He said, responding to him, pleading by mentioning the first homeland that embraced them after the blowing of the spirit, along with what he has of tenderness and compassion: "O son of my mother." He reminded him of this specifically, even though he is his brother, because what harms him harms her. She is more tender than the father. "Do not seize me by my beard or by my head," meaning by his hair. Then he explained that by saying: "I feared that you would say," if I were to be harsh with them until the matter reaches fighting, "you have caused division among the Children of Israel" by this action of yours, which did not benefit anything due to the fewness of those who were with you and your weakness in repelling them. "And you did not heed my saying, 'Appoint me as a successor among my people and set things right, and do not follow the path of the corrupt.'" [Al-A'raf: 142] And you did not say, 'And repel them even if the matter leads to the sword.' This is as the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, was commanded to be forgiving, patient, and to defend with gentleness in times of weakness of supporters and few helpers.