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As for what you mentioned about gentle speech and addressing others in the best manner, you know that I am among those who practise this most often. Yet everything is good in its proper place. Where Allah and His Messenger have commanded sternness towards a speaker because of his transgression and aggression against the Book and the Sunnah, we are commanded to confront him accordingly; we have not been commanded to address him in the best manner.

It is well known that Allah Most High says:

“Do not lose heart or grieve; you will have the upper hand if you are believers.”

Thus, whoever is a believer has the upper hand, according to the explicit wording of the Quran. He also says:

“Honour belongs to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers.”

And He says:

“Indeed, those who oppose Allah and His Messenger are among the most humiliated.”

“Allah has decreed: ‘I and My messengers will surely prevail.’”

Allah will fulfil His promise to whoever fits this description, whoever he may be.

It must also be understood that seeking the approval of created beings is permissible neither according to reason nor according to religion, for two reasons.

The first is that this is impossible. As al-Shāfiʿī, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “People’s approval is a goal that cannot be attained. So hold fast to what sets you right, leave everything else aside, and do not trouble yourself with it.”

The second is that we are commanded to seek the approval of Allah and His Messenger. As the Most High says: