Tolerance

A person borrowed money from you. He was unable to respect the deadline that you had given him to pay back. You have extended the deadline without reproaching him. You have shown tolerance. In doing this, you have shown the good manners and good qualities that you possess. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an-e-Kareem:

"If he is in financial difficulty, then allow him grace until a time of ease. It is better for you to be charitable..."  (S2/V280)

Nonetheless, you are allowed to be tolerant in regards to your affairs, your right and your possession. You are not allowed to be tolerant in regards to the property of others. For example, you are not allowed to cancel the debt of your boss because it is not yours. You are not allowed to show your kindness and generosity in regards to the property of others.

Similarly, you are not allowed to show tolerance concerning Deen because Deen belongs to Allah Ta’ala. Once, a lady had stolen. Her case was presented and verdict was given to amputate her hand. Hazrat Usamah (Radiyallahu Anhu) interceded on her behalf to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in order that her hand does not get amputated, but Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) refused categorically, saying that if Fatima (Radiyallahu Anha) [the daughter of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)] had to do that, I would have amputated her hand. Hazrat Aisha (Radiyallahu Anha) said that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) had never taken revenge for himself. However, when it comes to the violation of the law of Allah, then he made no concession. Similarly, when Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was given a choice between two permissible things, then he would choose the easiest one as long as it did not lead to sin.

[English version of "La tolérance" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.9]