How should we deal in our discussions with Christians who insult the Messenger of Allah and Islamic sanctities? Should we respond to them in kind, or should we ignore their insults and curses, taking into consideration the Quranic verses: "And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge," and "You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination," and "And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them," and "So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same manner that he assaulted you," and "Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them"?

The fundamental principle in inviting to Allah is gentleness, leniency, and beautiful admonition. It was part of the Prophet's guidance (peace be upon him) to be kind to those being invited, even if they were disbelievers. Allah the Almighty said: "Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best." [An-Nahl: 125].

Concurring with the enemies of Allah in their reviling and cursing may lead to a greater evil. Therefore, Allah forbade reviling the deities of the polytheists so that they would not revile Allah, as stated in His saying: "And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge." [Al-An'am: 108].

As for harshness in dealing with disbelievers, it signifies firmness and seriousness in establishing the command over them, and it is not harshness in speech, as Ibn Al-Arabi pointed out in his interpretation of the verse: "and be harsh upon them" [At-Tawbah: 73].

The verses about retaliating in kind are not absolute; rather, they have their restrictions. In significant matters, the reference point is the ruler to prevent chaos. And aggression should not be retaliated against with a similar sin; for reviling Jesus (peace be upon him) is disbelief, just as reviling Muhammad (peace be upon him) is disbelief. As for obtaining one's right, it is permissible for the wronged person to take their right from the oppressor's wealth, but with the ruler's judgment, not by taking revenge by hand.