Encouraging virtue through kindness and benevolence

[1] If evil is done in return for evil, and abuse in return for abuse, the door for animosity and quarrel is opened. But if an evil-doer is met with kindness and gentleness he too would be compelled to change his behaviour. Thus, once Imām Ḥasan was passing through the market place of Medina when a Syrian noticing his majestic personality enquired from the people who he was and on being told that he was Ḥasan son of ‘Alī (peace be upon him) he was exasperated and coming close to him began to abuse him. The Imām heard him quietly. When he finished the Imām said, “You seem to be a stranger here.” He acknowledged this and the Imām continued, “Then you had better come with me and stay with me. If you have any need I shall fulfil it, and if you need financial assistance I shall render it.” When he saw this kindness and fine manners in return for his harsh and hard words he was extremely ashamed, and admitting his fault sought his forgiveness. When he left the Imām, he did not have better regard for anyone else on the surface of the globe. (al-Kāmil, al-Mubarrad, vol. 1, p.235; vol.2, p. 63; Nihāyah al-irab, an-Nuwayrī, vol. 6, p. 52: Maṭālib as-sa’ūl, Ibn Ṭalḥah ash-Shāfi‘ī vol. 2, pp. 11-12; al-Manāqib, Ibn Shahrāshūb, vol. 4, p. 19; al-Biḥār, al-Majlisī, vol. 43, p. 344) If you are a proper human being do good to the evil-doer.