A blessing for one, a liability for another

A blessing for one, a liability for another

1986 8 August 11 A blessing for one, a liability for another (114) After the Battle of Hunayn, the Prophet presented Hakim ibn Hezam with a gift. It seemed inadequate to Hakim, so the Prophet presented him with something more. “Which of your presents was better?” Hakim asked. “The first,” the Prophet replied. “You know, Hakim, this property is a fair green pasture. Whoever receives something given out of generosity shall be blessed therein; but whoever takes something out of greed shall not be blessed therein; and he shall be as one that eats and is not filled. The hand which gives is better than the hand which receives.” “Even from you, Prophet of God?” asked Hakim. “Yes, even from me,” was the Prophet’s reply. (Kanzul Ummal)

How to Put one’s Message Across

1986 8 August 11 How to Put one’s Message Across (238) “Go both of you to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed all bounds. Speak to him with gentle words; he may yet heed and fear (God).”

(Quran, 20:43-44)

God’s injunction to Moses and his brother Aaron to go and preach to Egypt’s reigning monarch is aptly commented upon by Ibn Kathir: “There is a great lesson to be learnt from this verse. Though Pharaoh’s pride and contumacy had reached the ultimate level, Moses, although chosen by God from all His creation, was still commanded to speak to Pharaoh gently and with restraint.”

From this one can judge how the message of Islam should be put across: no matter what the circumstances, it should be delivered with politeness, restraint and tact. Even if the people addressed are far gone in the denial of truth, and have reached the ultimate extremes of contumacy; even if it is clear that they will never mend their ways: still one is not allowed to be severe to them in one’s speech; Irrespective of the treatment meted out to him by the other party, the preacher of Islam should always adhere to a civil and polite mode of expression. No harsh words should ever pass his lips.

One must command great reserves of patience if one is to go out and preach the message of Islam. One who does not have such resources should not even attempt to travel along this long and testing path.