Yahya - Justice and Tolerance in the Qur'an (2003)

GOD COMMANDS US TO BE JUST
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because of kinship or friendship. As a matter of fact, the
Prophet Musa (pbuh) in this case immediately realises the
truth and calls his action "Satan's doing".
Indeed, the "feeling of factionalism", which the Prophet
Musa describes as "Satan's doing", is responsible for all the
bloodshed throughout history. Man's obsession to prove the
righteousness of his family, tribe, ethnic group, followers or
his race at all cost, with no consideration of justice, has been
the main source of numerous conflicts and wars.
The attitude a believer must assume in the face of such
incitement is also related in the Qur'an by referring to the
exemplary life of the Prophet Musa (pbuh). When he
exercised his conscience, the Prophet Musa readily realised
that this unfavourable feeling was a form of cruelty, repented
for the sin he had committed under Satan's temptation and
took refuge in God. This exemplary and conscientious
conduct is related in the Qur'an thus:
He said, "My Lord, I have wronged myself. Forgive
me." So He forgave him. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the
Most Merciful. He said, "My Lord, because of Your
blessing to me, I will never be a supporter of
evildoers." (Qur'an, 28:16-17)
Hatred Felt Towards a Community Does
Not Prevent Believers From Exercising Justice
Hatred and anger are the major sources of evil, and are
likely to prevent people from making just decisions, thinking
soundly and conducting themselves rationally. Some people
can readily inflict all kinds of injustice on people for whom
they feel enmity. They may accuse these people of acts they