An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 85
85 he was never angry, nor did he ever take revenge. ” Ayesha says of him, “The Prophet would never speak ill of anyone. He would never give evil return for evil. He would overlook and forgive. If he had a choice, he would ch o ose the easier way, if it were not sinful. He would be far from it in that case. He never sought revenge from anyone in personal matters. Whoever broke the law, he was punished under God’s law. He never cursed any Muslim by name. He never hit a slave man o r a slave girl, a woman, a serving man or an animal. He never turned down a request except when it was improper. He always entered the house smiling. He would never spread out his legs when sitting among friends. He spoke slowly so that if anyone wanted to do so, he could commit to memory what he said. ” Ali says of the Prophet: “He had a smiling face, was mild of temper, kindly - disposed; neither hard nor narrow - minded. Would not shout, would not utter a harsh word, would not find fault and was not a hard task - master. If he did not like something, he would overlook it. But one who knew him well would understand by his silence. He disliked three things for himself, argument, vain talk, interest in things that did not concern him. In respect of others also he would not have three things: He would not speak ill of