According to rahyafte (the missionaries and converts website):In this method, when one recognizes an unacceptable behavior in himself or another person, he starts boosting opposite behaviors.
For example, one who realizes that there is conceit in him should try to act humbly so that the unacceptable quality is gradually eroded away. Or if he is a person who is always trying to find faults with others, he should start trying to find his own flaws instead.
An ethics teacher should be aware of the aspects of the improper quality formed in the character of the student and try to remove it by ordering him to act in the opposite way.
The Quran points out this educational method: “Virtue and evil are not equal. If you replace evil habits by virtuous ones, you will certainly find that your enemies will become your intimate friends.” (Verse 34 of Surah Fussilat)
According to this verse, one should repel evil with the opposite, that is, good deeds. This way, he makes the other side realize his ignorance.
The Quran refers to two cases in which Abraham (AS) used this method.
1- Against Nimrud
“Have you not seen he who argued with Abraham about his Lord that Allah had given him the kingship! When Abraham said: ‘My Lord is He who revives, and causes to die.’ He said: ‘I revive, and cause to die.’ Abraham said: ‘Allah brings up the sun from the east; so you bring it from the west!’ Then he who disbelieved became pale. Allah does not guide the harmdoers.” (Verse 258)
According to this verse, Nimrud clams that he has control over people’s life and death. But Abraham uses a smart argument, asking him to bring up the sun from the west if he can, thus making Nimrud confounded.
2-Against Azar
“But he replied: ‘Do you shrink away from my gods, Abraham? Surely, if you do not cease I will stone you, so leave me for awhile.’ ‘Peace be on you,’ he (Abraham) said, ‘I shall call upon my Lord to forgive you, for to me He has been gracious.’” (Verses 46-47 of Surah Maryam)
Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi, in his Nemuneh Exegesis of the Quran, writes about these verses: In fact, in the face of violence and threat, Abraham acted in the opposite direction, promising to ask God for forgiving him.
iqna
