Page 18 - The Importance of Following the Good Word

During those times when there was no prophet, Allah's
faithful servants undertook the task and, took as an examples
for themselves the moral excellence particular to the
prophets. However, despite the moral perfection of the be-
lievers, the disbelievers were persistently averse; instead of
complying with what they were called to, the disbelievers re-
acted with disrespect, derision, even belligerence. In return,
the believers never altered their approach or composure; as is
commanded by Allah, they continued to choose the best
words in speaking, and assumed a disposition that was mod-
erate. For, responding to evil with good words and conduct is
a command from Allah upon His servants. In the Qur'an,
Allah commands His faithful servants to behave in this way,
and explains its divine purpose as follows:
Say to My servants that they should only say that
which is best. Satan wants to stir up trouble between
them. Satan is an outright enemy to man. (Surat al-
Isra´, 53)
A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel
the bad with something better and, if there is enmity
between you and someone else, he will be like a
bosom friend. (Surah Fussilat, 34)
The conversation between the messengers and their peo-
ple, as quoted in the Qur'an, also reveals many examples of
what is explained above. The manner in which the Prophet
Nuh (as) warned his people, who had been antagonistic to-
wards him, is only one such example. The Qur'an recounts
one of his lectures, through which he summoned his people
to the way of Allah, as follows:
We sent Nuh to his people, [saying]: "I am a clear

16 THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING THE GOOD WORD