“(O Prophet), good and evil are not equal. Repel (evil) with that which is good, and you will see that he, between whom and you there was enmity, shall become as if he were a bosom friend (of yours). But none attains to this except those who are steadfast; none attains to this except those endowed with mighty good fortune. And if you are prompted by a provocation from Satan, seek refuge with Allah. He, and He alone, is All-Hearing, All- Knowing.”
(Al Qur’ān 41:34-36)
This directive was given when Islam’s message was being generally spurned and facing obstinate and aggressive opposition. In pursuing their blind hostility, the unbelievers had exceeded all limits of morality, humanity and decency. In their zealotry, these opponents did not shrink from recourse to all kinds of lies against the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) and his followers. It was at this time that the Messenger was taught how to smash the force of his enemies.
In such adverse circumstances, it is significant that the Qur’ān directed the Messenger to follow the golden rule of repelling evil with which is good. The first point emphasised is that good and evil are not alike. The point is that if someone ill-treats you and you forgive him then this is surely an act of goodness. But a good act of the highest order is that you treat well even those who treat you badly. The expected result of this behaviour is that the worst enemy is likely to become your bosom friend.