“Who speaks better than one who calls to God and does good works and says, ‘I am surely of those who submit’? Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend, but no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint—no one is granted it save those who are truly fortunate. If a prompting from Satan should stir you, seek refuge with God: He is the All-Hearing and the All-Knowing.” (The Quran, 41:33-36)

Abdullah Ibn Abbas has explained ‘who speaks better’ as meaning the message of monotheism. He has observed: “Good words mean ‘there is no god but God’, and bad words mean polytheism.” (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 15, p. 361)

In the light of this commentary, we can interpret this verse to mean that the best movement (to be launched) is based on calling people to God. Even when someone becomes your enemy due to some misunderstanding, do not retaliate in the same coin, for there is still some relationship between you and that person. Moreover, you both possess the same human nature. Therefore, just by ignoring his negative attitude, you continue to convey to him the message of truth. Your positive attitude may remove his enmity, which is only at the surface, and he may accept your message and become your friend.

The only way of turning your enemy into your friend is that provocation from his side should not ruffle you, and for that, you shall have to be consistently favourable in your behaviour in all circumstances and remain patient. Without doubt, this is a matter calling for great courage. However, in this world, only the courageous emerge successfully.