What Is “Gracious Withdrawal” (Hajr Jamil)?

Question

What does the verse mean: [ar]وَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَٱهْجُرْهُمْ هَجْرًا جَمِيلًا[/ar] “Be patient over what they say, and withdraw from them with a gracious withdrawal” (Surah al-Muzzammil, 73:10)? Is this monasticism (rahbaniyya)? If one were to adopt this [as monasticism], how then could the duty of conveying the religion (tabligh) and the obligations of the prophetic mission be fulfilled? Can other people, besides [the Prophet ﷺ], also be included under this verse?

Answer

By not demanding one’s rights, by overlooking [offences], and by not taking revenge — this verse is thereby fulfilled in the best manner.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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