"Good and evil are not equal. Repel (evil) with that which is better." [Surah Fussilat: 34] Abu Jahl (may Allah Almighty curse him) used to harm the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) disliked him, so Allah commanded His Prophet to be patient and overlook. He said: When you do this, then "the one between whom and you there is enmity", that is, Abu Jahl, will become your friend in this world and will be "hamim", that is, he will show you kindness out of regard for your kinship.
And he said, concerning the saying of Allah Almighty: "Repel evil with that which is better" [Surah al-Mu'minun: 96]: It was revealed about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Jahl, when he behaved ignorantly towards the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب النكاح / 13298