POSITIVE APPROACH

The Quran emphasizes that positive and negative actions cannot be placed on the same level: “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better.” (41:34)

This principle is repeated in different ways throughout the Quran. It means that believers must always respond positively. In every situation, they should avoid reacting negatively. Their conduct should be good even under normal conditions—and if someone treats them badly, it is still their responsibility, as God-conscious individuals, not to fall into a reactionary mindset. Even then, they must stay principled and respond with dignity.

Explaining this verse, Abdullah ibn Abbas said: “God has commanded the believers to be patient when angry, to be calm when confronted with ignorance, and to forgive when treated unjustly.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 7, p. 181)

This Islamic conduct can be summed up in one phrase: positive behaviour—dealing with everyone justly and respectfully, regardless of how they behave. No matter how others act, a believer must consistently maintain the highest standards of human conduct.

A true believer is someone who begins to live in higher realities—whose level of thinking rises above that of ordinary people. Such a person develops a remarkable sense of patience. They experience such deep inner peace that no external event can disturb it. Where others get angry, they feel compassion for people. Where others flare up, they remain calm like a still ocean.