is best, and then the one between you and whom there was enmity will become like a close friend.”

“But none are granted this except those who are patient, and none are granted it except those blessed with a great share of good.”

“And if a prompting from Satan should stir you, seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”

Allah Most High says:

“The recompense for an evil deed is an evil equal to it. But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward rests with Allah. Indeed, He does not love the wrongdoers.”

Al-Hasan al-Basrī, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “On the Day of Resurrection, a caller will proclaim from within the Throne: ‘Let those whose reward is due from Allah rise!’ None will rise except those who pardoned and made reconciliation.”

Having good intentions towards one’s subjects and treating them well does not mean doing what they desire and refraining from what they dislike. Allah Most High says:

“Had the truth followed their desires, the heavens and the earth and all those within them would have fallen into ruin.”

Allah Most High said to the Companions:

“Know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in many matters, you would surely suffer hardship.”

Rather, treating them well means doing what benefits them in their religious and worldly affairs, even if some dislike it. Nevertheless, he should deal gently with them in matters they dislike.

It is reported in the two Sahīh collections that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Gentleness never enters anything without adorning it, and harshness never enters anything without marring it.”

He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, also said:

“Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness. He grants through gentleness what He does not grant through harshness.”

ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say: “By Allah, I do indeed wish