. Some things in life are not obtainable nor achievable, yet one’s ego wants to achieve these. This does not mean that we should not struggle. Our struggle should be continuous but we should be ready to make any adjustments or compromises where the situation demands so.
We must never forget that human life is a series of compromises and it is not always easy to achieve in practice what one has found to be true in theory. Learning the wisdom of compromise can be highly beneficial, for it is better to bend a little than to break.
Life is like a bumpy road with many ups and downs. Many people undergo mental, emotional or physical challenges and sometimes feel lost or without hope. Most of the time, untangling oneself from these depressing thoughts can cause confusion and pain. However, compromising with life’s challenges provides solace and understanding and enables one to cope with these demanding situations. Therefore, the idea of compromise needs to be promoted in life.
The writer is an educationist with an interest in religion.
Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2023
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