Extract the Honey, but do not break the Hive

Everything that has gentleness within it is beautified , and whatever lacks it is spoiled . When you meet someone , giving them a bright smile and a kind word , you are displaying a characteristic of the truly successful person , a characteristic even a bee exhibits . When a bee lands on a flower (doing so for a practical purpose ) it does not destroy it , because Allah rewards gentleness with that which He does give for harshness. There are certain people whose personalities are like magnets , attracting everyone who is nearby , simply because they are loved for their gentle talk , their good manners , and their noble deeds .

Winning the friendship of others is an art that is mastered by those that are noble and pious ; a circle of people constantly surrounds them . Their mere presence in a gathering is a blessing , and when they are absent they are missed and asked about .

These blessed people have a code of conduct entitled : '' Repel (the evil ) with that which is better ( i.e. , Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger , and to excuse those who treat them badly ) , then verily ! He , between whom and you there was enmity (will become ) as though he was a close friend '' . [ Qur'an 41:34 ] .

They suck out malice from others with sincerity , forgiveness , and gentleness . They forget evil that was enacted upon them and preserve the memory of kindness received . Biting , harsh words may be aimed at them , but such words pass by their ears without entering and continue on their path without ever returning . They are in a state of calmness . People in general , and Muslims in particular , are safe from suffering any harm at their hands .

The Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alyhe wa sallam said : '' The Muslim is the person whose tongue and hand do not harm others . And a Believer is he , whom others trust , about their blood and wealth.''

He further said : '' Verily Allah ordered me to keep relation with those that cut me off , to forgive the one who does injustice with me , and to give to those who withhold from me.''

The noble Qur'an put it : '' Those who repress anger , and who pardon men ; verily , Allah loves the good-doers.'' [ Qur'an 3:134 ] .

Give to such people glad tidings of a reward close at hand in terms of peace and tranquility . Also , give glad tidings to them a reward in the Hereafter , of gardens and rivers , wherein they will be in close proximity to their forgiving Creator .

'' In a seat of truth ( Paradise ) , near the Omnipotent King ( Allah ) .'' [ Qur'an 55:55 ] .

Taken from: Al-Jumuah Magazine.