In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy
Allaah (The Most High) said:
‘’Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish.”[Al-Araaf: Ayah: 199]
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:
There is no doubt that the one who is obeyed by the people (finds himself in) three situations:
Firstly: He commands and prohibits them for their own welfare.
Secondly: He imposes on them that which is incumbent them of obedience to him.
Thirdly: The people with him are of two types: The loyal one in agreement with him and the obstinate one in opposition to him, and he has obligations towards each one of them. His obligation with regards to commanding and prohibiting them is that he commands them with that good in which is contained rectification for them and for their personal affairs, and he forbids them from that which is in opposition to it.
His Obligations towards the Obedient Ones
His obligation towards those who obey him is that he enjoins on them that which is easy, and he is to be generous towards those who submit themselves to him and are not hesitant in obeying him. He is not to burden them with hardship and difficulties, and thus corrupts their affair.
His Obligations towards the Foolish Ones
His obligation towards the foolishness of those who display foolishness towards him is that he turns away from them, neither responding to them in like manner nor taking revenge against them for himself. Indeed, Allaah (The Most High) said to His Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam): ‘’Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish.’’
And what is intended is not that (one) turns away from the one who has no knowledge and not to teach and guide him, rather what is intended is that (one) turns away from the foolishness of the one who behaves foolishly towards him, and he does not respond to him in like manner based on his foolishness.
And concerning this ayah, there is (that affair) of an excellent social relationship with the creation, a fulfilment of the rights (which Allaah has commanded to be fulfilled towards) them and a safeguard against their evil. And had all the people adhered to this ayah, it would have sufficed them and brought them close to one another; for indeed the (real) showing of forgiveness is that one overlooks the (bad) manners of the people and is tolerant towards their characters…..
Source: For further details, see Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawzee: Vol: 1: page: 434-436] [Translated by: Abu Mu-aawiyyah (Abdullaah Al-Gambi)]