`Aisha said that the Jews came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "As-Samu 'Alaikum" (death be on you).
`Aisha said (to them), "(Death) be on you, and may Allah curse you and shower His wrath upon you!"
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Be calm, O `Aisha ! You should be kind and lenient, and beware of harshness and
Fuhsh (i.e. bad words)." She said (to the Prophet), "Haven't you heard what they (Jews) have said?"
He said, "Haven't you heard what I have said (to them)? I said the same to them, and my invocation
against them will be accepted while theirs against me will be rejected (by Allah). "
Narrated by Narrated `Abdullah bin Mulaika:
Context
This hadith recounts an incident where the Jews greeted the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with a phrase that implied a curse. Aisha, upset by their words, responded harshly. However, the Prophet ﷺ advised her to be gentle and avoid harshness, reminding her that his response would be more impactful than theirs. This illustrates the importance of maintaining composure and kindness, even in the face of provocation.
Modern Application
In modern life, this teaches us the value of responding to negativity with grace and patience. Whether in personal interactions or on social media, choosing kindness over anger can lead to more constructive outcomes.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Respectful Communication because it emphasizes the significance of responding to others with kindness, even when faced with hostility.
And the Jews say, "The hand of Allah is chained." Chained are their hands, and cursed are they for what they say. Rather, both His hands are extended; He spends however He wills. And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in transgression and disbelief. And We have cast among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. Every time they kindled the fire of war [against you], Allah extinguished it. And they strive throughout the land [causing] corruption, and Allah does not like corrupters.
Among the Jews are those who distort words from their [proper] usages and say, "We hear and disobey" and "Hear but be not heard" and "Ra'ina," twisting their tongues and defaming the religion. And if they had said [instead], "We hear and obey" and "Wait for us [to understand]," it would have been better for them and more suitable. But Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few.
They said, "Are you amazed at the decree of Allah? May the mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, people of the house. Indeed, He is Praiseworthy and Honorable."
So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].
This hadith is #5801 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated `Abdullah bin Mulaika:.