Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Make things easy and do not make things difficult. Calm people and do not arouse their aversion."
Compassion - Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 473
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Make things easy and do not make things difficult. Calm people and do not arouse their aversion."
Commentary on the Hadith
This noble hadith from the Book of Compassion in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad contains two profound principles that form the foundation of Islamic ethics. The first command, "Make things easy," instructs Muslims to remove hardship and facilitate matters for others in religious and worldly affairs.
The prohibition "do not make things difficult" warns against imposing unnecessary burdens, whether in teaching religion, conducting business, or social interactions. This reflects the Quranic principle that "Allah desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you" (Quran 2:185).
"Calm people" means to speak gently, offer reassurance, and create an atmosphere of tranquility rather than agitation. The final instruction "do not arouse their aversion" teaches us to avoid words or actions that would push people away from Islam or create hostility.
This comprehensive guidance demonstrates the Prophet's methodology of inviting people to Islam with wisdom, beautiful preaching, and the removal of unnecessary obstacles - making the religion accessible and attractive to all.