REPEL EVIL WITH GOODNESS (PART 2)

Abdullah ibn Amr (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“The one who keeps good relations is not the one who recompenses the good done to him. Rather the one who keeps good relations is the one who does so despite being cut off by them.”
[Source: Sahih Bukhari 5645, Grade: Sahih]

Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“The one who reconciles is not the one who maintains relations with those who are good to him, for that is merely reciprocation. Rather, the one who reconciles is one who maintains relations with those who cut him off.”
[Source: Shu’b al-Imān 7467]

There are many instances in the life of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) in which he would be good to those who were evil to him.

Anas ibn Malik (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported:

‘I was walking with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, while he was wearing a Najrani sheet with a thick border. A desert Arab overtook the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) and forcibly pulled his clothes. I looked at the shoulder of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) and I saw that the edge of his shirt had left a mark because of the strength of his pull.

The man said: ‘O Muhammad, order them to give me something from Allah’s wealth which you have!’

The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) turned and he smiled, then he ordered that he be given charity.

[Source: Sahih Bukhari 5738, Grade: Sahih]

On one occasion, the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) was cursed by a group of Jews and he reacted with patience and forbearance.

Aisha (RadiyAllahu Anha) reported: A group of Jews asked permission to visit the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) and when they were admitted they said, “Death be upon you.” I said to them, “Rather, death and the curse of Allah be upon you!” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“O Aisha, Allah is kind and loves kindnesses in all matters.”
[Source: Sahih Bukhari 6528, Grade: Muttafaqun AlayhiIn]

Another narration, the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:

“O Aisha, Allah does not love obscenity and immorality.”

[Source: Sahih Muslim 2165, Grade: Sahih. Al-Bukhari cited this tradition as evidence that the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) did not punish non-Muslims who blasphemed against him.]

On another occasion, the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) was asked to invoke curses upon the idolaters who were persecuting the Muslims and he refused to do so.

Abu Huraira (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was told, “O Messenger of Allah, pray against the idolaters!”

The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:

“Verily I was not sent to invoke curses, but rather I was only sent as mercy.”
[Source: Sahih Muslim 2599, Grade: Sahih]

Allah has mentioned that it is the practice of the prophets to patiently the abuse of those who wrong them.

Allah said:

11. “Their messengers said to them, “We are only men like you, but Allah confers favor upon whom He wills of His servants. It has never been for us to bring you evidence except by permission of Allah . And upon Allah let the believers rely.”

12. And why should we not rely upon Allah while He has guided us to our [good] ways. And we will surely be patient against whatever harm you should cause us. And upon Allah let those who would rely [indeed] rely.”
(Surat Ibrahim 14:11-12)

In order for Muslims to emulate these beautiful examples, the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) would tell stories of others prophets in the past who asked Allah to forgive their people even as they were being beaten and harmed by them.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, tell the story of a prophet who was beaten by his people and he wiped the blood from his face, saying:

“My Lord forgive my people, for they do not know.”
[Source: Sahih Bukhari 6530, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi]

An-Nawawi comments on this tradition, saying:

‘In this tradition is what the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) practiced of forbearance, patience, forgiveness, and compassion for his people, his supplication for them to receive guidance and to be forgiven, and for them to be excused for their sins as they did not know.’

[Source: Sharh Sahih Muslim 1792]

Hence, we should strive to practice patience, mercy, and forgiveness whenever we are confronted with abuse. We should control our anger, pardon people, and supplicate for Allah to guide those who have gone astray. If we do so, we will win the hearts of our enemies and turn them into our close friends.