The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 298
298. Essence of Islam-IV ribaldry so that the fountain of wisdom may be opened for you. Wise words conquer hearts. Ridicule and use of vulgar language promotes disorder. As far as possible, put forth the truth in gentle language so that the listeners are not hurt. He who does not reflect on the reality and, being prompted his rebellious spirit, uses vulgar language and designs mischief, is unholy. The way to God is never opened for him, nor do the words of wisdom and truth issue from his mouth. If you desire that the way to God should be opened to you, then keep away from egoistic passions and do not indulge in playful discussions for they amount to nothing and are a waste of time. Do not return evil for evil, neither in word nor in deed so that. God should support you. You should present the truth to people with a compassionate heart and not by way of mockery and derision. Dead is the heart that makes mockery and derision its practice, and impure is the soul which does not adopt the way of wisdom and truth, nor does it let others do so. If you wish to inherit pure knowledge, do not utter anything out of anger, for such a thing would be empty of wisdom and true understanding. Do not be persuaded to reply to your opponent in contemptuous and derisive terms as employed by the mean and the low and the vulgar. . Return a true and wise answer out of the righteousness of your heart, so that you may become heirs to heavenly mysteries. [Nasim-e-Da'wat, Rūḥānī Khazā'in, vol. 19, pp. 363-366]