The Benefits of Gentleness
Gentleness is a commendable trait and a positive habit that individuals can cultivate until it becomes an intrinsic characteristic of their nature. The practice of gentleness yields beneficial effects not only on the individual but also on family, friends, and society as a whole. The following sections detail some of these impacts:
Impact of Gentleness on the Individual
Gentleness has numerous positive effects on an individual, including:
- Gentleness can be a pathway to paradise when paired with acts that warrant entrance.
- It reflects the goodness of an individual’s faith and the completeness of their Islam.
- Gentleness contributes to earning the love of Allah and the affection of His creatures.
- This quality indicates righteousness and good character, acting as a means to refine ethics and behaviors.
- Practicing gentleness brings happiness in both this life and the hereafter.
- Gentleness is an adornment for humanity.
- It demonstrates sound understanding, patience, and wisdom.
- Gentleness is a key to achieving goodness.
- It serves as a foundation for all things good, allowing individuals to acquire what they desire in life in ways that cannot be achieved through harshness.
- Additionally, it leads to rewards and blessings that cannot be attained through its opposite, which is rudeness and violence.
Impact of Gentleness on Society
The practice of gentleness is crucial for generating numerous benefits within a community. Some of these benefits include:
- Gentleness enhances love among members of society and strengthens the spirit of cooperation and assistance.
- It fosters a community free from resentment, violence, and cruelty.
- Kind treatment of animals is indicative of a society’s progress and showcases its compassionate nature.
Definition of Gentleness
In linguistic terms, gentleness originally denotes agreement and conciliation without harshness, standing in contrast to violence. In a technical sense, gentleness can be defined as “softness in speech and action, adopting the easier path, and standing against brutality.”
Forms of Gentleness
Gentleness manifests in various forms across different contexts. Below are some examples:
- Gentleness in Religion
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, this religion is ease, and no one will make the religion difficult except that it will overpower them. So, be moderate and give good tidings, and seek help in the early part of the day, in the afternoon, and in a portion of the night.” He also stated: “Gentleness is not found in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is removed from something except that it tarnishes it.”
- Gentleness in Preaching
It was reported that Abdullah would remind people every Thursday, and when a man suggested he should remind them daily, he replied, “The reason I refrain is that I dislike boring you, and I remind you gradually, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) would do to us, out of fear of you becoming weary.”
- Gentleness with the Ignorant
There was an incident where an Arab urinated in the mosque, provoking the people to react harshly. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed them, “Let him be, and pour some water over his urine—as you were sent to make things easy, not to make them difficult.”
- Gentleness in Inviting Others.
- Gentleness in Education.
- Gentleness Towards the Needy.
- Gentleness with Parents.
- Gentleness Towards Offenders.
- Gentleness with Animals.