whereas a disbeliever is greeted with such graciousness only when it is hoped that he might be guided to Islam through our cheerful and friendly manner. In that case we meet him with a bright face, seeking his acceptance of Islam and that he profit from the encounter. But if our humility and pleasant demeanor only serve to increase his arrogance over the Muslim, then he is not to be approached in that way.

Moreover, a smiling face brings joy to the one you meet, for there is a clear difference between a person who greets you with a scowl and one who greets you with a smile. For this reason the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Abū Dharr, “Do not disdain any good deed, even if it is to meet your brother with a cheerful face.” This counts as a good deed because it gladdens your brother and opens his heart.

When that smile is coupled with a kind word, two benefits are realized: the cheerful face and the pleasant speech referred to by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when he said, “Shield yourselves from the Fire even with half a date.” That is, place a barrier between yourselves and the Fire even if all you can give in charity is half a date, for when Allah causes it to weigh in the scale it will still protect you from the Fire. If one cannot find even that, then a kind word will suffice.

A kind word might be, “How are you? How is your situation? How are your brothers? How is your family?” and the like, for these are among the good words that bring happiness to your companion—all