'I don't hate the man; I only hate his action'

Abu al-Darda came upon a throng of people, cursing and whipping a man. Surprised, he asked, "What are you doing?" They replied, "He has committed an enormity." He asked, "What if you had found him in a well drowning; won't you try to pull him out?" They said, "Of course!" He said, "Likewise, don't curse him or beat him; rather admonish him and make him aware of the dire consequences of his action. Furthermore, thank God for His mercy in saving you from such sins." "Don't you hate him? " they asked. He replied, "I don't hate him; I hate only his action; if he abandons this vice, he is my brother." On hearing this, the man sobbed and repented of his actions.