Dealing Wisely with People is Charity

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

In his book, Thib ar-Ruhani, Imam Abu al-Faraj ‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn ‘Ali ibn al-Jawzy (r.a.) wrote, “Since people’s natures are varied and different, getting along with everyone is difficult.  For this reason, the best that a person of sound mind can do about this is to seclude himself and keep himself to himself, for this is indeed generates a great comfort and relief. 

Nevertheless, if he has to associate with people then he should do so in a kind manner while being lenient towards them, fulfilling their rights, ignoring his own due rights, he should be patient with those who are ignorant, forgive those who are unjust, and give the arrogant the best seat in a gathering.  The best means by which he can attain their affection is through forgiveness and bestowals. 

Besides, by these two, he can enslave those who cannot be led.  It was mentioned in a hadits, ‘Dealing wisely with people is a charity.’”