in every deed.

This principle is reinforced by the Prophet’s ﷺ dislike of ṭiyarah (evil omens) and his fondness for a good omen, for when a person is optimistic he feels energetic, cheerful, and is granted success. But if he is pessimistic he becomes distressed, his spirit tightens, he hesitates to act, and whatever he does he does as though forced. Therefore, gladden your own soul—and gladden the souls of others as well. If someone comes to you saying, “I have done such-and-such,” yet he is afraid, then reassure him and bring happiness to his heart.

This is especially important when visiting the sick. If you visit a patient, say, “Rejoice in what is good; you are on a path of blessing, and no condition is permanent. Be patient, seek your reward from Allah, and you will be compensated,” and the like. Tell him, for example, “You look better today.” Such words cheer him up and give him glad tidings. Take this approach with yourself and with everyone you deal with: make glad tidings your constant practice, bring joy to your own heart, and bring joy to others—for that is true goodness.

“Do not repel people” means: do not drive them away from righteous deeds or from sound paths; instead, encourage them. Even in acts of worship, do not make people flee.

A case in point is when an imam lengthens the congregational prayer beyond what the Sunnah allows. Muʿādh ibn Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, used to pray the night prayer with the Prophet ﷺ, then go to his own people and lead them in the same prayer. One night he began reciting a lengthy surah, so a man left the congregation and prayed alone. People said, “So-and-so has become a hypocrite.” The man then went