[Commentary]

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “Chapter: The recommendation to speak pleasantly and to receive others with a cheerful face.” That is, when a person meets his brother he should greet him with friendliness, an open countenance, and courteous speech, for this is part of the Prophet’s character, peace and blessings be upon him. Such behavior is not a concession that diminishes one’s standing; rather, it raises one’s rank, earns reward with Allah, and constitutes adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who was always cheerful and often smiled. Hence a person should meet his brother with a welcoming face and a good word so that he may obtain reward, foster love and familiarity, and steer clear of arrogance and haughtiness toward Allah’s servants.

The author then cited several verses, among them the words of the Exalted: “And lower your wing to the believers.” Lowering one’s wing means showing gentleness and humbling oneself before the believers, for the believer is entitled to such humility. As for the disbelievers, Allah the Exalted says: “O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be stern with them; their abode is Hell—and what an evil destination!” Therefore, the one who should be welcomed with cheerfulness and a bright face is the believer, whereas the disbeliever