What is the meaning of rancor? What is its ruling? And what is its remedy?

Malice (al-hiqd) is resentment, the harboring of enmity in the heart, entertaining ill-will towards people, or seeking revenge. Malice arises when anger is suppressed due to an inability to exact immediate retribution, causing it to fester within.

The ruling on malice varies depending on its cause: - If malice stems from envy and resentment unjustly, it is blameworthy in Islamic law because it incites hostility and hatred and harms people without cause. It has been condemned in Islamic texts. Among the things that remove malice are giving gifts and shaking hands. - If malice is directed at an oppressor whose oppression cannot be repelled, or from whom one's right cannot be exacted, or at a disbeliever who harms Muslims and whose harm cannot be averted, then it is not blameworthy in Islamic law. If the wronged person is able to overpower the oppressor, they may forgive (which is an act of ihsan, excellence), or take their right (and there is no blame in that).

The cure for malice is to eliminate its cause, which is anger, and to know that Allah's power is greater, and that the matter is in Allah's hands. Practically, the one who harbors malice should compel themselves to do the opposite of what their malice dictates towards the one they resent. They should replace condemnation with praise, and arrogance with humility, and treat them with gentleness and affection. As for the one who is resented, if they are an oppressor, they must cease their oppression, mend their ways, and offer their adversary what reassures and satisfies them, and the other party must soften and accept the apology.