Repel Evil with What is Better: In the Aftermath of Christchurch

Bismillah.

Following Islam is not easy because we cannot do what we like. We have to submit to what Allah loves. We have to set aside our likes, desires and wishes, and embrace Allah’s commandments, His prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and seek Allah’s pleasure. We are not ‘good weather’ Muslims, meaning that we only follow Islam when things are good and easy, and when things became difficult like the dark days, we have had that we turn our backs on Allah and do as we please.

Allah says in Surah Fussilat 41:34-35, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend, but no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint – no one is granted it save those who are truly fortunate.”

So, how do we repel evil with what is better?

1. Get to Know One Another

Allah reminds us that our diversity should not be a cause of hatred and division in society when He says, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you. Indeed, God is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Surah al-Hujurat 49:13)

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) instructed us to be good to our neighbours, our colleagues and acquaintances by saying, “he will not enter paradise whose neighbour is not safe from his wrongful conduct.” (Sahih Muslim #47c)

2. Make Du’a and have Sabr

Turn to Allah as Allah says, “seek help from Allah and be patient.” (Surah al-A’raf 7:128)

Whenever we are afraid, anxious or sad, we should always turn to Allah and make du'a to Him, and then have patience. Allah loves those who seek His help and those who are patient. We must always remember that turning to Allah is a great comfort in our lives.

3. Cooperate in doing good deeds and becoming righteous

Allah tells us to “cooperate with one another in virtue and piety.” (Surah al-Ma’idah 5:2)

Doing good deeds and being righteous is the only thing Allah expects us to do. Becoming righteous is the answer. Righteousness is being close to Allah. It is doing good to others without asking anything in return. Righteousness is our answer to evil.

4. Be Kind to Others and Do Not Do Evil

“Be kind to others as Allah has been kind to you and do not strive for evil in the land, for Allah does not love the evil-doers.” (Surah al-Qasas 28:77)

Being kind to colleagues, neighbours and friends is what Islam expects from us. We are not spread evil nor promote evil in the land just because evil was done to us. Being kind and compassionate is the characteristic of the believer. 

We cannot reply to evil with evil; we must do good and be kind and compassionate to others. We must show good akhlaq as did our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)

5. Do Not Wait for Imam Mahdi

Allah says, “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good and forbidding all that is evil. And it is they who are successful.” (Surah al-Imran 3:104)

Waiting is not the way of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The sahabah did not wait, the imams of this religion did not wait, and Salah-ud-Din did not wait; so why are we waiting.

If we were to wait who is the above ayat talking about?

Islam is a religion of righteous action; it is not a waiting religion. Allah does not mention waiting in a positive way in the Qur'an; thus, we cannot wait, we must act with righteousness.