did he ever retaliate for a wrong done to him, unless Allah’s sacred limits were violated. When Allah’s sacred limits were violated, nothing could withstand his anger until he had exacted retribution for Allah’s sake.”

As for those who become angry for their own sake but not their Lord’s, or take for themselves without giving to others, they constitute a fourth group: the worst of creation. Neither religious nor worldly affairs can be set right through them. By contrast, the righteous, who govern in the most complete manner, are those who fulfil their obligations and refrain from what is forbidden. They give whatever serves religion through its giving, take only what is lawful for them, become angry for their Lord’s sake when His prohibitions are violated, and forgo their own rights. Such was the character of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in giving and warding off harm. This is the most perfect conduct, and the closer a person comes to it, the better he is.

Let the Muslim therefore strive to approach it to the best of his ability, then seek Allah’s forgiveness for any shortcoming or negligence, having recognized the perfection of the religion with which Allah Most High sent Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. This concerns the words of Allah, Glorified and Exalted:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.”

And Allah knows best.