“No people of a household are given gentleness except that it benefits them.”

Narrated by al-Ṭabarānī in al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr (no. 13261), from the narration of Ibn ʿUmar –may Allah be pleased with them both–.
Also narrated by Abū Nuʿaym in Maʿrifat al-Ṣaḥābah (no. 4722), who added: “and they are not deprived of it except that it harms them,” from the narration of ʿUbayd Allāh ibn Maʿmar –may Allah be pleased with him– (and there is disagreement about his companionship).
Authenticated in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ (no. 5541) and Silsilat al-Aḥādīth al-Ṣaḥīḥah (no. 942).

Brief Explanation of the Hadith

Gentleness is one of the noble manners with which the Prophet –may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him– was characterized, and he urged his nation to adopt it, due to the great good and beautiful effect it brings about. The Prophet –may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him– informed that no household is given gentleness except that it benefits them. The meaning of gentleness is: softness in speech and action, good conduct, and taking the easier course in matters so long as it does not lead to negligence.
If the members of a household adorn themselves with gentleness in their dealings, treating one another well, as well as their relatives—both kin and non-kin—and neighbors, they will attain goodness and blessings, and benefit will encompass them all. Conversely, whenever gentleness is absent and is replaced by violence and harshness, harm descends and the consequences turn bad.
Gentleness is an adornment in all matters and a source of blessing in both words and actions, indicating its esteemed status in Islam and the necessity of embodying this trait with both close relatives and those who are distant.