In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Gentleness of our pious predecessors when dealing with the common people

Thābit al-Bunānī, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Ṣilah ibn Ashyam, mya Allah have mercy upon him, and his companions went past a young man dragging his garment. [1] Silah’s companions were about to reprimand him harshly, but he intervened, saying: ‘Leave him; I will suffice you regarding his affair’. Then he said to the young man, ‘O my nephew! I have a need from you’. He (the young man) said: ‘What is your need’?’ He said, ‘I would like you to lift your garment’. The young man said: ‘Certainly, and what a delightful request it is!’ Then he lifted his garment. Silah said to his companions: ‘This was a better than what you wanted to do. If I had insulted him and caused him distress, he would have retaliated with insults towards you'”.

al-Amr bi-l-Maʿrūf wa-l-Nahy ʿan al-Munkar by Ibn Abī al-Dunyā. page 48

[1] Read article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him. https://abukhadeejah.com/whatever-is-below-the-ankles-from-the-garment-will-be-in-the-fire-long-trousers-without-kibr/