people contain no good at all unless someone urges charity or a recognized good.

Recognized good (maʿrūf) is every act that the Sacred Law commands—in other words, every form of righteousness.

Or reconciliation between people: when ill-feeling arises between a man and his companion, a divinely guided person steps in, reconciles them, and removes the enmity and hatred that once lay between them.

Allah the Exalted then says, “And whoever does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall grant him an immense reward” (4:114). In this verse He makes plain that benefit is certainly attained by anyone who enjoins charity, a recognized good, or reconciliation between people. As for the recompense, He affirms: “And whoever does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a tremendous reward.”

Therefore, my Muslim brother, whenever you notice hostility, hatred, or resentment between two people, strive to bring them together. Even if that costs you some of your own wealth, it will be replaced for you.

Know also that using equivocation (tawriyah) in the course of reconciliation is permissible. You might say to one of them, “So-and-so has not said anything about you,” or, “So-and-so loves people of goodness,” or the like. You could even say, “So-and-so loves you—if you are a person of goodness,” while silently intending the condition “if you are a person of goodness,” thus avoiding an outright lie.

Allah, glorified be He, says: “If a woman fears ill-conduct or desertion from her husband, there is no blame on the two of them if they make terms of peace between themselves; and reconciliation is best” (4:128). The phrase “reconciliation is best” is a universal principle that applies to every situation.

He then says, “But human souls are inclined to selfish greed” (4:128), indicating that