Always take the high road, no matter how long

Sometimes, we get caught up in tit-for-tat exchanges and end up taking the murky path that others choose. Irrespective of what others do, the blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم always taught us to take the high road, to choose the better course, and to remain on higher moral ground. This means that, at times, we may act in ways that others may not understand or agree with, but such actions are ultimately intended to seek the pleasure of Allah and the blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم.

An example of this is beautifully illustrated in a ḥadīth—Prophetic Trdition; once, a companion approached the blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم and asked:

يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ الرَّجُلُ أَمُرُّ بِهِ فَلَا يَقْرِينِي وَلَا يُضَيِّفُنِي فَيَمُرُّ بِي أَفَأُجْزِيهِ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا اقْرِهِ

"O Messenger of Allah, I stayed with a man, and he neither hosted me nor showed me hospitality. Now he is staying with me. Shall I recompense him with the same?" He replied, "No, host him." — al-Tirmidhi #2006

This response highlights a profound lesson, that when others act inappropriately or fail to meet our expectations, we are reminded to rise above and behave in a way that reflects excellent character. The blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم forever encouraged us to embody grace, even when it is not reciprocated, because our actions are ultimately a reflection of us as Muslims.

As we reflect on this, let us make an intention that, from this moment forth, we will strive to uphold the values taught to us by the blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم. Let us resolve to act in ways that reflect his صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم noble example, even when it is difficult, so that we may bring honour to our status as his nation.

And Allah عزوجل and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم know best.