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Rhoddyken

Keeping A Clean Heart... - Islam For Muslims

Harbouring malice, ill feelings and bad thoughts about another Muslim is a major sin.

To disagree, differ and, at times, experience discord with another person is normal and expected. However, a Muslim is prohibited from allowing these issues to cause him to sever his relationship with the next person.

Irrespective of the level of conflict or disagreement that may exist between two parties, it is prohibited for them to hate, spite or grudge each other or harbour ill feelings and hatred. Such an approach will be detrimental spiritually and can also affect one's physical health.

Harbouring enmity leads to distress, anxiety and restlessness. The one who holds grudges and gives vent to his anger tortures himself with the fire of jealousy and hatred. Such a person loses respect and self-esteem. The evil effect of these actions engulf his heart, causing him to become miserable and depressed.

In upholding relationships, the Qur'an advises us to take a higher moral ground,

"The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with (an approach which is better) then verily (the one) with whom there was enmity, will become as though he was a close friend." (Fussilat: 34)

Thus Allah orders the faithful believers to be patient and tolerant at the time of anger, and to take to pardon those who treat you badly.

Hazrat Anas (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said to me, 'O My Beloved son! If you are able to pass the morning and the evening in such a condition where there are no ill-feelings in your heart for anyone, then do so.'

Then Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, 'O My Beloved son! That is from my Sunnah. Whoever loves my Sunnah loves me. Whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.' (Tirmizi)

We should develop ourselves to be tolerant with others, and overlook the weaknesses of others by displaying good character.
https://www.darulihsan.com/index.php/social-etiquette/item/8556-keep-a-clean-heart

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Rhoddyken

The Significance Of 'Ofala' Festival In Igbo Culture

Every year, thousands gather across Igbo land to celebrate the ever colorful, delectable Ofala festival. The Ofala festival, usually, but not always, takes place at the end of the 13-month Igbo year, ushering them into the new year according to the Igbo calendar. Today, Ofala has become a globally recognized tradition, drawing tourists and culture enthusiasts from all over the world.

Ofala festival is marked to foster bonding among the Igbo people and their traditional rulers. The festival reaffirms the authority of a traditional ruler over his people. This is completely evident from the derivation of the word: Ofo which contextually translates to authority, and Ala which means land. In other words, when the relationship between a traditional ruler and his people suffers any form of strain, the Ofala becomes either less significant, or doesn’t hold at all.

The implication, therefore, is that traditional rulers across Igbo land make conscious effort to sustain a healthy relationship with the people. Ofala festival is a common practice in Igbo culture, it is seemingly, not peculiar to any state, cultural, or sub-cultural area. Nonetheless, its practice is predominant in Onitsha, Umueri, Umuoji, and others in Anambra, Southeast Nigeria

Ofala festival also provides the opportunity for a traditional ruler to honor hardworking, patriotic Igbo sons and daughters. It is no longer news that Ndi Igbo engage so much in community service, so the Ofala features the conferment of chieftaincy titles, honoring the good ones and spurring others to good. The titles, however, are not just for people who had done well in community service, there is also room for people who have excelled in other aspects of human endeavor.

Historically, Ofala could be traced back to the 16th century. However, this is based on some oral history with no tangible backings. Ndi Igbo are highly diverse, so the Ofala takes various shades and timings. In Onitsha, for instance, 

Ofala normally happens in October to mark the end of a week-long retreat undergone by the Obi. During this retreat, the Obi is withdrawn from the people, he apparently communicates with the spirits, undergoes purification, and comes out stronger to bless the people on the Ofala day.
Typically, Ofala is a two-day event, but in some Igbo communities, it could to extend to one week or more. Ofala festival features the display of the rich Igbo cultural heritage. In recent times, there has been an inspiring inclusion of visual art exhibition.

Ofala, apart from being a rousing tourist attraction, also has economic implications. In many Igbo communities, Ofala boosts the economic vibrance of the people. This is often attributed to the mass return of Igbo sons and daughters, added to the exodus of non-Igbo people who come to witness the event from far and wide.