- “Show forgiveness, enjoin what is right, and turn away from the ignorant” (7:199).
• This noble verse encapsulates the full range of good character one should display toward people and sets out the conduct a servant ought to adopt in dealing and living with them.
• The Almighty first commands that we “show forgiveness,” meaning: accept whatever people readily offer and whatever their temperaments find easy in deeds and manners. Indeed, accept (1) what comes without hardship, and do not press them for what their natures will not allow or what they cannot bear. Rather, thank everyone for whatever good word, deed, or graceful manner—great or small—they extend toward you, overlook their shortcomings, avert your gaze from their faults and any deficiency they show in their dealings with you. Do not look down on the young because of their youth, on one of limited intellect because of that limitation, or on the poor because of their poverty. Treat all with gentleness, in a way suited to the present situation and in a manner that opens their hearts: honor the elder, show compassion to the young, and be courteous to your peers.
• Then comes His command: “and enjoin what is right,” which includes every commendable word, fine action, and perfect virtue, whether toward those near to you or those distant.
So let whatever reaches people from you be one of the following: instruction in beneficial—religious or worldly—knowledge; sincere advice; urging them toward any good—such as worship of Allah, maintaining family ties, honoring parents, or reconciling people; sound counsel; assistance in righteousness and God-consciousness; discouraging a reprehensible act; guiding to a religious or worldly benefit; or warning against the opposite of all that.