Inner Resources
\r\n Al-Baqara (The Cow) - Chapter 2: Verse 109
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"Among the followers of the Book, many would wish that they could turn you back to infidelity after you have believed - because of their envy after the truth is manifest to them. But forgive and overlook until God accomplishes His purpose; for Allah has power over all things.\"
The instruction in this Medinan verse clearly advises the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the early community to develop their inner resources through patience and resilience. It teaches that the success of Islam had naturally made the disbelievers insecure and envious, and that under such circumstances a punitive approach would not produce the desired result.
\r\nIbn Taymiyyah cited the above verse on the virtue of forgiveness, and informs us that after migrating to Medina, the Prophet turned his attention to propagating the faith among its residents. It was not uncommon at that time for a man to embrace Islam while his father and relatives remained disbelievers, which led to resentment and discontent on the part of the non-Muslim relatives. Hence the Jews and polytheists of Medina used to insult and annoy the Prophet and his Companions. But God Most High commanded the Prophet and the believers to exercise patience and forgiveness. This was the occasion of the revelation of the verse cited above.
\r\nCompiled From:
\r\n \"Freedom of Expression in Islam\" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, pp. 245, 246