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the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. This is a trait of the righteous. We’re instructed in this verse both to take care of this planet that God has provided for us and also to be kind to those who don’t understand by simply offering them peace.
God tells us that [2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. So, any time we can insert a kind word into a situation, it is a sort of charity. We have no right to feel superior to any other human being, no matter how disreputable their situation may seem, no matter how much we think their opinion is wrong. Our only difference in the sight of God is our righteousness. Being kind, offering support and help, and showing compassion are all signs of righteousness that we want to cultivate. And when we can demonstrate that kindness, perhaps we can become an example for others and kindness can spread. Abraham, “God’s beloved friend” (4:125), is described by God: [11:75] Indeed, Abraham was clement, extremely kind, and obedient. And we know that Abraham prayed to be a good example to future generations (26:84), and indeed his examples of righteous behavior are cited often in Quran (43:28, 60:4).
Kindness, according to Google, is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. How can we restore these traits to a nation that has seemed to lose sight of the importance of these virtues? I think it has to start with me, with each of us as an individual. I still believe most people are kind at the core. And when shown kindness, most people will respond with kindness. I can’t complain about a whole nation of unkind people if I don’t treat everyone with absolute kindness all the time. So, kindness, like everything else, begins at home.
Start small. Be kind. Give charity. Do righteous works. All revolutions begin with a few people wanting to make a change. Then, if it’s God’s will, it spreads. And before you know it, a republic is formed in America; autocratic rulers in France are overthrown; the Berlin wall comes down. History is full of revolutions sparked by a desire to change for the better.
The most important single factor, of course, is people willing to return to the recognition of a Supreme Being and the worship of God alone. [11:90] “You shall implore your Lord for forgiveness, then repent to Him. My Lord is Most Merciful, Kind.” If we turn to God, repent to Him, seek His help in spreading kindness in this world, then we will always find that God is Kind to us. In fact, He is the Most Kind: [85:14] And He is the Forgiving, Most Kind.
We should choose to be kind and we should exhort one another to be kind. That way the “difficult path” becomes the “easiest path.” That’s God’s promise. We want to be among the people who will meet up in Paradise and remember all the times on earth when they obeyed God’s commands, steadfastly persevered in spite of adversity, and offered kindness in an unkind world.
[52:25] They will meet each other and reminisce among themselves.
[52:26] They will say, “We used to be kind and humble among our people.
[52:27] “GOD has blessed us, and has spared us the agony of ill winds.
[52:28] “We used to implore Him; He is the Most Kind, Most Merciful.”
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How should we treat one another in this world? God has given us perfect guidelines.
[41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, “I am one of the submitters”? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate.
Treat Each Other Amicably
[17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man’s most ardent enemy.
[29:46] Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, & Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner―unless they transgress― and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.”
[16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. Even if there are major disagreements, eventually, God tells us simply to disregard them, but in a nice manner.
[73:10] And remain steadfast in the face of their utterances, and disregard them in a nice manner.
[5:13] It was a consequence of their violating the covenant that we condemned them, and we caused their hearts to become hardened. Consequently, they took the words out of context, and disregarded some of the commandments given to them. You will continue to witness
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