Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 298
298 such behaviour, pointing out that the strength or weakness of a people is no indication or measure of its superiority or inferiority. In any case, the Quran emphasises that, in the process of the rise and fall of nations, a people that is weak today may become strong tomorrow, and memories of conduct that occasioned resentment or engendered ill-will would rankle and lead to disturbance of good relations (3:141; 49:12). Another source of international conflict is the divergence between proclaimed intentions and policies and actual practice and conduct. Doubts concerning motives and designs are bound to be raised by a state whose conduct is inconsistent with its undertakings and its proclaimed policies and aims. From such conduct a situation serious enough to endanger international relations can result. The Quran therefore insists on complete conformity of conduct to declarations and professions of intent. “O ye who believe, why do you say that which you do not: most displeasing is it in the sight of Allah that you should say what you do not” (61:3 ⎯ 4). On the other hand, it warns against indulgence in undue suspicion of other people’s motives and against seeking to discover pretexts for differences and disagreements, as this might result in much harm. “O ye who believe, avoid suspicion, for suspicion in some cases might do great harm” (49:13).