Refraining from harm means never injuring people—neither with one’s tongue nor with one’s limbs. Badhl al-nadā (generous giving) is to extend beneficence of every kind: wealth, knowledge, influence, and anything else one can offer. A cheerful face is to meet people with an open, pleasant countenance, free of frowns and without turning one’s cheek in disdain. This, in essence, is good character.

There is no doubt that whoever guards himself from harming others, spends liberally, and keeps a welcoming face will also endure people’s offences with patience. Bearing the hurt that comes from others is itself a facet of noble character, for some individuals do injure their brothers—perhaps by consuming their wealth, denying them their due rights, or similar wrongs. The believer endures, seeking his reward from Allah, and the final outcome belongs to the God-fearing. All of this falls under the heading of good character toward people.

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—opened the chapter with the Almighty’s address to His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “And indeed, you are surely upon an exalted standard of character” (Qalam 68:4). This verse is connected to the answer of the divine oath that begins, “Nūn. By the pen and what they write, you, by the grace of your Lord, are not mad, and indeed for you is a reward unending” (Qalam 68:1-3). In other words, “Indeed you, O Muḥammad, are upon a magnificent character,” a character unmatched by anyone—in his dealings with Allah, with His servants, in courage, generosity, fine conduct, and every virtue. The Prophet’s character was the Qur’an itself; he observed its etiquette, fulfilled its commands, and avoided its prohibitions.

The author then cited part of the verse from Āl ʿImrān: “Those who suppress their anger and pardon people” (Āl ʿImrān 3:134). These qualities belong to the God-fearing for whom Allah has prepared Paradise, as He says, “And hasten to forgiveness from…"