nor does he ever revert to undermining the Law—whose breadth, mercy, gentleness, and readiness to excuse have encompassed them all. Instead, he halts at the Almighty’s words: “Show forgiveness, enjoin what is right, and turn away from the ignorant” (Qur’an 7:199).(1) He ponders all that this verse contains: graceful companionship with people, rendering Allah’s due concerning them, and safeguarding oneself from their harm. Were everyone to live by this single verse, it would suffice them and cure them, for “show forgiveness” means overlooking whatever traits in others may properly be overlooked, freely giving what their natures allow, and spending of their wealth and character to the extent they are able.(2) That is what is required of them toward others.

As for what is required of him toward them, it is to command them to what is recognized as right, that which sound minds attest to and acknowledge as good—the very things Allah has enjoined.

And what shields him from the hurt of their ignorant ones is to turn away from them,(3) refraining from exacting revenge for himself or championing his own ego.

What perfection remains for a servant beyond this? And what form of social interaction and governance of the world could surpass such conduct and policy?

If a man were to reflect on every real evil that befalls him at the hands of others—meaning the genuine harm that does not earn him elevation and nearness to Allah—he would find its cause to be a lapse in these three matters, or in some of them.(4) Otherwise, when he upholds them, then every