My Enemies, I Thank You

Description

Fostering enmity is the meanest of all human activities. It requires nothing more than stupidity, poor judgment, & a disregard for people’s feelings, leading to wrangling, cursing & hatred.

Repel (evil) with what is best. Then the person between whom
and you there had been enmity will become as if he were a dear
friend” – [Surah Fussilat: 34]

Experience has taught me the wisdom of exercising patience with those who argue with me, showing them courtesy, & applying the Qur’an’s remedy: to respond with what is better.

I have also learned not to begrudge those who hate me. In Allāh’s wisdom, they are part of life and the price of success & productivity.

You have taught me to listen to criticism without embarrassment & to move forward despite insults. This invaluable lesson cannot be learned from a book but through the experiences Allāh provides.

You have made me more self-reliant & immune to flattery. You have given me a balanced perspective, preventing me from falling victim to excessive praise. You only see my faults, which has helped me stay grounded.

Thus, I say: My enemies, I thank you.