— First, Allah mentions the inducement that leads to it, saying, “Reconciliation is better.” Every rational person seeks what is better and longs for it; and when Allah both commands it and urges it, the believer’s desire and pursuit of it grow even stronger.

— Then He sets out the impediment, declaring, “But souls are prone to selfishness.” Human nature is innately inclined toward miserliness: wanting to monopolize rights, shunning the duty to give what one owes, and zealously clinging to what one is owed. Since the soul is created upon this disposition, you must strive to uproot this base trait—or at least lessen and soften it—and replace it with its opposite: graciousness. That means willingly discharging every duty that rests on you, being satisfied with only part of what is yours, and overlooking shortcomings.

Whenever a servant is granted this noble character, reconciliation with anyone with whom he has a dispute or transaction becomes easy, and the road to the desired outcome is smoothed. But whoever lacks this quality finds reconciliation difficult, if not impossible, for he will not be content unless every last portion of his own rights is obtained in full, nor will he readily part with what he owes. If his opponent is of the same disposition, the matter only grows more severe.

— Next He says, “If you act with excellence and remain mindful of Allah…” That is: excel in worshipping the Creator—excellence being to worship Allah as though you see Him, and though you do not see Him, He surely sees you—and excel toward created beings through every word and deed of kindness. Be mindful of Allah by performing every obligation and shunning every prohibition; or, put differently, excel by doing what is commanded and be mindful by refraining from what is forbidden.

— “Surely Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” He will therefore reward you for fulfilling excellence and God-consciousness, or, if you fall short, requite you with either His grace or His justice accordingly.