Conflict
Conflict is a state of antagonism in which competing or opposite forces struggle for some kind of advantage or supremacy. Conflict can occur at many levels and take many forms, including the intrapersonal conflict between the lower and higher natures of man; interpersonal conflict, such as that between individuals; intra-group or internecine conflict; and inter-group conflict, as seen in strife between rival political, religious, or ethnic groups.
Baha'u'llah clearly and categorically forbade His followers from engaging in any form of conflict or contention among themselves or with others; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated that “Antagonism and contradiction are unfortunate and always destructive to truth.”[1] Instead, individuals are exhorted to show friendship and fellowship to all people regardless of their background, resolving conflicts through dialogue and consultation.
| “ | Nothing whatever can, in this Day, inflict a greater harm upon this Cause than dissension and strife, contention, estrangement and apathy, among the loved ones of God. Flee them, through the power of God and His sovereign aid, and strive ye to knit together the hearts of men, in His Name, the Unifier, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. | ” |
| — Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, #5 | ||
| “ | He [Bahá’u’lláh] abrogated contention and conflict, and even rejected undue insistence. He exhorted us instead to “consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship”. He ordained that we be loving friends and well-wishers of all peoples and religions, and enjoined upon us to demonstrate the highest virtues in our dealings with the kindreds of the earth. | ” |
| — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Light of the World, #32 | ||
