Intelligent Retaliation

Aisha (radi Allahu anha) narrated: “The Jews used to greet the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) by saying, ‘As-Saamu alaika (i.e., death be upon you),’ so I understood what they said, and I said to them, ‘Alaikumus-saamu wal-la’natu (i.e., death and Allah’s curse be upon you).’ The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘Be gentle and calm, O Aishah, as Allah likes gentleness in all affairs.’ I said, ‘O Allah’s Prophet! Didn’t you hear what they said?’ He said, ‘Didn’t you hear me answering them back by saying, ‘Alaikum (i.e., the same be upon you)?’” [Sahih Bukhari]

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) was aware of what was being said to him. And he retaliated. But intelligently; without causing a big stir. Without using the bad words the Jews used for him he returned their evil wishes on them. Thus he set an example of the tone and manner in which a Muslim responds to provocation.

Think of how reactive we are. We immediately jump at the throat of whoever hurts us. Our voices are raised, our tone becomes harsh. Our reproach is not characterized by calmness or gentleness, although it is possible to retaliate in a mild manner as well. Retaliating while forcing oneself to remain in a calm state ensures that we do not transgress the limits of revenge and become sinful ourselves by overstepping the bounds of the lawful.

He who uses foul language should think of himself as a Munafiq (hypocrite) as the use of coarse and evil language, while in a disagreement, is a particular characteristic of the hypocrites. To be a hypocrite is worse than to be a Kafir.