Tafsir of Al-Mu'minoon 23:96

"Repel [evil] with that which is best..."

This is more eloquent than saying "Repel the evil with good," because of the superlative implication (al-ahsan). It is as if He said: "Repel the evil with the best [possible] good."

The meaning is: Pardon their offense and counter it with whatever kindness is possible. When pardoning and kindness are combined—exerting one's full capacity in doing so—it becomes a multiplied good against a single evil. This is the essence of His saying: "with that which is best."

• Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them): "That which is best" is the testimony that there is no god but Allah, and "the evil" is polytheism (shirk).
• Mujahid: It means greeting them with peace when you meet them.
• Al-Hasan: It means overlooking and pardoning.

It has been said that this verse is abrogated by the Verse of the Sword. Others say it is definitive (muhkam), because diplomacy and courtesy are encouraged as long as they do not lead to a compromise of religion or a degradation of one's honor.

"...of what they describe." Meaning: Of the states they attribute to you that are contrary to your true nature, or of their descriptions of you and their evil mentions. Allah is more knowledgeable of that than you, and more capable of requiting them.

"And say, 'My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the devils. And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me.'"