Repelling Evil with Goodness: The Power of Kindness in Islam

Encouragement to Overcome Evil with Acts of Kindness

ENCOURAGEMENT TO REPEL EVIL WITH GOODNESS.

ALLAH says,

وَلَا تَسْتَوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا السَّيِّيَةُ

Good deeds and evil deeds are not equal.

That is, doing good deeds and acts of obedience for the sake of ALLĀH is not the same as doing evil deeds and acts of disobedience that incur HIS wrath and do not please HIM. Kindness towards people is not the same as mistreatment of them, whether in essence, description or requital. “Is the reward of goodness anything but goodness” {ar-Rahman: 60}

Then ALLĀH enjoins a specific type of kindness, which may have a great impact. It is being kind to one who mistreats you, as HE says:

ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ

Repel ˹evil˺ with that which is better.

That is, if anyone mistreats you in word or deed, especially one who has great rights over you, such as relatives, friends and the like, then respond with kindness towards him. If he cuts you off, then uphold ties with him. If he wrongs you, then forgive him. If he speaks ill of you, in your absence or in your presence, then do not respond in kind; rather forgive him and speak gently to him. If he forsakes you and does not speak to you, then speak nicely to him and be the first to greet him with salam. If you respond to mistreatment with kindness, you will achieve much good.

{Tafsi‌r As-Sa’di}

Abu Huraira (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: A man said, “O Messenger of ALLĀH, I have relatives with whom I try to relate but they cut me off. I treat them well, but they treat me badly. I am forbearing with them, but they are harsh with me.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If it is as you say, then it is as if you threw hot ashes at them. ALLĀH will be with you as a supporter as long as you remain like this.”

{Muslim #2558}