Imam al Ghazali (ra) said the greatest test of one’s character is to meet someone who has no character. This means when we encounter someone who has bad manners or is rude, it is a test for us on how we respond. When you’re on social media and someone is writing rude comments think of this story. 

The Prophet (pbuh) was sitting with Abu Bakr (ra) and someone came and started insulting the Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet was sitting patiently while Abu Bakr was getting angry at these insults. He couldn’t hold himself and he responded. As soon as he did that the Prophet (pbuh) got up and left. Abu Bakr (ra) was afraid he had upset the Prophet so he went and asked him. The Prophet (pbuh) told him “While we were sitting there listening to those insults Allah had sent an angel from the heavens and the angel was responding to him but when you started to respond the angel left and a shaytaan sat in its place. I did not want to sit in the presence of shaytaan”.

Strength is not how you overcome another person but how you overcome yourself.