The First Murder

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan I lifepositive.com

The chapter number five of the Quran relates the story of two brothers. Adam was the first man settled on Earth. He had two sons: Cain and Abel. Due to some reason there arose a controversy between the brothers. After a heated exchange, Cain killed Abel. This was the first murder in the human history. Narrating this story the Quran says:

“That was why We laid it down for the Children of Israel that whoever killed a human being – except as a punishment for murder or for spreading corruption in the land – shall be regarded as having killed all mankind, and that whoever saved a human life  shall be regarded as having saved all mankind.” (5:32)

This verse is not only giving a legal provision in the case of a murder, it gives us an ideology of life. This ideology can be summarized as under: Difference is a part of human life, you cannot eliminate it. So, if you face some difference from fellow human beings, don’t get disturbed, but take it easy. Try to live with differences. Try to learn the art of difference management, either by ignoring it or by adopting some kind of adjustment.

In every situation must know in advance that confrontation or violence is not an option for you, this kind of option is completely out of question. Be determined that you will opt for some kind of peaceful settlement, you will never opt for that kind of option which will lead to violence.

Violence is not simply violence, it is more than that; it is a grave distraction. When you opt for violence you are deviating from the path of self construction. You are wasting your time and energy for a non-productive purpose. In this sense, any violent action is a boomerang action. It goes against you just as it goes against the others.

When a person opts for violence or murder, he does this out of anger. When one becomes angry, he becomes abnormal. In such a situation, you cannot take a decision with an abnormal mind, so when you are angry, keep patience. Try to diffuse your anger. Try to pacify yourself. Take your decision only when you become normal.

If someone creates a problem for you, you have to believe in advance that killing the problem-maker is not the solution. Killing always has some repercussions, killing or violent response to a situation is not a full-stop but there are commas and commas.

Killing or violent reaction starts a negative process in the society. It produces anger, intolerance, revenge, distrust, etc. This makes the whole society poisonous. In such a situation, the murder or the violent activist cannot find an isolated spot to live in; he is bound to receive bitter fruit of the bitter tree he has sowed.