a person who wishes to bring about reconciliation must be willing to set aside what lies within himself and not pursue the dictates of his own ego. If he follows his ego— and the ego is inherently stingy—he will likely insist on taking his right in full. Yet if each side demands every bit of its due, reconciliation becomes impossible: you want your entire entitlement and your counterpart wants his, leaving no room for peace.

However, when each of you yields part of what he wants and subdues the greed of his soul, goodness ensues and reconciliation is achieved. This is the point of the Almighty’s words that come right after “Reconciliation is best”: “But human souls are inclined to selfish greed.” He, exalted be He, also says: “If two groups of believers fight one another, then reconcile them” (49:9), thereby commanding that fighting believers be reconciled.

In short, reconciliation in all its forms is pure good. Therefore, my Muslim brother, whenever you see two people locked in dispute, harboring hatred and enmity, hasten to reconcile them so that you may obtain abundant good. Seek in this only the Face of Allah and the welfare of His servants, and great reward will come to you, as Allah the Exalted says: “Whoever does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall grant him an immense reward” (4:114).

I ask Allah to make me and you among the righteous who put things right.

1/248 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Every joint of a person’s body must offer charity each day the sun rises. Reconciling two people with justice is charity; helping a man with his mount—hoisting him onto it or lifting his belongings onto it—is charity; a good word is charity; every step you take toward the prayer is charity; and removing harmful objects—”