Question:
This is a questioner from France who asks: You mentioned—may Allah be good to you—how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) dealt with those who mocked him in Makkah. So, how can one reconcile the concept of disavowal (al-Bara’) from the disbelievers with the desire for their guidance and the obligation of not treating them unjustly?
Answer:
There is no contradiction here that requires ‘reconciliation,’ my brother. There is no conflict between the two matters to reconcile. We do not love the polytheists or the disbelievers, but we do not treat them unjustly without right. Furthermore, we do not seek revenge against them if that revenge would lead to a greater harm. Matters must be handled appropriately and with wisdom.