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fa-bi-mā raḥmatin mina llāhi linta lahum wa-law kunta faẓẓan ghalīẓa l-qalbi la-nfaḍḍū min ḥawlika fa-ʿfu ʿanhum wa-staghfir lahum wa-shāwirhum fī l-ʾamri fa-ʾidhā ʿazamta fa-tawakkal ʿalā llāhi ʾinna llāha yuḥibbu l-mutawakkilīna
It is by Allah’s mercy that you are gentle to them; had you been harsh and hardhearted, they would have surely scattered from around you. So excuse them and plead for forgiveness for them, and consult them in the affairs, and once you are resolved, put your trust in Allah. Indeed Allah loves those who trust in Him.
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 159
159. "Thus, it is due to the mercy from Allah that you have been lenient with them, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you. Therefore, pardon them and seek forgiveness for them; and consult with them in the affair. So, when you have decided, then trust in Allah; (for) verily Allah loves those who trust (in Him)."
The content of the verse works as some general instructions, but the revelation of the verse is about the Battle of 'Uhud. The Muslims who had ran away in the Battle of 'Uhud and were defeated, were burning in the fire of regret, remorse and sorrow. They gathered around the Prophet (S) and apologized. Then, the Lord issued the command of their general pardon by this verse.
Explanations
1. Lenience is a gift from Allah. Thus, those who have not lenience are deprived from this bounty.
2. The hard-hearted and strict people cannot have etiquette with people.
3. A fruitful and proper leadership and administration ship is always accompanied with attraction and affection.
4. Attract those defeated in war and modest sinners.
5. Inside consultation, there lie: sympathy, development of talents, recognition of friends from enemies, selecting the best attitude, creation of kindness and love, and a practical lesson for others.
6. You may pardon them for the injustice they treated to you, and for the sin they committed with respect to Allah, seek forgiveness from Allah for them and keep them in the scene by consulting with them in the political, social affairs.
7. Beside contemplation and consultation, do not forget to trust in Allah.
8. Consultation and reliance in Allah are beloved with Him, whether we attain the aim or not.
9. In administration ship once lenience is needed, like this verse:
while in another occasion intensity and severity is necessary:
Footnotes