Allah Loves Gentleness

قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم

ان الرفق لا يكون في شيء الا زانه ولا ينزع من شيء الا شانه 

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "Indeed if gentleness is added to something it beautifies it and when it is removed from something it makes it ugly and ruins it. [Muslim]

To be gentle is to be affectionate, calm and kind. Gentle speech and manners improve relations and draw people close to each other, while harshness, rude words and cruel behaviour wrecks relations.

Allah says, "We have not sent you, [O Muhammad s.a.w], except as a mercy to the worlds." [Qur'an, 21:107] Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was a mercy to the world not only because he explained and taught the Qur'an but he had the best character, he was compassionate, lenient and soft towards all people. Imagine there is a city wherever one is a Hafidh al Qur'an but they are fiendish, sadistic, vicious and remorseless. Is this city merciful and a beautiful place to live in? No, it will be the worst place on earth. So along with learning the Qur'an, it important that we beautify our character and make it gentle.

1. Allah says, "Be kind and humble to the believers." [Qur'an, 26:215]
2. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "O Aisha! Indeed Allah is gentle adn he loves gentleness." [Muslim]
3. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "Shall I not inform you of who is forbidden upon the Hell fire or whom the fire is forbidden upon? A man who is always accessible,  gentle and easy going." [at-Tirmidhi]
4. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) that there are two things that lead one to Paradise, Taqwa (the consciousness of Allah which translates into actions) and good manners.

Gentleness is especially important when enjoining good and forbidding evil. When stopping someone from sin, if we use kind words and show care, the sinner will feel inclined to listen to our advise but if we are rude then the sinner may feel offended and insist upon the sin. This is the same as giving someone a really nice gift wrapped in a dirty, strained and smelly rag cloth. No matter how beneficial the gift, the recipient will not even touch it. In the same way, worshiping and obeying Allah is the best thing for everyone but if Muslims represent this message of Islam in a harsh and ugly manner, we will repel people away and make them angry.

Target: Make a list of 10 everyday situations at home and at school and describe how you can be gentle in each. Watch the following video and learn how to invite other people to Islam, gently.