Islah - Social Reform and Reconciliation
The duty to reform society and reconcile between people in conflict.
Islah (الإصلاح) means reform and reconciliation—working to improve society and reconcile those in conflict. The Quran says: 'If two parties among the believers fall into a quarrel, make peace between them.' Reconciling people is considered better than prayer, fasting, and charity, according to the Prophet (PBUH). Even lying is permitted if it serves reconciliation. Islam encourages active engagement in improving society rather than passive acceptance of problems. Every Muslim has a responsibility to contribute to islah at whatever level they can—family, community, or society.
And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between them.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'Shall I not inform you of something more excellent than prayer, fasting, and charity? It is making peace between people.'
Quran
Written about in
- What Islam says about community
When two groups of believers fall into conflict, the instruction is to make peace between them. The work is assigned to the bystanders, not only to the parties.
- What Islam says about what to say and what to leave unsaid
Here the tradition contradicts itself deliberately. Reconciling two people is ranked above prayer, fasting and charity, and lying is permitted when it serves that reconciliation. Set against sidq, which refuses even a protective lie, this is the clearest sign of what Islam ranks highest.