The Prophet Peace be upon Him would always be just with the disbelievers and even be ready to sacrifice his life in order to call them to Islam and rectify their affairs. He would bear their evils with patience and try to overlook their harms. Why would he not do so when Allah has said: “We have sent you as a mercy...” To whom? To the believers only? No; rather, “To the world.” Think about the Jews who would insult him and instigate trouble, whilst he would continue to be gentle with them. ‘A’ishah – may Allah be pleased with her – said, “The Jews once passed by the Prophet’s house and said: ‘as-Saam ‘alaykum’ (i.e. death be upon you), and the Prophet replied: ‘And upon you, too!’’ ‘A’ishah couldn’t bear it, so when she heard it, she responded, ‘And death be upon you, too, and Allah’s curse and anger!” The Prophet Peace be Upon Him said, “Take it easy, O ‘A’ishah! You should be gentle. You shouldn’t curse or be harsh.” She said, “Didn’t you hear what they said?” He said, “Didn’t you hear what I said? I prayed against them and that prayer will be accepted, whereas their prayer against me will not be accepted.” Yes, for there is no need to respond to insult with another insult. Allah has said, “Speak to people with kind words...”