Malfuzat - Volume IX — Page 157
23 FEBRUARY 1907 Observe that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had to suffer oppression and transgression for thirteen years, and only then was the command to defend given. It is apparent from: أذِنَ لِلَّذِينَ يُقْتَلُونَ بِأَنَّهُمْ ظُلِمُوا that even retaliation was not permitted earlier. It is precisely for this reason that two principles were set forth. FIRSTLY: أَعْرِضُ عَنِ الْجَهِلِينَ 2 One should avoid people who have the substance of ignorance within them, who are disputants filled with arrogance; their statements should not be even responded to. SECONDLY: ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ 3 Meaning, do good in response to evil, the result of which is he becomes a friend-and a friend even of the calibre that: كَانَهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ 0 54 157 1. Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged (Sūrah al-Hajj, 22:40). [Publisher] 2. Turn away from the ignorant (Sūrah al-Arāf, 7:200). [Publisher] 3. Repel evil with that which is best (Sūrah Hā Mīm as-Sajdah, 41:35). [Publisher] 4. Will become as though he were a warm friend (Sūrah Hā Mīm as-Sajdah, 41:35). [Publisher] 5. Badr, vol. 6, no. 15, p. 6, dated 11 April 1907