Malfuzat - Volume VII — Page 470
Malfuzat - English translation of Urdu Volume 7 470 Do Not be Extremely Harsh even with an Enemy The fact is that the most difficult and delicate challenge has to do with [fulfilling] the rights of people because one is faced with it every instant and this trial is there all the time. So one should undertake this task with great caution. My belief is that even an enemy should not be treated too harshly. Some people seek his devastation and destruction to what- ever extent possible. Then, intent upon accomplishing this, they do not even care about [the use of ] legitimate and illegitimate means. In order to defame him, they hurl false accusations upon him, slander, backbite, and incite others against him. Now, tell me how many evils and sins he inherited through petty enmity and then how much misery will ensue once these evils give rise to further evils. Verily I say that you should not consider anyone as your personal enemy and completely abandon this habit of malice. If God is with you and you become God’s, He can transform even enemies into your servants. But if you are cut off from God, and there is no bond of friendship left with Him, and your conduct is against His will, then who will be your enemy more than God? Man can safeguard himself against the enmity of people, but when God is your enemy, even if all mankind were to befriend you, it would be to no avail. Therefore, your conduct should be like that of the Prophets, peace be on them. It is Almighty God’s desire that you should have no personal enmities. Remember it well that an individual finds dignity and prosperity only when he is not a personal enemy of anyone. Of course, it is a different matter when it is for the honour of God and His Messenger; that is, the person who does not respect God and His Messenger—rather, is their enemy—consider him as your enemy. However, this enmity does not mean that you