Nowadays, in our society, being angry, mocking someone while joking, shaming them publicly, harshly criticizing them, or laughing loudly at what they say is not considered bad at all. Often, the person being mocked even laughs along with the mockers. In this way, Satan makes one complacent, thinking, “See, they are enjoying this joke too,” while in reality the poor person may not be happy; he may be laughing only to hide his shame, while his heart is breaking inwardly. Therefore, we must avoid every action that wounds the heart of a Muslim. If someone uses harsh words toward us, instead of immediately exploding in anger, we should adopt gentleness and try to help them change their ways. Now let us listen to a related parable.

Kind words

In Khurāsān, a pious man رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه  was instructed in a dream to go and invite the Tatar people towards Islam. At that time, Hulagu Khan’s son, Tegudar, was in power. The pious man رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه travelled and presented himself before Tegudar. When Tegudar saw this preacher, who had a Sunnah-filled face adorned with a beard, it amused him, so he mocked, “O man! Tell me, are the hairs of your beard better, or the tail of my dog?”

Though the words were provocative, the wise preacher responded with gentleness, “I, too, am but a dog of my Lord. If I remain loyal and succeed in pleasing Him, then I am better. But if I fail, then indeed your dog’s tail is better than me.”

As this preacher was a man of practice, he avoided backbiting, gossip, exposing faults, foul speech, and idle talk, always keeping his tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah Almighty. His sweet words struck Tegudar’s heart like an arrow. The venomous insult had been answered with fragrant speech, and Tegudar was left humbled.

He gently said, “You are my guest. Stay with me.” So, the righteous man