SHAFAQNA – The first part of Ayah 159 of Surah Al-e-Imran says: “It is a gift of Allah (SWT) that you deal gently with them; if you were severe or harsh with them, they would have abandoned you.” Indeed, gentleness is a gift from Allah (SWT) and those who do not possess the spirit of gentleness are deprived from this great Divine Blessing. According to commentary by Allamah Tabatabaei (RA), although this holy verse is addressing the Prophet of Islam (PBUH), but in fact it is addressing all Muslims [1]. One of the special characteristics of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) is his gentleness and good behaviour towards people. Ayah 159 of Surah Al-e-Imran stressed that: If you were severe and harsh, definitely people would have abandoned you. Of course having such a beautiful characteristic requires a high tolerance and attaining it, is not easy, but with regular practice and patience, gradually is achievable.
[1] Al-Mizan, Vol. 4, Page 86.