As Muslims we are fortunate to be the followers of a man who taught humanity the true meaning of mercy and compassion. Not only did he just teach it but he lived it as well. Allah has described our beloved Prophet PBUH in the Qur’an as:

Grievous to him is what you suffer; anxious for you, compassionate is he, merciful to the believers. (10:128)
 
In other words the Prophet PBUH would be saddened over our loss; he was anxious for our guidance and always treated people with mercy and compassion no matter how rude and disrespectful they were with him. These traits can be fully understood when studying his illustrious life.
 
Abu Hurairah RA reports: A Bedouin came to ask for something from the Prophet PBUH so the Prophet PBUH gave him (what he needed). He then asked, “Have I been good to you?” The Bedouin replied, “No, nor have you done well.” The Muslims became furious (over this response) and stood up to beat him however the Prophet PBUH motioned them to back off. He then got up and went to his house and (after a few moments) sent for the Bedouin. (Upon his arrival) the Prophet PBUH added something more to his gift and then inquired, “Have I been good to you?” The Bedouin answered, “Yes, may Allah compensate you well in your family and tribe.” The Prophet PBUH then suggested to him, “Indeed, you said to me whatever you said and due to that there is some (anger) in the hearts of my companions. If you like, say in front of them what you just said in front of me so as to remove what they harbour in there hearts against you.” He replied, “Okay.”
 
The following evening he came and the Prophet PBUH said to his companions, “This Bedouin said (to me yesterday) what he said so we gave him more. He (now) claims that he is content. Isn’t that so?” He said, “Yes, may Allah compensate you well in your family and tribe.”
 
The Prophet PBUH then explained to his companions, “The example of this man and I is like a person who has a she-camel that bolts from him. People chase it however they only make it flee even more. Its owner then calls out to them, “Clear the way between my she-camel and I. I am more compassionate with it than you and have better knowledge of it.” He then goes in front of it and takes some clods of dirt for it. He drives it back until it comes and kneels. He then saddles it and mounts it.
 
If I had left you when the man said what he said and you subsequently killed him, he would have entered the fire (of Hell).” (Musnad al-Bazzār: 2476)
 
Subhanallah, if we Muslims today were to act in a similar fashion with those who are abusive to us we would find the world to be less hostile and more receptive to Islam.
 Although we generally react negatively when being maltreated, the question we want to ask ourselves is: Will this action of mine make the situation any better or will it make it worse?” Remember we can’t fight fire with fire but we can put out fire with water. This is why Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
 
And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel (evil) by that (deed) which is better; and thereupon, the one whom between you and him is enmity (will become) as though he was a devoted friend.” (41:34)
 
Bad attitudes create hostility while compassion creates harmony. Even though we live in a world today where evil is glorified and good is condemned, people will always be inclined to those who are affectionate to them rather than to those who treat them like dirt. It is on that note that Allah told the Prophet PBUH:
 
If you had been rude (in speech) and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them… (3:159)
 
Many youths today who are influenced by the violent hip hop culture tend to ask, “What should I do if someone picks a fight with me? Am I not supposed to defend myself?” The answer is yes you do have the right to DEFEND yourself but you don’t have the right to inflict unnecessary harm to the other individual in the name of ‘defence’ and then glorify yourself over what you feel is achievement. Allah tells us in the Qur’an:

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation-his reward is (due) from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers. And whoever avenges himself after being wronged-those have not upon them any cause (for blame). The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right. Those will have a painful punishment. And whoever is patient and forgives-indeed, that is of the matters (requiring) determination. (42:40-43)                                                                                  

Pardoning the wrongdoers and avoiding conflict was what the Prophet PBUH practiced and taught us. A classical example of this was his ordeal in Ta’if. When the residents of that locality rejected his message, publicly humiliated him and physically abused him by stoning him. Jibreel AS came to him and said, “Allah has heard your peoples response to you and how they have rejected you. He has ordered the angel of the mountains to obey whatever you tell him to do.” The angel of the mountains called him, greeted him and said, “Command me to do what you wish. If you like, I can close the mountains (surrounding these people) upon them (thus crushing them in between)!”

The Prophet PBUH replied, “Rather, I anticipate that Allah will take out such people from their lions who will worship Allah alone and not associate anything with Him.” (Bukhari: 3231)

Subhanallah! This is the true meaning of mercy and compassion. The Prophet PBUH once even made the following supplication: (O Allah!) If ever I curse a man or make an invocation against him, make it a purifier, mercy, prayer and cleanser for him and an act of drawing-near by which he will draw near to you on the Day of Rising.” (Bukhari: 6361)

Following the Prophet’s PBUH way of life is the only way we will be able to attain salvation in this world and the next. The Prophet PBUH said, “Everyone of my nation will enter Paradise except those who refuse.” He was asked, “Who will refuse (to enter Paradise)?” He replied, “Whoever obeys me, shall enter Paradise and whoever disobeys me has refused (to enter Paradise).” (Bukhari)

This is why the Prophet PBUH made a continuous effort to show people the straight path so that they would not have to incur an eternal loss. The Prophet PBUH explained, “My example and yours is like a man who kindles a fire. Suddenly grasshoppers and moths begin to fall in it and the man tries to push them away. (Similarly) I am (trying) to hold you by your waists from the fire but you are slipping way from my hands.” (Muslim)

Undoubtedly, the Prophet PBUH compassion, affection and kindness to his people is absolutely unparallel in the history of mankind. May Allah enable us to follow in his footsteps. Āmeen.