We see that a pleasant interaction and good dealings with...
We see that a pleasant interaction and good dealings with others is so important and has a great effect on people whom we are speaking to - whether they be people of the faith or people who are engrossed in this materialistic world.
The enemies of Islam are unyielding on placing the label of violence and aggression on the Muslims and we must show them that although we are: أَشِدَّآءُ عَلَــى الْكُفَّارِ “Harsh against the disbelievers.” However at the same time, we are also: رُحَـمَآءُ بَيْـنَهُمْ “Merciful with one another.” Looking at the lives of the A`immah, we see that they showed love and affection even with those who were not Muslims and who were not at war with the Muslims.
For example, in the books of history it is mentioned that Imam 'Ali (as) was once traveling with a Jew and when they reached a place where they were going to separate on their own routes (to their own city), we see that the Imam went a partial way on the road with the Jew.
Upon seeing this, the Jew told him that he had taken the wrong road to which the Imam replied, “In order to follow the commandments of my religion and observe the rights of the person I am traveling with, I came a short distance on the path with you.” The Jewish man was very surprised at the conduct of the Imam and after a short period of time, he accepted Islam.
Acting according to such a simple injunction in the religion of Islam resulted in a great number of people becoming Muslims: وَ رَأَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُونَ فِـي دِينِ اللٌّهِ أَفْوَاجاً “And you will see people entering into the religion of Allah in groups.” With great regret though, some people who think themselves to be holy, pious people - are in reality just shallow minded individuals, whoi act in such ways that give an excuse to the enemies (to insult Islam) whereas the principles of our din are not based on aggression or hatred.
In the Qur`an, we have 114 chapters of which 113 of them all start with the words: بِسْمِ اللٌّهِ الرَّحْمٌنِ الرَّحِيمِ “In the Name of Allah the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.” Thus, a fraction of 1/114 of Islam deals with anger and harshness, whereas 113 parts of Islam deal with mercy and compassion. In addition, we have two different types of interaction with people: Acts of showing off which are done to gain some material benefit in this world.
Acts which are done with sincerity and come straight from the heart.