Ways to Achieve “Mutual Consent” in Social Interactions According to Qur’anic Teachings

The level of satisfaction of individuals with life is one of the important criteria in the ideal lifestyle, and mutual satisfaction is one of the crucial manifestations of satisfaction with life. Speaking of satisfaction in bilateral relationships implies the presence of both Rāḍī (well- pleased) and Marḍīyy (pleasing) aspects for both sides of these relationships. Considering the presence or absence of these two qualities in interpersonal relationships, three conceivable assumptions are possible: 1) Both parties are Rāḍī with each other, hence each party is also Marḍīyy with the other; 2) Only one of the parties is pleased with the other, therefore one is Rāḍī and the other is Marḍīyy ; 3) Both parties are not Rāḍī with each other, hence neither is Marḍīyy with the other. The best case is the first assumption, and the worst case is the third assumption. When we find ourselves in the third situation, we must strive to at least transform it into the second assumption and then elevate the second assumption to the first assumption. But how is this transformation possible? The present study suggests that in one s interactions with others, instead of expecting to find oneself Rāḍī, one should try to Rāḍī the other and let oneself become Marḍīyy with the other; because in order to be Rāḍī with the other, we do not have control over all the factors that lead to satisfaction, as we cannot determine or change the behaviors of the other party according to our desires. However, everyone has the choice and actions are up to them and can act according to the desires of the other party. If both parties in all bilateral relationships follow this recommendation, they will reach the ideal situation (the first assumption), which means being Rāḍī and Marḍīyy at the same time.