Chapter 7: To Enemies & Opponents

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The ultimate test of a person’s character and intellectual maturity is not when they are praised, but when they are attacked, criticized, opposed, or belittled. It is easy to be courteous to those who respect us and share our views. However, it takes remarkable steadfastness of faith and self-control to maintain grace, composure, and verbal justice in the presence of those who oppose us.

In the modern era, differences in political views, ideologies, or arguments on social media often deteriorate into mutual insults, exposing personal flaws, and launching harsh invectives. Islam teaches that the hostility of others must never diminish our sense of justice or the nobility of our words.

وَلَا تَسْتَوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا السَّيِّئَةُ ۚ ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ

“And not equal are the good deed and the bad deed. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him was enmity [will become] as though he were a devoted friend.”
— QS. Fussilat [41]: 34

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”
— QS. Al-Ma’idah [5]: 8

4 Communication Principles Inspired by the Prophet ﷺ When Facing Opposition

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ repeatedly faced slander, verbal abuse, physical rejection, and death threats from hostile forces. Yet, he strictly guarded his tongue from foul language, personal vengeance, or any impulse to retaliate with harm.

1. Refraining from Answering Insults with Curses

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never stained his speech by returning insults in kind. He maintained a sharp distinction between upholding truthful principles and venting emotional anger.

لَمْ يَكُنْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَاحِشًا وَلَا مُتَفَحِّشًا وَلَا سَبَّابًا

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was neither coarse, nor obscene, nor given to cursing others.”
— HR. Bukhari no. 6046

A group of individuals once passed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and greeted him with a twisted insult: “As-Saamu ’alaikum” (Death/destruction be upon you). Mother Aisyah radhiyallahu ’anha, hearing this, immediately became angry and shouted back: “Rather, upon you be death and the curse of Allah!” Prophet Muhammad ﷺ calmly corrected Aisyah: “Calm down, O Aisyah, for Allah loves gentleness in all matters.” He replied simply with: “Wa ’alaikum” (And upon you too), without adding any insults or curses (HR. Bukhari no. 6024).

Daily Application:

Guarding Speech: Refuse to retaliate against harsh internet comments with similar insults.
Self-Control: Separate the substance of an argument from the temptation to launch personal attacks on an opponent’s character.

2. Praying for Guidance, Not Destruction

While others were occupied with cursing their adversaries, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ viewed his opponents as people who had simply not yet recognized the truth, praying that their hearts might be opened.

إِنِّي لَمْ أُبْعَثْ لَعَّانًا وَإِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ رَحْمَةً

“Indeed, I was not sent to invoke curses, but I was sent as a mercy.”
— HR. Muslim no. 2599

When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ traveled to Ta’if to invite them to Islam, he was rejected and pelted with stones by the locals until his feet bled. The angel of the mountains approached him and offered to crush the people of Ta’if between two massive mountains.

However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ declined the offer and prayed instead: “No, rather I hope that Allah will bring forth from their descendants people who worship Allah alone without associating any partners with Him.” (HR. Bukhari no. 3231).

Daily Application:

Empathetic Perspective: View opponents as individuals to engage in clear, reasoned dialogue with, rather than permanent enemies to be destroyed.
Praying for Goodness: Pray for those who harbor resentment or criticize us to receive guidance and well-being.

3. Forgiving from a Position of Strength (Fathu Makkah)

Noble character and calm speech are tested most when one possesses full power to retaliate, yet chooses forgiveness and reconciliation.

During the Conquest of Makkah (Fathu Makkah), tens of thousands of Muslim forces entered the city. The leaders of Quraysh who had previously persecuted, slandered, and exiled the Prophet stood fearful, awaiting retribution.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked them: “What do you think I will do to you?” They replied humbly: “You are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother.”

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ declared: “Today I say to you as Yusuf said to his brothers: ‘No blame will there be upon you today.’ Go, for you are all free!” (HR. Al-Baihaqi).

Daily Application:

Reconciling with the Past: Avoid seeking revenge against former associates or business partners who previously wronged us, especially when we gain the upper hand.
Offering Forgiveness: Provide second chances and refrain from bringing up past errors once resolved.

4. Rejecting Arguments Driven Purely by Ego

Engaging in heated debates with those who seek controversy or ego gratification rarely yields benefit. Restraining oneself from futile arguments represents a high mark of moral maturity.

أَنَا زَعِيمٌ بِبَيْتٍ فِي رَبَضِ الْجَنَّةِ لِمَنْ تَرَكَ الْمِرَاءَ وَإِنْ كَانَ مُحِقًّا

“I guarantee a house on the outskirts of Paradise for one who leaves off arguing, even if he is in the right.”
— HR. Abu Dawud no. 4800

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that stepping away from petty arguments—even when holding the correct stance—is not defeat, but a victory over one’s ego to preserve peace and clarity of heart.

Daily Application:

Avoiding Unproductive Debates: Discontinue arguments in group chats or social media when discussions cease seeking truth and devolve into personal attacks.
Conserving Energy: Redirect emotional energy toward productive endeavors rather than responding to deliberate provocations.

Simple Real-Life Practice

Here is a comparison of communication styles when facing sharp criticism or hostility:

**Less Ideal Way (Escalating Conflict):** Replying with profanity, exposing private details of the opponent, and inciting followers to retaliate (*doxxing/harassment*).

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**Prophetic Way (Elegant & Dignified):**
If the critique holds merit, acknowledge it humbly. If it is slander or an insult, clarify calmly without emotion, or leave the debate to guard your peace of mind.

**Less Ideal Way (Resentful & Provocative):** Searching for the opponent's flaws, spreading hostile narratives in chat groups, and wishing for their downfall.

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**Prophetic Way (Praying & Remaining Fair):**
Remain fair when evaluating their points, uphold their basic rights as fellow human beings, and pray that they find good guidance.

Speech Control Checklist When Facing Opposition

Closing Message:
Winning an argument through insults brings no true honor. Genuine victory is achieved when we master our anger and preserve the nobility of our speech, even in front of those who oppose us most.