The Power of Rising Above: Why You Don't Need to Hate Those Who Hate You

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone just can't seem to stand you? Maybe it's a colleague who always finds fault in your work, a family member who constantly criticizes your choices, or a "friend" who only reaches out to you when they need something. Whatever the case may be, it's natural to feel hurt, angry, and even tempted to retaliate with hatred and negativity.

But here's the thing: you don't have to. In fact, you shouldn't.

When someone chooses to hate or dislike you, it's often a reflection of their own insecurities, biases, and unresolved issues. It's not about you; it's about them. And the beauty of it all is that you have the power to choose how you respond to their negativity.

You don't need to hate or dislike them back. You don't need to engage in a war of words or actions that will only leave both parties feeling drained and bitter. You don't need to hold a grudge or waste your precious time and energy on someone who doesn't deserve it.

Instead, you can choose to rise above. You can choose to stay away from them, not out of fear or weakness, but out of self-love and self-respect. You can choose to focus on the positive relationships in your life, the ones that uplift and inspire you.

And here's the most important part: you can choose to understand. You can choose to see that the person who hates or dislikes you might be going through some stuff. They might be struggling with their own demons, their own fears and insecurities. They might be lashing out at you because they don't know how to deal with their own pain.

And that's where compassion comes in. That's where empathy and kindness come in. You don't have to condone their behavior or excuse their hurtful words, but you can choose to understand that they're human, just like you. You can choose to pray for them, to wish them well, and to hope that one day they'll find peace and healing.

As Muslims, we believe that Allah is the ultimate judge and arbitrator. We believe that He will one day sort out the hearts of those who hate and those who are hated. We believe that He will bring justice and fairness to all, and that He will reward those who have been wronged.

So, the next time someone chooses to hate or dislike you, remember that you have the power to choose how you respond. Remember that you don't need to hate or dislike them back. Remember that you can rise above, stay away, and focus on the positive.

And most importantly, remember that Allah is always watching, always guiding, and always in control. He will sort out the hearts of those who hate, and He will bring justice to those who have been wronged.

So, let's choose to rise above. Let's choose to love, to forgive, and to understand. Let's choose to be the better person, not because we want to prove a point, but because we want to please Allah, and because we want to be at peace with ourselves and with others.

"And indeed, you are of a great moral character" (Quran 68:4).

‍