The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 251
Propagation, Establishment of a Holy Jama'at, and Instructions 251 members of any caste or group. Be true well-wishers of everyone, and take care that no mischievous or vicious person, or disorderly one or ill-behaved one should ever be of your company, or should dwell among you; for such a one will, sooner or later, cause you to stumble. . These are matters and conditions that I have been urging from the beginning and it is the duty of every member of my Jama'at to act upon all these admonitions. Let there be no impurity or mockery or derision in your meetings. Walk upon the earth with pure hearts and pure tempers and pure thoughts. Remember! Not every evil is worth fighting, so cultivate the habit of forgiveness, and practice toleration and forbearance. Do not attack anyone improperly and keep your passions under complete control. If you take part in a discussion or exchange views on a religious topic, express yourself gently and be courteous. If anyone misbehaves towards you, withdraw from such company quickly with the greeting of peace. If you are persecuted or reviled, be mindful that you should not meet stupidity with stupidity, for otherwise, you will be accounted in the same category as your opponents. God Almighty desires that you should become a Jama'at that should set an example of goodness and truthfulness for the whole world. Therefore, hasten to exclude everyone from your company who sets an example of mischief and provocation. He who cannot dwell among us in meekness and piety, and is not gentle in his speech and righteous in his conduct,