One of the Tabi’i (student of the Sahabah) narrates that Abu ad-Darda (radhiyallahu anhu) was passing by a man who had committed a wrong-doing, and the people were cursing him. So he said:
“Don’t you see that were you to find him (having fallen) in a deep well, you would bring him out?”
They replied:
“Yes, of course!“
He continued:
“Then do not curse your brother, and praise Allah who kept you safe (from such sins).”
They responded:
“Will you not hate him (for the sake of Allah)?”
He replied:
“I only hate his wrong-doing, but when he abandons it then he is (still) my brother.”
Abu ad-Darda (radhiyallahu anhu) then said:
“Pray to Allah during your days of happiness (and prosperity) so that perhaps He will answer (your prayers) during your days of hardship.”
(Jaami’ Ma’mar ibn Raashid)
