The Hadith of Gentleness

This is because God has created human life in this world with various challenges and obstacles (Quran, 90:4). It is God’s will that this world will never be free of difficulties. In such a situation, adopting a confrontational approach leads only to futile efforts, not to any meaningful or productive action. The correct method of action in this world is to overlook obstacles and focus on utilizing opportunities through peaceful means. According to the Quran, difficulties (‘usr) never exist alone in this world; they are always accompanied by ease (yusr): “Surely with every hardship there is ease.” (Quran, 94:5) In this verse, ‘usr refers to problems, and yusr refers to opportunities. According to the laws of nature, these two are inseparable. As Ibn Kathir explains: “With every difficulty, there exists an ease.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 8, p. 417). In such circumstances, the proper approach is to disregard problems and challenges and to focus instead on utilizing the available opportunities in a non-confrontational manner. The madrasa movement is a practical example of this wise principle. In the 19th century, when scholars initiated this movement, one possible thought could have been to eliminate the existing hardships first—such as overthrowing the British rulers, destroying the structure of the English education system, and so on. Only then,