The Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf has announced the topic of the upcoming Friday sermon, titled “Gentleness: Building People and Developing Nations”, emphasizing that the purpose of the sermon is to raise awareness about the value of kindness and compassion as essential qualities for winning hearts, building a balanced human character, and strengthening society.

The ministry also announced that the second sermon will address the topic “Harshness Is Not a Method of Education”, as part of efforts to highlight the importance of wisdom and mercy in family and social interactions while rejecting violence and cruelty that negatively affect human development.

Gentleness: A Great Islamic Virtue and a Foundation for Stable Societies

The Ministry of Awqaf emphasized that gentleness is one of the greatest moral values upon which the message of Islam was established. It combines mercy and wisdom, as well as firmness and excellence in conduct, providing the appropriate approach for every situation in a way that achieves the best results.

Gentleness does not mean weakness or negligence; rather, it is an elevated way of dealing with others that enables a person to influence, reform, and build stronger relationships. It is also a path toward harmony among members of society and the spread of love and cooperation.

In Islam, gentleness is connected with the mercy of Allah Almighty and was made one of the characteristics of prophets and messengers, while harshness and violence were described as causes of alienation and the breakdown of relationships.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a Model of Gentleness and Mercy

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrated gentleness in its highest form. He was kind in his call, teaching, upbringing, dealings, and judgments. His compassion extended to humans, animals, and all creation.

This noble character was among the greatest reasons for the success of his message and the gathering of hearts around him. He combined mercy with strength, and wisdom with justice, becoming the ultimate example of good treatment toward others.

Allah Almighty says:

“So by mercy from Allah, you were gentle with them. And if you had been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you…”
(Surah Aal Imran: 159)

The verse explains that kindness and a compassionate heart are among the reasons people remain united, while harshness leads to distance and rejection.

Gentleness as a Divine Method and a Path to Success

Islamic texts emphasize the importance and virtue of gentleness. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Indeed, Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness, and He grants through gentleness what He does not grant through harshness.”

Gentleness is among the qualities beloved by Allah, and it helps people achieve their goals through wisdom and effective communication.

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“Whoever is deprived of gentleness is deprived of goodness.”

This confirms that abandoning mercy and kindness causes a person to lose a great door of الخير and reform.

The Impact of Gentleness on Building Individuals and Society

Gentleness in Education

Gentleness contributes to building a balanced and confident personality, especially when dealing with children. Calm dialogue and wise guidance help instill values and morals without relying on violence or harshness.

Gentleness in Social Relationships

Kindness strengthens bonds among members of society, spreads respect and cooperation, and reduces conflicts caused by poor communication and negative behavior.

Gentleness in Teaching and Guidance

Gentleness is an essential method for delivering messages and advice because hearts naturally respond to mercy and kindness, while they turn away from harshness and cruelty.

Harshness Is Not a Method of Education

The Ministry of Awqaf emphasized that proper education should not be based on fear or violence, but rather on mercy, guidance, and constructive dialogue.

Harshness may lead to negative consequences, such as weakening self-confidence, reducing communication, and creating emotional distance. Meanwhile, gentleness helps build a personality capable of responsibility and sound decision-making.

Benefits of Practicing Gentleness

Gentleness brings many positive effects to individuals and societies, including:

• Spreading love and affection among people.
• Strengthening family and social relationships.
• Achieving psychological stability.
• Reaching goals through wise and balanced approaches.
• Building a more cooperative and compassionate society.

What is the topic of the upcoming Friday sermon?

The topic is “Gentleness: Building People and Developing Nations,” focusing on the importance of kindness and compassion in individual and social life.

Why is gentleness considered an important value in Islam?

Because gentleness is a quality loved by Allah and helps people win hearts, spread mercy, and achieve positive reform.

Does gentleness mean weakness?

No. Gentleness does not mean weakness; rather, it combines wisdom, balance, and appropriate firmness.

Why does the Ministry of Awqaf emphasize that harshness is not a method of education?

Because successful education depends on mercy, dialogue, and guidance, while harshness may negatively affect a person’s character.

What is the effect of gentleness on society?

Gentleness helps create a connected society based on love, cooperation, and mutual respect among its members.