Ethics

--------------- Qualities of the Prophet (PBUH) ---------------

Two or Three Qualities can come together for a [10]
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(a): The Prophet Muhammad is said to have been patient and trustworthy. Write about events in his life that
illustrate these qualities. [10]
(a): Write about events from the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬life that show his qualities of generosity, honesty and simplicity in
action. May/June 2017-11

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(a): The Prophet was described as humble and just. Giving examples from his life, write about events that describe
these qualities. [10]
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(a):The Qur’an says the Prophet is of “great moral character” (68.4). Identify events from his life that show a range of
his moral characteristics. [10] ( 5 Qualities)
(a): Describe three qualities of the Prophet Muhammad that make him a model for humankind. [10]
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October/November 2012 (11) (at least 5)

(a) Choose three events from the Prophet’s life that demonstrate his moral character, and write in detail about
them. [10]
Honesty and Truthfulness/Fair Dealings
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The Holy Prophet proved by his example that he was the most honest and truthful person, and all the people
in Makkah acknowledged this fact. He was a poor orphan who started trading and within a very short time due
to his honest and fair dealings with people, he came to be known as Al-Sadiq - The Truthful and Al-Amin - The
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Trustworthy. Everyone in Makkah called him by these names. The people of Makkah used to keep their
belongings with Prophet for safekeeping.
His first wife, Khadija, married him because of his excellent character. She was a rich widow who would hire
men to take her goods to other countries on a profit-sharing basis. When she heard of Hazrat Muhammad's
honesty and trustworthiness, she asked him to take her goods to Syria for trade. His trading in Syria resulted in
large profits for Khadija. She was so impressed by his honesty that she proposed marriage to him.
At the time of reconstruction of Ka'abah a dispute arose among the various tribes of Makkah about laying the
Black Stone in its proper place, everyone wanted the honor. The elders agreed that the first person to enter
the Ka'abah the next morning, would decide the issue. Next morning, Hazrat Muhammad was the first person
to enter the Ka'abah. The people were happy to accept his decision because they trusted his judgement to be
fair and unbiased.
After the first revelation, when he came home and narrated to Khadija what had happened in the cave of Hira,
she consoled him and said that Allah knew of his fine character and truthful nature and He would not let him
come to any harm. When he was told to preach Islam openly, he gathered the Quraish near the mount of Safa
and asked them: "O Quraish! If I say that an army is advancing on you from behind the mountain, would
you believe me?" They all replied, "Yes, because, we have never heard you tell a lie". The unbelievers of
Makkah rejected him, abused him and called him bewitched and mad, but they never called him a liar. Even
Abu Jahl, his bitterest enemy often said: "Muhammad, I do not say that you are a liar, but what you say I do
not think right" (Afzal-ur-Rehman: Muhammad: Encyclopedia of Seerah)
When the king of Rome received a letter from the Holy Prophet inviting you him to Islam, he invited the Arab
traders visiting his country. He questioned their leader, Abu Sufyan, who was till then a bitter enemy of Islam:
"Did ever find Muhammad telling a lie before his claim to prophethood?" Abu Sufyan replied that he had
not. Then the king said: "I asked you if he had ever told a lie and you replied that he had not. I am sure, if he
had spoken unjustly against God, he would not have abstained from speaking falsely against human

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beings." The Holy Prophet practiced honesty and truthfulness in his life and preached it to others. He lived his
life in purity and virtue among unbelievers and this was acknowledged even by his bitterest enemies who
knew that he was the most honest person among them.

Humility/Simplicity
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The Holy Prophet was a very humble person. He lived humbly all his life and never boasted of his social or
political status even after his success al Madinah. He was unceremonious and informal in his habits. He ate
whatever was available, wore coarse clothes. His bed consisted of a blanket and a pillow of date fiber covered
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with skin. He ate bread made from coarse flour, and spent days on dates only. He sat on floor, bare ground or
a mat, without any hesitation even when he was the ruler of Madinah. It is reported by Anas that when Allah's
messenger performed pilgrimage, he kept on repeating: "O Allah! Make this pilgrimage a pilgrimage without
pretense and fame." (Tirmizi) His companions had a great deal of love and respect for him; his Companions
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used to stand up to show respect to him when he appeared in their midst but he did not wish to be treated as
a ruler. He forbade them saying, "Do not stand up for me as the foreigners do to show respect to others".
(Sunnan Abu Dawood)
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Someone asked Hazrat Aisha about the Holy Prophet's life at home; She replied that he did household work.
He mended clothes and shoes, milked the goats and swept the house. He shared and ate his meals with the
slaves and the poor, He sat with the needy and the destitute in such a way that no one could sell the
difference between him and poor people. When he went to an assembly, he sat wherever he found place.
When he was entering Makkah as a conqueror, he was not proud or boastful like a worldly conqueror. An
expression of humility and gentleness was on his face and he lowered his head in such a way that it touched
the saddle of his camel. "Allah's Messenger used to
patch his sandals, sew his garment and conduct himself at home as anyone of you does in his house. He was
a human being, searching his garment for lice, milking his sheep, and doing his own chores." (Tirmidhi)
There are many incidents of his humility reported by his companions and recorded in history books. Anas said
that Allah's messenger used to visit the sick, accompany funerals and accept the invitation of slaves.
It is reported by Hazrat Umar that he heard the Holy Prophet say: "Do not praise me as the Christians praise
the son of Mary. I am a servant of God, call me a servant and messenger of God." (Tirmizi)
Another one of his companions reported him as saying: "Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble,
so that no one boasts that he is better than another”.
Abu Hurairah reported that Allah's messenger said that whoever adopts humility for the sake of Allah would
be raised in status by him. One of the functions of Allah's messengers was to practice and preach humility. The
Holy Quran says: "Before thee We sent (messengers) to many nations, and We afflicted the nations with
suffering and adversity, that they might learn humility." (6:42)

Mercy and Forgiveness

A great quality of the Holy Prophet was that he never took revenge from anyone and always forgave even his
bitterest enemies. Hazrat Aisha said that Allah's Messenger never returned evil for evil, but would always
forgive and pardon. The Quraish rebuked him, taunted and mocked at him, beat him and abused him. They
even tried to kill him. When the persecution and aggression of the Quraish became unbearable, his

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companions requested him to curse them, but the Holy Prophet said: "O Allah! Forgive my people for they
know not." (Afzal-ur-Rehman: Encyclopedia of Seerah Vol.1)
When the Holy Prophet entered Makkah victorious with an army of 10,000 men, he did not take revenge, but

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forgave all his enemies who had persecuted him for the last many years and forced him to leave his town and
migrate to Madinah. He asked them, "What do you think I am going to do to you?" They said, "You are a
noble brother and a son of a noble brother." The Prophet said, "No blame on you be this day. Go, you are
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free." (Ibn-Hisham)
Even his enemy Abu Sufyan who fought against him, was forgiven and anyone who took refuge in his house
was also forgiven. After the conquest of Makkah, the Abyssinian slave, Wahashi killed his uncle Hamzah in the
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Battle of Uhud, and came to Madinah; the Prophet forgave him but asked him to hide his face from him as he
reminded him of his uncle. He even forgave Hind, wife of Abu Sufyan, who had ripped open Hamzah's body
and chewed his liver at the time of Battle of Uhud. Both accepted Islam and were forgiven.
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After the Holy Prophet's migration to Madinah, the Quraish waged many wars against him. In the Battle of
Uhud, when his head and face were injured, his companions asked him to curse them, but he said that he was
not sent to curse people but to invite them to the path of Allah.
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Abdullah bin Ubbay, the leader of the hypocrites, worked all his life against the Holy Prophet and Islam. He
was continuously involved in intrigues with the chiefs of Makkah to wage war against the Muslims. In the
Battle of Uhud, he deserted with three hundred of his supporters, thus weakening the Muslim army. Yet, after
his death, the Holy Prophet prayed to Allah to forgive him.
The people of Taif, who threw stones at the Holy Prophet when he visited that town in order to invite them to
Islam, and the Jews of Madinah who were always engaged in hostile activities against the Muslims, were also
forgiven by him. When the Muslims were fighting against the people of Ta'if, they said to the Prophet
"Thuqaif's arrows have scorched us, so supplicate Allah to punish them," The Prophet raised his hands
towards heaven, the people thought that he was going to curse them but he said, "O Allah, give guidance to
Thuqaif." (Tirmidhi)
The Prophet was a kind, merciful and a forgiving man, Abu Hurairah reported, "I heard Allah's Apostle saying,
Allah divided Mercy into one-hundred parts and He kept its ninety-nine parts with Him and sent down its
one part on the earth, and because of that, one single part, His creations are Merciful to each other, so that
even the mare lifts up its hoofs away from its baby animal, lest it should trample on it." (Sahih Bukhari). Holy
Prophet was an example of forgiveness and kindness, as mentioned in the Holy Quran: "Hold to forgiveness;
command what is right, (7:199)

Fulfilment of Promises
The Holy Prophet always fulfilled his promises. He was always held in such trust that people left their valuables
with him for safe keeping. When the king of Rome received a letter from the Holy Prophet inviting him to
Islam, he called the Arab traders who were then visiting his country. He asked some questions about the Holy
Prophet from their leader Abu Sufyan, who was at that time, one of the bitterest enemies of Islam. One of the
questions was whether the Holy Prophet had ever broken his promise. Abu Sufyan replied that he had never
broken his promise.
One of the conditions of the Treaty of Hudaibiya was that if any Muslim from Makkah went to Madinah, he

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would be returned. When the Treaty of Hudaibiya was being written, Abu Jandal, bound in chains, escaped
from Makkah and came to the Prophet, asking for refuge. At that time, the Treaty of Hudaibiya was being
written, but the agreement had already been made before the man had entered. The Muslims were shocked

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to see him in this condition, but the Holy Prophet said to him: "0 Abu Jandal! Be patient, we cannot break the
treaty. Allah will very soon find a way for you." He was returned to the people of Makkah. Two companions
of the Holy Prophet, while coming from Makkah were caught by the unbelievers. They were released on the
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condition that they would not fight on the side of the Muslims in the battle of Badr. They came to the Holy
Prophet and informed him about the incident. The Muslims were very few in number and needed more men
to fight against the unbelievers; but the Holy Prophet said: "Both of you must go back; we will keep the
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promise under all circumstances."

When the Holy Prophet decided to migrate to Madinah, he left his cousin, Ali behind to return all the deposits
to their owners. He was so particular with his word of promise that once he waited for three days at the
corner of a street, for a person who had promised to be back there in a short time. When the person passed
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that way on the four day, the Prophet was not annoyed with him, instead he said:
“I have been waiting here for you for three days to keep my word.”
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Kindness
The Prophet was a very kind man. He never discriminated between men while show kindness, he said. "Allah
is not kind to him who does not show kindness to others." (Bukhari). In another tradition, Abdullah Amr bin
Aas reported the Prophet said, “The Compassionate One has mercy on those who are merciful. If you show
mercy to the who are on the earth, He Who is in the heaven will show mercy to you." (Abu Dawood) Once a
man narrated a story to the Prophet that when he was burying his daughter alive according to the pre-Islamic
custom, the child cried, "Father, Father", he did not stop dropping the stones and earth upon her in spite of
her cries, till she was buried alive. The Prophet was so moved on hearing that that tears flowed from his eyes
till his beard became wet.
He was not only kind to human beings but also animals. Once he was passing by a camel that was fatigued due
to hunger and overwork, he said, “Fear Allah! With regard to these animals. Ride them in health and leave
them in health” (Sunnan Abu Dawood).
Courage/Self Reliance/Determination
He was a brave and courageous man who faced many difficulties and hardships, but never showed any
weakness or timidity. He fought many battles and remained firm and steadfast under severe attack. He was
always nearest to enemy lines when battles raged, he remained firm are steadfast in his position while others
fled. During the battle of Hunain, when the enemies showered the Muslim army with arrows, many of the
Companions ran away from the battlefield, he kept on fighting and calling them to come back. He pressed
ahead, spurring his mule, saying, “Verily, I am the true Prophet. I am the son of Abdul Muttalib. His courage
and bravery saved the situation on both the occasions. Abu Ishaq once reported from Hazrat Ali that, “In the
Battle of Badr, we took protection behind Allah’s Messenger against the idolators. He was the bravest of
all”. Once news spread that Madinah had been attacked, the people got ready to fight. Muhammad was
ahead of all men, he did not wait to saddle his horse and rode bareback into all dangerous places, and come
back with the news that all was safe.

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Anas reported, "... Once during the night, the people of Medina got afraid (of a sound). So, the people went
toward that sound, but the Prophet having gone to that sound before them, met them while he was saying,
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid." (At that time) he was riding a horse belonging to Abu Talha and it was
naked without a saddle, and he was carrying a sword slung at his neck." (Sahih Bukhari)

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Patience/Perseverance
Muhammad passed through a period of great distress and hardship at Makkah; he bore all the difficulties with
patience and remained steadfast and never complained about them spite of the ill treatment of his enemies,
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he always treated them kindly and never cursed them. He endured the persecution of Quraysh until he was
forced to leave Makkah. Later, they attack Madinah, and fought many battles with him, but he bore all their
aggression with patience. His conduct was exemplary which finally made him victorious.
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It is reported that there was no rain for some time and the Quraysh were stricken with famine, so much that
they even ate bones. Abdullah narrated, "Abu Sufyan came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle!
Invoke Allah to send rain for the tribes of Mudar for they are on the verge of destruction." On that the
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Prophet said (astonishingly) "Shall I invoke Allah for the tribes of Mudar? Verily, you are a brave man!" But
the Prophet prayed for rain and it rained for them”.
The Prophet went to Ta'if to invite them to Islam, but Banu Thuqail refused to listen to him, they abused him
and pelted him with stones, he took shelter in the shade of a wall of garden outside Ta'if, and prayed to Allah.
At that time angel Gabriel and said, "Allah has heard the way your people have responded. He has,
therefore, sent this angel in charge of the mountains. You may command him as you please." Then the angel
of the mountains greeted and submitted, "if you like I would overturn the mountains from either side upon
these people," The Holy Prophet replied, "No, but I expect that Allah will create from their seed those who
will worship none but Allah, the One".

Justice and Equality

Muhammad was a just man; he never considered himself above anyone. He sat among the people like an
ordinary man, worked like an ordinary laborer with his Companions in the construction of Mosque of
Madinah. He also participated in digging the trench around Madinah with other Muslims at the time of the
Battle of Allies. Once the Muslims were on a journey, everyone took charge of doing a certain duty, the
Prophet took charge of collecting wood from jungle.
The Prophet's uncle and Aas, Zainab’s husband were taken prisoners during Battle of Badr. They were treated
the same way, the other prisoners were treated. The Companions asked the Prophet to free them without
taking ransom, but he refused to treat them differently.
The Prophet treated people with fairness and never discriminated between Muslims and non-Muslims in
matter of justice. The Jews used to come to him to have their dispute settled. A Muslim went to Khyber and
was killed by the Jews, his sons complained to the Prophet, he said, "If you swear as to who has committed
the murder, you will have the right to take your right from the murderer." "They said, "How should we
swear if we did not witness the murder or see the murderer?" (Sahih Bukhari) The Jews were the only people
who lived Khyber and there was no doubt to the fact that they had killed the man, but since there was no

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eyewitness, the Prophet did not ask them anything: and paid the blood money from the state treasury.
Once a woman named Fatima, from an influential tribe of Makkah stole, the Prophet ordered her hand to be
cut. Usamah bin Zaid interceded on her behalf but he refused. 'Aishah reported, "Usamah approached the

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Prophet on behalf of the woman. The Prophet said, "The people before you were destroyed because they
used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If
Fatimah (the daughter of the Prophet) did that (i.e. stole), I would cut off her hand." (Sahih Bukhari)
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Hospitality
Even before he was raised to the status of Prophethood, the Holy Prophet was known as a hospitable and
generous person. He used to feed the poor, the needy, the widows and the orphans. His house was open to
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all; rich and poor, friend and foe, all came to him and were treated very generously by him. Nobody ever went
back without having received something from him. His hospitality was not confined to the Muslims alone but
was also extended to non-Muslims. Polytheists and Jews, all were his guests and he entertained them all. He
always laid great stress on good treatment of guests. He said: "Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day
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should show hospitality to their guest." (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet Muhammad was an ideal host; he entertained his guests to the best of his ability. He said,
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"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously. The guest's reward is: to
provide him with a superior type of food for a night and a day and a guest is to be entertained with food for
three days, and whatever is offered beyond that, is regarded as something given in charity." (Sahih Bukhari)
Once a deputation from Abyssinia came, he accommodated them in his house and he himself served them. At
another time, a Bedouin came as a guest to the Prophet, he gave him milk of a goat; the guest was not
satisfied and wanted more; In this way, the Prophet gave him milk of seven goats, till he was satisfied.

Generosity
Prophet Muhammad was by nature, a very generous person. Jabir bin Abdullah reported that the Prophet
never said, "No" to a request. Once when a Bedouin came to him and saw his herd of goats, he requested for
them all, and the Prophet gave him the whole herd grazing between two mountains. The man then took them
to his people and said: "O people! Embrace Islam. See how much Muhammad gives. He does not think of
poverty and his own need." (Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Muslim)
In the battle of Hunain, the Muslims captured 24,000 camels, 40,000 goats, 40,000 Auqiga (ounces) of silver as
booty but the Prophet did not touch a single thing. He distributed all the booty and returned home as empty
handed as he had gone.
• Muhammad (pbuh) would never refuse the beggar, would feed the poor and hungry, going hungry himself.

• Muhammad (pbuh) would give away his possessions and money. Muhammad (pbuh) never turned down
anyone who asked him for something, and once a person asked for the clothes he was wearing, he took off his
garment and handed it to the man.
• Once, 70,000 dirhams were brought to Muhammad (pbuh) and he laid them on the floor and gave them out
until they were all finished. Muhammad (pbuh) was most generous in Ramadan.

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• When Muhammad (pbuh) returned a debt he gave more than he owed. Even when Muhammad (pbuh) asked
for water from a woman to drink, he gave the water skins back with more water in them as well as some food.
• Muhammad (pbuh) was generous with his prayers, praying for those who hurt him rather than asking for

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their destruction, e.g. at Ta’if and Uhud.
It is reported by Ayesha that: "At the time of his death, the Holy Prophet did not leave behind any silver or
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gold, goat or camel and neither any will about anything." (Sahihain)

Love for Allah

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Prophet Muhammad was the chosen and the exalted one, regarding whom the Qur'an says, "Indeed you
stand on an exalted standard of character." (Surah-Al-Qalam, Verse: 4). yet he was the most eager and
earnest in paying homage to Allah. Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba reported that the Holy Prophet once got up at night
and stood praying for such a long time that his feet became swollen. On being asked why he did this when all
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of his former and latter sins had been forgiven, he replied "Should I not be a grateful servant (of Allah)?”
Ayesha related that the Holy Prophet once kept awake throughout the night till morning reciting only one
verse. The Holy Prophet was never at ease except when he performed the prayers. It seemed that even after
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saying his prayers, he eagerly looked forward to the time when he would again be paying homage to Allah.
The Holy Prophet often remarked: "The comfort of my eyes lies in prayers”.The Companions of the Holy
Prophet related that whenever he had any trouble, he used to prostate in supplication to Allah.

Prophet’s Behavior towards Others

Rights of Parents
Islam confers great rights to parents. To obey one's parents and treat them with respect a kindness is next to
Divine Worship, "And remember We took a covenant from the children of Israel (to this effect), worship
none but Allah, treat with kindness your parents. (Baqarah 2:83)
A man asked the Prophet. "What deeds are the best?" The Prophet said, “(2) to be good and dutiful to one's
own parents.” (Sahih Bukhari).
Abu Ummah reported, the Prophet also said. "The parents of a person are his Heaven or Hell” (Ibn-
Majah). This shows that if a person obeys his parents and attends to their needs and comforts and keeps
them happy, he will attain Paradise. On the other hand, if he is rude and disobedient to them and offends
them by ignoring their feelings or by causing them grief in any other way his place shall be in Hell. He also said,
"In the good pleasure of the father lies the good pleasure of the Creator and in his displeasure, lies the
displeasure of the Creator." (Tirmidhi)

Status of Mother
The suffering and pain which a mother bears during pregnancy, at childbirth, and in bringing up her child has
been mentioned along with the emphasis of expressing kindness to parents. Allah says, "We have enjoined on
man kindness to his parents, in pain did his mother bear him and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying
of the (child) to his weaning is (a period) of thirty months. At length when he reaches the age of full strength
and attains forty years he says 'O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for your favor which you have

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bestowed upon me and upon both my parents." (Al-Ahqaf 46:15).
The rights of a mother are three times more than that of father. Abu Hurairah narrated that a person asked
the Prophet, "Who has the greatest claim on me with regard to service their and kind treatment? The

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Prophet replied your mother, and again your mother, and once again your mother. After her, is the claim of
your father." (Agreed upon)
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A person can attain Paradise by serving his mother and obeying her. He said, "Paradise lies at the feet of
mother." (Musnad Ahmad)
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Special Care during Old Age

Parent’s needs should be looked after in their old age. To serve them dutifully in that state is most pleasing act
in the sight of Allah. Allah says, "Your Lord has decreed that you worship. None but Him and that you be kind
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to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life say not to them a word of contempt nor
repel them but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and
say, My Lord! Be- saw on them your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood," (17:23-24) preferable for
a person to serve his parents, when they need his help than to go to jihad. "A person once came to the
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Prophet and said that he wanted to participate in Jihad. The Prophet asked him, 'Are your parents alive?" "Yes,
they are alive,' he replied. The Prophet said, 'Then strive in their service and assist them at the time of their
need (This is your Jihad). "Sahih Bukhari)

Financial Care parents

It is a child's duty to fulfil his parents' material and financial needs. "A man came to the Prophet and said, 'I
have got wealth and my father is in need of my wealth." He said, 'both you and your wealth belong to your
father. Verily your children are the best of your earning. So eat of the earning of your children.’" (Abu
Dawood)

Disobedience to Parents
Disobedience to parents is a great sin. The Prophet said. "To abuse one's parents is also a major sin." He was
asked, "Can anyone abuse his parents?" "Yes," the Prophet replied, "If a person abused someone else's
parents and that person, in retaliation, abused his parents, and then it is as though he himself had abused
his parents. "(Agreed)
Children should respect their parents even if they are polytheists and they want them to follow their religion.
They should refuse, but should continue to be kind and respectful to them.
Children should shower their parents with love and affection. The Prophet said, "No obedient son looks
towards his parents with kindness but Allah writes for him one accepted pilgrimage for every such look."
They enquired, "And if he looks hundred times every day." "Yes" said he, "Allah is the greatest and most
Beneficent" (Baihaqi)

Parents' Rights after Death

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Some of the rights of parents take place after their death. It is children's religious duty to pray to Allah for their
forgiveness. They should also fulfil their promises, be kind to their friends, and say, "My Lord! Have mercy on
both of them, as they cared for me when I was little." (Al-Isra 17:24)

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It is related that a man came to the Prophet and asked him, "O Prophet of Allah! Are there some rights of my
parents, on me, which I have to fulfil even after they have died?" Yes, the Prophet replied, "These are to
pray for mercy and forgiveness on vice their behalf, to fulfil the promises they have made to anyone, to pay
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due regard to the and bonds of relationship from their side and to be respectful to their friends." (Abu
Dawood)
The Prophet was an orphan. His father died before he was born, while his mother died when he was six. He
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went to see the grave of his father at the age of six with his mother. Later once he passed by the grave of his
mother, he stayed there and prayed for her.

Rights of Islamic Brotherhood

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The people who responded to the call of the Prophet came to be known as an "Ummat- um-Muslima": the
Islamic Fraternity and Brotherhood. The Ummah includes people from various countries, races, tribes and
social ranks, each with their own ethnic, cultural and linguistic features. The Prophet commanded the Muslim
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Ummah to behave kindly towards one another at the time of need.

The Prophet established the first Muslim brotherhood on his arrival in Madinah between the Emigrants and
the Helpers. The Emigrants were in dire need, they had left their homes and properties in Makkah, the Helpers
made great sacrifices and shared their homes and belongings them. He said, "The connection between
Muslims is like that of a strong building one strengthens another." (Agreed) In another tradition, he
said, "The Muslim society is like body in respect of mutual love and sympathy, if a limb in a body suffers
pain, the whole body responds to it by sleeplessness and fever." (Agreed)
The blood, property and life of a Muslim are unlawful to another Muslim, Allah says, "New should a believer
kill a believer, but (if it so happens) by mistake." (An-Nisa 4:92) A
Muslim must protect the honor and dignity of another Muslim and he should stand by him the time of need;
protect and guard him from any evil or danger that he may be unaware. There is a great reward for looking
after the needs of other Muslims and removing their distress. Abdullah Ibn 'Umar reported, the Prophet said,
"Every Muslim is brother of another Muslim, he should neither harm him, nor should he leave him alone
when others treat him unjustly (he should help him). Whoever will fulfill the need of a fellow brother, Allah
will fulfill his need, and whoever removes the distress of a fellow Muslim, Allah will remove his distress on
the Day of Judgment, and whoever will hide (keep secret) the faults (and shame) of a fellow Muslim, Allah
will keep his sins secret on the Day of Account." (Agreed)
Every Muslim has certain duties and obligations towards other Muslim. The Prophet said. "The rights of a
Muslim towards other Muslim are six, when you meet him you greet him, and when he calls you respond to
him, and when he seeks your advice give him advice, and when he sneezes, and praises Allah respond to
him and when he falls ill visit him, and when he dies follow his funeral." (Sahih Muslim)
The Holy Prophet himself went to the sick people to enquire about their health and advised the Muslims to
follow this practice. Abu Musa reported that the Prophet ordered us, "Walk after the Janaza (bier), visit the
sick and greet the people with Salam” (Sahih Bukhari) Regarding the behavior with the sick, Abdullah de son

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of Abbas said: "Sitting for a short while and not making noise, while inquiring after a patient is the practice
of the Holy Prophet” A Muslim
should wish for his brother the same kind of privileges and benefits that he wishes for himself, the Prophet
said, "None of you believe until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself." (Mishkat)

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Muslims should not back bite, hate, envy or follow the secrets of other Muslims, the Prophet said, "Beware of
the conjectures because conjecture is the most false of talk, and be no inquisitive nor overhear anything nor
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dispute with one another, nor envy one another, no hate one another, nor leave one another in the lurch,
and take the servants of Allah as brethren." (Agreed)
A Muslim is not allowed to stop meeting or severing ties with another Muslim for more than three days. The
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Prophet said, "It is not allowable for a believer to keep from a believer for more than three days. If three
days pass, he should meet him and give him a salutation and if he replies to it they will both have shared in
the reward; but if he does not reply will bear his sin". (Abu Dawood)
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It is the duty of a Muslim to make peace amongst the Muslims in case of discord, "If two parties among the
Believers fall into a quarrel, make you peace between them." (Al-Hujrat 49:9)
Every Muslim must spread what is right and good (amr bil-ma'ruf) and forbid what is bad (ai’nahy an'l-
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munkar). He should spread good virtues and strive to eradicate evil in society as well as guide others regarding
religious matters and show them the right path.
The Qur'an says, "(They are) those who, if we establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give
regular zakat (regular charity), enjoin what is right and forbid what is and wrong"(Al-Hajj 22:41)
The Holy Prophet's mercy, kindness and concern for his companions was widely known. He used to enquire
about the welfare of each one of his companions. He would get worried if any one of them did not visit him for
a couple of days. He took interest in their welfare as well as personal problems. He shared their joys and
sorrows and was never indifferent to any one of them. It was due to his kindness that he was always
surrounded by his devoted followers who would not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for him. They played a
significant role in his successful political struggle.
The Prophet loved his Companions very much. He used to have deep feelings of affection for all of them.
Hence each one of them thought that the Prophet loved him more than anyone else. Amir bin-Al-Aas stated:
“The Holy Prophet used to talk with me with such deep attention and sincerity and bestow such affection
on me that I came to believe myself to be the best person among my people.”

Rights of Universal Brotherhood

As the Creator of all mankind, all will go back to Him, all are children of Adam and all men are equal and
brother of one another. Allah says, "O mankind! We created you from a single goal of a male and a female
and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other."
(Al-Hujrat 49.13)
The Prophet explained this principle in his Last Sermon, he said "O people! Your Lord is one Lord, and you all
share the same father. There is no preference for Arabs over non-Arabs, nor for non-Arabs over Arabs.
Neither is their preference for white people over black people, nor for black people over white people.
Preference is only through righteousness." (Masnad Ahmed)

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It is clear at human being are not created in classes or sects, further more man will be judged because of his
piety and righteousness. Allah does not confine it to one group of people or only to Muslims or people of
certain cast or color, rather the command is for all mankind. The Qur'an says, "Serve Allah and join not any
partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near,

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neighbors who are strangers, the Companion by your e side, the wayfarer (you meet) and what your right
hands possess." (An-Nisa 4:36) The Prophet also commanded Muslims to be kind to everyone, he said, "Allah
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is not kind to those who are not kind to others." (Agreed)

The Holy Prophet taught Muslims to protect the lives and belongings of strangers and wayfarers. Since the
death of Abdul Mutalib, there was no institution to ensure peaceful enjoyment by individuals of their rights
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and property in Makkah. After the sacrilegious war, a league was formed with the object of suppressing any
violence and injustice to the oppressed, whether citizen or stranger. Hazrat Muhammad was one of those who
joined the league and was so impressed by its noble objective that he remained loyal to it throughout. Later,
he would say that if he was again summoned to it, he would gladly respond.
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The creation is the family of Allah, man's love and mercy should engulf all the humanity irrespective of their
cast, color, creed, nationality or class, Muslim and non-Muslims alike. The Prophet said "The creation is the
family of Allah, so the dearest of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is the best to his family." (Baihaqi).
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He also said, "The main part of wisdom after religion is love for men and doing well for everyone, pious or
sinner." (Daraqutni)
Muslims should help those in need, spend on them and forgives them when angry, Allah says, "Those who
spend (freely) whether in prosperity or in adversity; who restrain anger and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves
those who do well." (Al- Imran 3:134)
Man should spread peace and feed the hungry and the needy, the Prophet said, "Feed and greet those whom
you know and those whom you do not know."(Sahih Bukhari)
In case of disagreement Muslims should resolve others differences. Resolving others problems and bringing
peace is better than fasting, praying or giving charity. The Messenger of Allah said, "Shall I not inform you
about what is better than the rank of fasting, charity and prayers? We replied, "Yes" he said, "To restore
peace between the two, and dispute between the two is destroying." (Abu Dawood)
 Islam forbids killing any man unjustly, killing any man amounts to killing the entire hum while saving one life is
like saving the entire mankind. "If anyone slew a person unless be for murder or for spreading mischief in the
land it would be as if he slew the who people and if anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of
the whole people” (Al-Maida 5:32)

Behavior towards Neighbors

Islam attaches great importance to the rights of neighbors. Allah says, "Serve Allah and join not any partners
with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who
are strangers." (Nisa 4: 36)
Good neighborliness is a part of Iman (Faith) and an essential requisite for salvation. Aisha reported, Allah's
Apostle said. "Gabriel kept on recommending me about treating the neighbor’s kind and polite manner, so
much so that I thought that he would order (me) to make them (my) heirs." (Sahih Bukhari)

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A neighbor who is a relative has three rights, a neighbor who is a Muslim has two rights while a polytheist
neighbor has one right. Jabir reported, the Prophet said, "There are three categories of neighbors. First one
who has three rights upon you. This is the one who is a Muslim and also a relative. The second one who has
two rights is Muslim neighbor and the third is polytheist neighbor who has only the rights of a neighbors”

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A person should not harm his neighbors with deeds or words. Abu Hurairah reported the Messenger of Allah
said, "He will not enter Paradise whose neighbor is not secure from his wrongful conduct." (Sahih Muslim)
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Poor neighbors should be helped. One should send them food and fulfill their needs. Anas related, the Prophet
said. "He has not affirmed faith in me (i.e. he is not a true follower who eats to his satisfaction and sleeps
comfortably at night while his neighbor goes hungry, and he is aware of it” (Baihaqi)
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Prophet said, "Whenever gravy is cooked in any one's house, he should increase the broth (by adding water)
and then send some to his neighbors." (Sahih Muslim)
While building a house, one should not raise walls that may obstruct sunlight or air flow to the neighbor’s
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house. Abu Hurairah reported, Allah's Messenger said, "None among you should prevent his neighbor from
fixing a beam in his wall." (Sahih Muslim)
The Prophet commanded those people who possess understanding of faith and religious knowledge to impart
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it to those living in neighborhood and to work for their moral and spiritual improvement.

Behavior towards Orphans

The Prophet commanded Muslims to treat orphans kindly, he said, "The best of the home of a Muslim is one
wherein there is an orphan who is treated well, and the worst home of Muslim is one wherein there is an
orphan who is treated badly." (Ibn-Majah) Allah says, “Treat not the orphan with harshness." (Ad-Doha 93.8)
Islam lays special stress upon feeding and clothing of the poor and the orphans: Looking after orphans carry
great reward, the Prophet said, "I and he who takes charge of an orphan whether his, or others shall be in
Paradise like this. He pointed out with his fore finger and middle finger leaving no space between the two."
(Sahih Bukhari)
 Guardian should manage the property of orphan with the best of his ability, he should not mix the orphan's
property with his own, or change it, or cheat in any other way. Allah says, "To orphans restore their property
(when they reach their age) nor substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones, and devour not
their substance (by mixing it up) with your own. For this is indeed a great sin." (An-Nisa 4:2)
Well-to-do guardian should not ask for payment for his services, Allah says, "Make trial of orphans until they
reach the age of marriage, if then you find sound judgment in them release their property to them, but
consume it not wastefully nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off let him claim no
remuneration but if he is poor let him have for himself what is just and reasonable." (Al-Nisa 4:6)
The Property of orphan should be restored to him as soon as he reaches adulthood, those who eat up
property of orphans will be punished, Allah says, "Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans eat up
a fire into their own bodies, they will soon be enduring a blazing fire." (An-Nisa 4:10)
Abu Hurairah reported that when a man complained to the Holy Prophet of having a hard heart, he said: "Pat

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an orphan's head and feed the poor." (Mishkat)

Behavior towards Poor

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The poor and the needy include all helpless people; the widows; the orphans and the debtors etc. The Prophet
commanded the Muslims to treat the poor and the needy with kindness. Allah says, "Serve Allah and join not
any partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near,
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neighbors who are strangers, the Companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet) and what your right
hands possess." (An-Nisa 4:36)
Muslims must help the poor and needy and spend on them, Allah says, "To spend of your substance out of
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love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask and for the
ransom of slaves." (Al-Baqarah 2:177). The Messenger of Allah said: "A man has sinned enough if he neglects
to feed those in needs." (Muslim)
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Looking after the poor carries a great reward, the Prophet said, "The one who strives for the widows and the
poor is like one who fights in the way of Allah," he said, I shall regard him as one who stands up (for
prayers) without rest and as one who fasts without break." (Agreed)
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The Holy Prophet always showed utmost kindness and sympathy to the poor, who were the foremost
supporters of his religion. He used to go with them to the Ka'abah for prayers and the chiefs of Makkah used
to laugh at them. It is reported by a companion: "Once I was sitting in the Mosque of the Prophet and the
poor Muhajireens were sitting in one part of the Mosque. After some time, Allah's Messenger came and sat
with them. On seeing this, I got up and sat with them. The Prophet said: "Give good news to the poor
muhajireens that they will enter Paradise forty years before the rich." I saw their faces light up with joy and
hearing this and I wished to be along with them or to be one of them." (Afzal-ur-Rehman: Encyclopedia of
Seerah Vol. I)
Abu Zarr, another companion said that the Holy Prophet ordered him to love the poor and be near them.
(Mishkat)
The Holy Prophet often used to pray: "O Allah! Keep me alive as a poor man; make me die as a poor man and
resurrect me in the company of the poor." His wife, Aisha, asked: "Why, O Messenger of God?" He replied:
"Because they will enter Paradise forty years before the rich." Then he said: "O Aisha! Never turn
away any needy man from your door empty handed. Give something, even if all you can give is half a date.
Aisha! Love the poor, bring them near to you and Allah will bring you near to Him on the Day of
Resurrection." (Tirmizi, Ibn Majah)
Once Hazrat Abu Bakr treated Salman and Bilal, who were among the poor mujahidin very harshly. On hearing
this, The Holy Prophet asked him: "Did you not hurt them?” Hazrat Abu Bakr went to them and asked
forgiveness. (Mishkat)
A companion reported that once they were sitting with the Holy Prophet when some people arrived barefoot
and in rags. The Holy Prophet was shocked to see their condition. He asked Hazrat Bilal to call out the Azan.
After the prayers, he asked the people to help them. (Afzal-ur-Rehman: Encyclopedia of Seerah Vol.I)
The Holy Prophet issued instructions that Zakat should be collected from the rich of every tribe and town and
spent on the poor of the same tribe and town.

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Behavior towards Slaves/Servants
Slavery existed before the advent of Islam. Islam did not abolish slavery, however it took steps towards

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emancipation of slaves, expiation (kaffara) of many sins is freeing a slave. "If one (so) kills a believer it is
ordained that he should free a believing slave and pay compensation to the deceased's family unless they
remit it freely." (An Nisa 4:92)
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The Prophet commanded Muslims to be kind to slaves. They should not be overburdened with work. In case
the work is difficult or hard, a person must share their burden and help them. The Prophet said, "Your slaves
are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So whoever has a brother under his
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command should feed him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them (slaves) to do
things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so, then help them." [Sahih Bukhari]
The Prophet urged Muslims to feed and clothe the slave, the same way they eat and dress. They should
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overlook his shortcomings and forgive him for his mistakes. However if a person is unable to forgive, it is
better for his master to sell him. In his last sermon, the Prophet said, "And your slaves! See that you feed
them such food as you eat yourselves and dress them what you yourself wear. And if they commit a mistake
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which you are not inclined to forgive then sell them, for they are the servants of Allah and are not to be
tormented!" (Sahih Bukhari)
He also used to say, "They are your brothers: give them to eat what you eat, give them to wear what you
wear." (Sahih Bukhari)
Master should not beat slave or treat him unkindly, the Messenger said: "He who slaps his slave or beats him,
the expiation for it is that he should set him free." (Sahih Muslims) Islam promises great reward for freeing a
slave, Abu Hurairah reported, the Prophet said, "Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will save all parts of his
body from the (Hell) Fire as he has freed the body parts of the slave" (Sahih Bukhari)
Once a companion abused a slave, who complained to the Holy Prophet. He said to his companion, "You are
still ignorant; these slaves are your brothers. God has given you power over them. If they are not suited to
your temperament, sell them. Don't harm God's creatures" (Mishkat)
Abu Masud reported that once he was hitting his slave when he heard someone behind him saying: "Abu
Masud, God has more control over you than you have over this slave." When he turned around, he saw the
Holy Prophet. Abu Masud said that thereafter he never hit any of his slaves. (Afzal-ur-Rehman Encyclopedia of
Seerah Vol.I)
It is reported by Hazrat Abu Bakr that the Holy Prophet said: "One who treats his slaves badly and unkindly
will not enter Paradise." (Afzal-ur-Rehman Encyclopedia of Seerah Vol.I)
Muslims are encouraged to marry believing slave to save him from sin if they cannot marry a free woman for
some reason. "If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed
believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess." An-Nisa 4.25]
Zakat may be given to salves so that they may buy their freedom.
Whenever he received any slaves, he always gave them freedom, but they could never free themselves from

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his kindness and generosity. They left their parents, relatives and family and regarded it an honor to live in
bondage to him. Zaid bin Haritha was one such slave. The Holy Prophet freed him and gave him the choice to
go with his father who had come to take him, but he refused to go with his father and preferred to stay with
the Holy Prophet.

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Anas also served him as his slave. He said that one day the Holy Prophet directed him to go on an errand
however, (out of love) he said. "By Allah I will not go", although he intended to do the task. So, he went ahead
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but, on the way, stopped by some children who were playing. Suddenly, the Holy Prophet gently held him by
the neck. He turned to find him smiling and said: "O Anas! Did you go where I sent you?" He said, "Yes, Allah's
Messenger, I am going there."
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He served the Holy Prophet for over nine years but was never scolded. Anas reported that he served the
Prophet for ten years, and he never said to him "Uf" (a minor harsh word denoting impatience) and never
blamed him by saying, "Why did you do so or why didn't you do so?" (Sahih Bukhari)
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A person should overlook faults of his servant and forgive him, Abdullah bin 'Umar reported, "A man came to
the Prophet and asked: Apostle of Allah! How often shall I forgive servant? He gave no reply, so the man
repeated what he had said, but he still kept silence. When he asked a third time, he replied: Forgive him
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seventy times daily." (Abu Dawood)

Behavior towards Enemies and Non-Believers

(a) Describe two events from the life of the Prophet that illustrate the way he treated non-Muslims. [10]
October/November 2009

The Prophet laid great stress on human rights (Huquq Al-Ibad) so much so that he has even conferred rights to
enemies.
Enemy can be divided into two groups; the combatant and the non-combatant. The latter group comprise of
women, children and the old. There are specific instructions that they should not be harmed
While fighting enemy, Muslims are ordered to observe certain principles; they should not be the first to
initiate fighting; they should not cut fruit trees; or demolish places of worships or mutilate bodies of the dead.
The following hadith outlines some of the teachings of the Prophet regarding the treatment of the enemy.
Bureyd reported, "When the Messenger of Allah appointed anyone as leader of an army or detachment... He
would say: Fight in the name of Allah and in the cause of Allah. Fight against those who do not believe in
Allah. Wage a holy war: do not embezzle the spoils, do not break your pledge, do not mutilate (the dead)
bodies and do not kill children. When you meet enemies who are polytheists, invite them to three courses
of action. If they respond to any one of these, you also accept it and restrain yourself from doing them any
harm. Invite them to (accept) Islam ... If they refuse to accept Islam, demand from them the Jizyah. If they
agree to pay, accept it from them and hold your hand." (Sahih Muslim)
Plundering is prohibited during battles, Kulayb reported from a man of the Ansar. The Prophet said, "Plunder
is more unlawful than carrion," (Abu Dawood)

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Prisoners of war should be treated kindly. After the Battle of Badr, the Prophet divided the captives among his
Companions and ordered them to look after them and feed them. The prisoners were treated kindly,
impressed by this generous treatment many accepted Islam...

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The Rightly Guided Caliphs followed the policies of the Prophet. When Abu Bakr sent the Muslim army to
Syria, he advised Yazid, "I advise you ten things: Do not kill women or children or an aged infirm person. Do
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not cut down fruit-bearing trees. Do not destroy an inhabited place. Do not slaughter sheep or camels
except for food. Do not burn bees and do not scatter them. Do not steal from the booty, and do not be
cowardly." (Muwatta)
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Muslims should not fight if the enemy stops fighting, Allah says, "And fight them on until there is no more
tumult or oppression and there prevails justice and faith in Allah, but if they cease let there be no hostility
except to those who practice oppression." (2:191)
Treaties made with enemies should be fulfilled, Allah says, "(However, the treaties are) not dissolved with
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those pagans with whom you have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you nor
aided anyone against you. So fulfill your engagements with them to the end of their term." (Al-Taubah 9:4)
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In the sixth year of Hijrah, Muslims went for umrah, however the Quraysh did not let the Muslims enter
Makkah, and the Treaty of Hudaibiya was concluded, one of the term stipulated that if any Muslim went from
Makkah to Madinah, he would be returned, Abu Jandal, a new convert, escaped from Makkah, he had been
severely tortured. The Makkans asked the Prophet to return Abu Jandal, the Prophet tried to get an exception
in that case, however they refused. Abiding by the treaty the Prophet gave in to their demand.
The Prophet was forgiving towards his enemies. At the time of Conquest of Makkah, he forgave all his enemies
who had persecuted him and forced him to migrate to Madinah, and waged battled against him.
The Prophet commanded Muslims to be forgiving and merciful even to their enemies, it is reported a
Companion of the Prophet asked him, "O Messenger of Allah! Supplicate against the polytheist. He replied,
"I have been sent not to curse, but I have been raised up as mercy." (Sahih Muslim)
When the Muslims were fighting against the people of Taif, the Companions asked the Prophet to curse them,
instead of cursing the enemy he prayed for them. Jabir reported, "When the people said, "Messenger of
Allah, Thuqaif’s arrows have scorched us, so supplicate Allah to punish them," he said, "O Allah, give
guidance to Thuqaif."(Tirmidhi)
It is reported by Abu Hurairah, that one night an unbeliever was a guest of the Holy Prophet. One by one, he
drank the milk of all the goats, but the Prophet did not show any sign of anger or dislike. Next morning,
impressed by the Prophet's behavior, he embraced Islam. When a Christian deputation came from Abyssinia,
he kept them in his house and served them personally throughout their stay. Once a polytheist was his guest.
He gave him the milk of one goat and he drank it all. He was given the milk of a second goat, and he drank that
as well. In this way he drank the milk of seven goats but he was continuously offered until he felt satisfied.
Abu Hurairah's mother who lived with him in Madinah, was an unbeliever. She used to abuse the Holy
Prophet, about which Abu Hurairah complained to him, but he prayed for her.
The leader of the hypocrites Abdullah bin Ubbay and his followers embraced Islam but were not true Muslims.
This behavior at the time of the Battle of Uhud and other occasions was damaging to Islam, but the Holy

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Prophet always treated them with kindness.
The Jews were extremely hostile to the Muslim, but the Holy Prophet was always kind to them. Once a Jew
complained to the Prophet that a Muslim had slapped him. He called that Muslim and scolded him. Once, the

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funeral of a Jew was passing by and the Holy Prophet stood up as a mark of respect.
Once when the Holy Prophet was offering the morning prayers with his companions, some unbelievers came
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down from the mountain to kill the Muslims. They were caught and brought before the Holy Prophet who
forgave them and set them free.
The unbelievers at Makkah had ill-treated the Holy Prophet and subjected him to the worst kinds of torture.
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They had brutally killed his uncle Hamza and wounded his daughter Zainab, which resulted in her death. They
even planned to kill him. They made his life in Makkah miserable, compelling him to leave the town and
migrate to Madinah. Then they launched a number of attacks on the Prophet and his followers. But when
Makkah was conquered, he forgave every injury inflicted upon him and proclaimed a general pardon for
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everyone. The believers entered Makkah peacefully, no house was looted and no woman dishonored. He, who
had been tortured, persecuted and harassed even in Madinah, forgave every injury suffered by him and his
followers, thus proving that he was the Prophet of peace and blessing.
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The Holy Prophet treated the non-Muslims with the best of conduct. In spite of their harsh and hateful
behavior, the Prophet never cursed them or complained about their attitude. His conduct won the hearts of
his enemies.
One of the best examples of the Holy Prophet's behavior towards non-Muslims was during his visit to Taif,
when the people of Banu Saqif refused to listen to him and abused him. They pelted him with stones and he
was wounded so badly that his sandals were filled with blood. At that time when the Angel Jibrael descended
along with the Angel of the mountains and gave him the choice to decide the fate of the people of Taif, he
said: "Why should I pray for the destruction of these people? I hope that their posterity will certainly be
among the believers in one Allah." (Sahih Muslim)
He prayed to Allah to show the right path to the people of Taif, and in 9A.H. the whole of Taif accepted Islam.
 While returning from Taif. Injured and exhausted, the Prophet and Zaid bin Haritha sought refuge in an
orchard. There the Prophet invoked Allah loudly this supplication is known as Du'a-al-Mustad'afin (Prayer of
the Oppressed):
"O Allah! I complain to you of my weakness and humiliation before the people. You are the Most Merciful,
the Lord of the weak and my Lord too. To whom have you entrusted me? To one who does not care for me?
Or have you appointed my enemy as master of my affairs? So long as you are not angry with me, I care not.
Your favor is abundant for me. I seek refuge in the light of Your Face, by which all darkness is dispelled and
every affair of this world and the next is set right, lest your anger or your displeasure descend upon me. I
desire your pleasure and satisfaction. There is no power and no might except in you."

Rights of Animals
Islam commands kind treatment to animals, the Prophet said, "The Compassionate One has mercy on those
who are merciful. If you show mercy to those who are on the earth, He who is in the heaven will show

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mercy to you." (Abu Dawood)
The Arabs were very cruel to them. It was common practice in Arabia to put a ring round the neck of a camel.
He also forbade people to keep animals in their working equipment for a long time.

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During the times of ignorance people would cut the limbs of animals while they were alive for eating. The
Prophet forbade this inhumane practice. Ibn "Umar narrated: "The Prophet cursed the one who did Muthia
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to an animal (i.e. cut its limbs or some other part of its body while it is still alive)." (Sahih Bukhari).
Animal fights were also made unlawful. Islam forbids sports based on animal fights, or killing of animals
without necessity and for mere sports. Another custom was to tie up animals and practice arrow shooting on
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them. This was also prohibited. Hisham bin Zayd reported, "Anas and I went to Al-Hakim bin Ayyub. Anas saw
some boys shooting at a tied hen. Anas said, "The Prophet has forbidden the shooting of tied or confined
animals." (Sahih Bukhari)
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The Prophet forbade the hitting animals on their faces and branding them, "Allah's Messenger (peace be
upon him) saw an ass which had been cauterized on the face. He disapproved of it saying: By Allah, I do not
cauterize (the animal) but on a part at distance from the face, and commanded (for the cauterization) of his
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ass and it was cauterized on the buttocks and he was the first to cauterize on the buttocks." (Sahih Muslim).
The Holy Prophet told the people to brand animals on those parts which were not tender. Anas reported that
he saw the Prophet branding sheep on their ears. (Mishkat)
A woman was sent to hell because she locked a cat and it died of starvation, ibn 'Umar reported The Prophet
said, "A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied, neither giving it food nor setting
it free to eat from the insects of the earth." (Sahih Bukhari)
A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was
about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it.
So, Allah forgave her because of that. (Sahih Bukhari)
The Prophet forbade his Companions to keep animals hungry or thirsty, to disturb or to overburden them. The
Prophet instructed Muslims to sharpen knife for slaughter to give minimum pain to the animal. He
commanded kindness towards animals and taught that putting them at ease was a meritorious act tending to
bring people nearer to Allah. He is stated to have said: "Allah has commanded you to show kindness to
everyone, so if you have to kill, kill nicely and if you slaughter an animal, slaughter it gently. If anyone of
you has to slay an animal, he should sharpen the blade first and treat the animal well." (Sahih Muslim)
Once the Prophet passed by a camel that was exhausted and hungry, he said, "Fear Allah! With regard to
these animals Ride them in health and leave them in health." (Sunnan Abu Dawood)
Once Muslims camped during a journey, a man lit a fire near an ant-hill, when the Prophet saw the fire he
immediately ordered him to extinguish it.
Once a Companion caught two little baby birds; the mother started to circle above them with cries of pain.
When the Prophet saw this, he asked the person to set them free (Bukhari).

Behavior towards Children

Holy Prophet loved children. A companion quoted Anas as saying "I have never seen anyone act more kindly

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towards children than All Messenger." (Afzal-ur-Rehman: Encyclopedia of Seerah Vol.I)
Anas is reported to have said: "I never prayed behind an Imam who briefer or more perfect in his prayer
than Allah's Messenger. If he heard baby crying, he would shorten the prayer for fear that the mother might

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distressed." (Afzal-ur-Rehman: Encyclopedia of Seerah Vol.I). Another companion reported him as saying:
"When I begin the prayer intend to make it long, but I hear a baby crying and shorten the prayer, being
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aware of the mother's emotion because of the crying." (Mishkat)
His love and kindness was not confined to Muslim children only. Once in battle, a few children came into the
battlefield and were killed. The Holy Prophet was distressed about this. Someone told him that they were
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children of unbelievers to which he replied: "Even children of unbelievers are better than you. Beware! Do
not kill children." (Afzal-ur-Rehman: Encyclopedia Seerah Vol.I)
When anyone brought the first fruit of the season, he would give it to the youngest child in the assembly.
Whenever he came back from journey, he would let the children who met him on the way ride with him.
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Once, when he was kissing children, a Bedouin came to him and said: "You love children very much. I have
ten children and I have never kissed one of them." The Holy Prophet replied: "What can I do if Allah has
taken away love from you." (Mishkat)
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After migration from Makkah, as he was entering Madinah, some young girls of the Ansar were singing with
joy in front of their houses: He asked them if they loved him. They answered in the affirmative. To this, the
Prophet said: "I love you too." (Afzal-ur-Rehman: Encyclopedia of Seerah Vol.I)

Behavior towards Women

The Holy Prophet was very kind and affectionate towards women when were treated very badly in those days.
He gave them honor and dignity equal to men in the community. Hazrat Umar said: "We did not have much
regard for women at Makkah; but they were better treated in Madinah. God's Messenger established
women's rights through his sayings and commandments, which strengthened their position and status."
(Mishkat)
Usually, it was men who were always around the Prophet and women did not get any time to listen to him or
enquire from him about their problems. Therefore, the women requested him to appoint one day for them for
this purpose. The Prophet accepted their request and appointed a day for them. Thus, the women enquired
about their problems from him very freely and without any fear. Once some women were sitting around the
Holy Prophet and talking very loudly to him. When Hazrat Umar came into the house, they all left and him and
hid themselves. Hazrat Umar, addressing them, said, "You fear me but you do not fear Allah's Messenger."
They replied: "You are hot-tempered in comparison with Allah's Messenger." (Afzal-ur-Rehman:
Encyclopedia of Seerah Vol.1)
Once the Holy Prophet was sleeping in the house of Hazrat Aisha. It was the day of ‘Eid and the girls were
singing. Abu Bakr came into the house and sold them to stop singing. The Holy Prophet said: "Let them sing, it

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is the day of ‘Eid." As a result of the Prophet's kind treatment, women would visit him and ask him questions.
The companions were often surprised at their boldness. The Prophet was always gentle and tolerant towards
them. As women are usually of a tender and weak nature, he took special care of them and treated them with
kindness.

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Anas (R.A) narrated that once a woman who was mentally weak said, "O Prophet, I need something." He
said, "O Umm So-and-So, tell me!" He listened to her while she whispered and said whatever she wished.
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In Musnad Ahmed, it is reported from the daughter of Khubab that during the days her father had gone for
Jihad, the Prophet visited their house and milked the goat.
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[Position of Women]

Relations of Muslim States with Other States

Islamic international relations are based on the fact that all mankind has a common origin; therefore, all are
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equal. Islam respects other people's rights and tries to maintain friendly relationship with them. Allah says,
"Mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord Who created you from a single person created of like nature his
mate and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women." (An-Nisa 4:1)
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Muslim and non-Muslims are equal in respect of all state matters. The relationship of Muslim states with other
states is based on justice and equality, Allah says, "Lo! Allah commands you that you restore deposits to their
owners, and, if you judge between mankind, that you Judge justly" (Al-Nisa 4:58)
The relationship of Muslim state with other states is based on friendship and cooperation. Islam commands
Muslims to establish peace; they must try to make peace with the enemy and they are forbidden to fight if the
enemy is inclined towards peace. "But if the enemy inclines towards peace, do you (also) incline towards
peace and trust in Allah." (Al-Anfal 8:61)
Muslims should not start a war and they are only allowed to fight with those who fight with them, Allah says,
"Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities." (Al-Baqarah 2:190)
In case of war, Muslims must keep it humane; the women, the old and the children should not be injured;
bodies should not to be mutilated and prisoners of war should be treated humanely. Islamic state must
preserve and protect its territory against foreign invasion.
Muslims should respect and honor agreements and treaties they have made with other states the terms and
conditions of the international treaties should be fulfilled under all circumstances. Muslims should not be the
first one to break treaty, "Fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have entered into it and break not your
oaths after you have confirmed them." (16:91)
Muslims are forbidden to fight or to interfere in internal affairs of other states with whom they have made
alliances even if it is for purpose of helping and protecting their own people who are living there, Allah says,
"It is your duty to help them except against the people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance."
(Al-Anfal 8:72)
Ambassador should not be harmed under any circumstances, even if he brings an unpleasant message.

Prophet’s Significance as the Seal of Prophets

Khatam an-Nabiyyin is translated as Seal of the Prophets, the Qur'an designates the title to the Prophet

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Muhammad It means that Muhammad is the last messengers of Allah and no prophet will come after him.
Allah says, "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the messenger of Allah, and the seal
of the prophets." (A)-Ahab 33 40

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The Prophet said. “There will be no prophet after me". In another tradition, he said, "My relation to the long
lines of the prophets can be understood by the parable of s building. The building was most beautifully
built. Everything was complete therein except the place for one brick. I have filled the place and now the
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building has been completed."
The long line of the prophets started with Adam and finished with Muhammad the lives and teachings of the
prophets before Muhammad have been altered, adulterated or lost by their followers. Besides their teachings
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were incomplete and did not provide complete code of life necessary for successful and prosperous life. These
messengers were sent to a particular people or country and for a particular period. Besides, their message was
only for those people and not a universal message.
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The Prophet Hood of Muhammad is distinguished in many ways:-

Islam is a perfect religion and deals with all aspects of human life, political, economic, ethical, legal and social
aspects. It is perfect in all respects. Allah says "This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my
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favors upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." (Al-Maida 5:3)
It is a universal message for all mankind. Muhammad was not sent down for any particular country or nation
but for the whole world. Allah says, "And we have not sent you (Muhamad!) Save as a bringer of good tidings
and a Warner to all the mankind." (Saba 34:28) Again He says "We sent you not (O Muhammad!), but as a
mercy for the world." (Al-Anbiya 21:107) The Prophet said, "Every Prophet who preceded me was sent
especially to his own people, but I have been sent as a Prophet to all mankind." (Sahih Bukhari) The Prophet
Hood of the Prophet Muhammad is eternal.
The message of Muhammad has been preserved in the Qur'an. It is unchanged. Allah promised to safeguard it.
"We have without doubt sent down the reminder, and we will certainly guard it." (Al-Hijr 15:9) The details of
life of Prophet Muhammad and his sayings are also recorded preserved.
Establishing good relations between Ansar and Muhajireens / Emigrants
and Helpers
(Charter of Madinah)
The brotherhood was created by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Medina between the Ansar and Muhajireens
(emigrants and helpers).
The people of Makkah who migrated to Medina are called Muhajireens. They were living in miserable
conditions in Makkah. The pagan Makkans used to persecute them especially those who were socially weak.
Thus Holy Prophet (PBUH) ordered these Muslim to migrate to Medina after the success of pledges of Aqabah
so that this oppression could be ended. The emigrants arrived in Madina without many belongings. The Holy
Quran says: “Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah) and emigrated are far higher in degree with
Allah. They are the successful.” (Sura Al Tawba)

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The people of Madina (the Aws and Khazraj tribes), who had invited the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to their city,
were happy to welcome the migrating Muslims. They were known as Ansar.
In order to reduce the hardships of Muhajireens and to unite the two groups, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) made

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them brothers, by pairing each of the Ansar with the Muhajireens. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) took Hazrat Ali as
his brother. Likewise, Mus’ab bin Umair and Abu Ayyub were made brothers.
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The Ansar wanted to share their date palms with the Muhajireens but the Muhajireens refused, so the Ansar
offered them to work in their orchards and in return they were given dates. Furthermore, the Ansar
generously shared half of their belongings with their Muhajir brothers. However, the Makkans did not want to
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be a burden on their hosts as they were traders and so wanted to carry on their work in Medina e.g. Hazrat
Abu Bakr and Abdul Rahman ibn Awf. Sa’ad bin ar-Rabi (Ansar) who was one of the richest trader of Medina
and Abdur Rahman bin Awf were made brothers. The extent of their brotherhood can be seen by the fact that
Sa’ad was willing to share half his property and divorce his wife for Abdur Rahman to marry. However, Hazrat
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Abdul Rehman refused, preferring to work himself. He just asked him to show him the road to market and
then started his own business of milk and butter and very soon became independent.

In this way the Madinan gave protection and material assistance to their Makkan brothers and the Makkans
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came with their faith to share and spread in Madina. They gave spiritual support to the Madinan, by virtue of
the fact they had spent time with the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The Holy Quran says: ‘Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated ….and those who gave shelter and
aided - they are allies (brothers) of one another.’ (Sura Al Anfal)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always appreciated the services of Ansar for Islam and has once said; “Love for the
Ansar is a sign of faith and hatred for the Ansar is a sign of hypocrisy” (Sahih Al Bukhari)
The Ansar and Muhajireens who formed the first Muslim community in Medina were a superb example of
cooperation, selflessness and brotherhood and thus a role model for the Muslim Ummah today.
Q (a) Write about the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)s interaction with the Quraish while he lived in Makkah,
before and after revelation. (10)
PARAGRAPH # 1: (INTERACTION BEFORE REVELATION)

 Discuss his titles Al-Sadiq & Al-Amin.

 Discuss he was trusted for keeping their belongings.
 He was trusted to lead their caravan for business purpose (Hazrat Khadija (R.A) caravan).
 He was trusted as an arbiter (Event of the black stone).
PARAGRAPH # 2: (INTERACTION AFTER REVELATION)

 Discuss very briefly about Mohammad (PBUH) becoming the Apostle of Allah and
(96:1-5)
 Statements on Silent Preaching with Reference (26:214) followed by discussion on rejection of Banu
Hashim.


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Statements on Open Preaching with Reference (15:94) followed by discussion on the event of Mount
Saffa where Quraish rejected his message.
 Conclude your answer with examples of Opposition and Persecution by Quraish on Prophet (PBUH).

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(a): The Relations of Prophet(S) and the Jews of Madina.
Prophet(S) migration to Madinah (Yathrib)
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 Aws, Khazraj and Jews: Banu Qunaiqa, Banu Nadir, Banu Qurayza
 All rich and powerful tribes
 Covenant/Charter of Madinah and complete religious and civic liberty
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 Many common observances

 Change in relations, 624 and 627AD
 All 3 were punished in different circumstances
 Assault on Khyber, 627AD, treaty of Khyber
 Prosperity for Muslims after the treaty Relations of the Prophet(S) with the Jews of Madinah
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The Prophet(S) recognized the Jewish tribes as an important community of Madinah after his arrival in the city in 622AD.
There were 3 major Jewish tribes in Madinah, Banu Qunaiqa, Banu Nadir and Banu Qurayza. All the 3 tribes were well
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settled in Madinah; and were fast dominating its economy and politics mainly due to their usury-based (interest)
financial transactions. The Prophet(S) realizing their political importance tried to make friends with the Jews.

He incorporated clauses in the Charter of Madinah and shared many rituals with them. The Prophet(S) granted complete
religious, civic and political liberty to the Jews. The Quran also refers to his covenant in Surah 2: “And remember We
took your covenant (to this effect); shed no blood among you......you solemnly ratified, and to this you can bear witness”
(2:84, al-Baqara) He also took other steps to befriend them.

Muslims used Jerusalem as their Qibla, fasted the Ashura fast, shared food with them and the Prophet(S) settled many
issues according to the Torah. This way he tried to make Madinah a democratic state, but the Jews did not comply with
him. They violated the covenant repeatedly and so; all the tribes were punished by the Prophet(S) between 624AD-
627AD.

Banu Qunaiqa were punished first, the event that immediately led to expulsion was the insult of a Muslim woman at the
shop of a Jewish goldsmith. This resulted in a violent quarrel between the Muslims and the Jews. The Jews had not
supported the Muslims in the battle of Badr, the Prophet(S) laid siege to their fortresses and after 15 days, on the
intervention of Abdullah bin Ubay, allowed them to leave. They left for Syria and Khyber.

Banu Nadir broke their covenant by not supporting the Muslims in the battle of Uhud. They also refused to share the
blood money with the Muslims regarding the incident of Bir Ma-una. Instead, they tried to kill the Prophet(S). He
therefore ordered their expulsion on their resistance; they were besieged for two weeks and finally, allowed to leave
with their assets in 625AD. The Quran mentions in these words; “It is He Who got out the unbelievers among the
People of the Book from their homes.” (59:2, Al-Hashr)

Banu Qurayza was punished due to their attempts to make alliance with the Allies during the battle of Khandaq, 622AD.
On their request, Sa'd bin Muaz (their former ally) was allowed to give verdict according to the Torah. Accordingly, their
men were killed, and women and children taken as captives. The Quran describes their loss in this verse: “God took
them down from their strongholds......some you slew, and some you made prisoners.” (33:26, al-Ahzab)

Finally, the Prophet(S) decisively assaulted the Jews settled in Khyber who were constantly conspiring against Islam. In
628AD, he attacked Khyber with 1600 troops against Jews of Banu Qunaiqa and Banu Nadir. Hazrat Ali (RA) played

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heroic role by defeating and killing Marhab, custodian of the Qamus fort. Treaty of Khyber was drafter under which the
Jews agreed to pay half their agriculture their agriculture produce to Madinah actually. The Quran describes the victory
as “And He (God) made you heirs of their lands, their houses and their goods.” (33:27, al-Ahzab). This way the
Prophet(S) dealt with the Jews of Madinah.

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Reasons for the changed Relations au
1: Threats to the Jewish designs of monopolizing economy of Aws and Khazraj destroyed their plans .

2: The Prophet(S) didn’t belong to the Israelite chain of messengers (descendants of Hz. Ishaq, son of Hz.Ibrahim)

3: Revelations about fasting, change of Qibla, abolition of riba/usury (interest) .

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The Jews were dominating the society, economics and politics of Madina before the arrival of the Prophet(S). They
exploited the differences between the Aws and Khazraj tribes and amassed huge wealth by charging riba/usury on loans
given to these tribes. The Prophet(S) unified all Muslims and Mawakhat ; universal brotherhood based common faith.
Then he received a revelation regarding banning the practice of Riba, “God has permitted trade but forbidden
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riba/usury,” (2:275, al-Baqarah).

This adversely affected the Jewish economic interests. The Jews believed in the advent of a Messenger (Messiah) and
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they identified Hazrat Muhammad(S) as a messenger but since he didn't belong to Hazrat Ishaq’s progeny they rejected
him and mocked him and his teachings, especially those about riba : “The Jews say, “God’s hand is tied up.” (5:64, Al-
Maida) This was sarcasm about God’s poverty. A poet of Banu Nadir, Ka’ab bin Al-Ashraf composed insulting poetry
against Islam, and was killed on order of the Prophet(S). Finally, the Jews became more hostile when the Prophet(S)
changed the Qibla after he received the revelation: “Turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque.” (2:144);
similarly, revelations about the fast of Ramadan made them hostile

Q (b) Why did the Quraish feel they needed to reject the Prophet (PBUH)s message? (4)
The Quraish who were mostly idol worshippers (polytheists) opposed Islam for mainly religious, economic and
social reasons.
 Firstly, the Quraish took Islam as an insult to the religion of their fathers and forefathers. This was mainly due
to the Islamic ideologies of abandoning idol worshipping and worshipping only one God. Also they took the
conversion of many into Islam as a betrayal to their gods and elders. Thus, to prove their loyalty they became
stubborn with their idolatry.
Secondly, success of Islam was a threat to their economy and pride in Arabia. With the possession of Kabah
the Quraish earned many fortunes due to the visit of Jews, Christians and idolaters from all around Arabia.
Their businesses in fairs also proved beneficial due to these visitors. If Islam succeeded, the possession of
Kabah would no longer remain with them thus it would have stabbed the back bone of their economy.
Also due to their gods and goddesses they kept inside Kabah they were granted immunity and favor from
robbers and looters of caravans who never raided their caravans.
Lastly, acceptance of Islam and its establishment would harm their social prestige. The Quraish had
established themselves as superior in society and became heads by mainly oppression. They mistreated poor

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and slaves, degraded women and buried their daughters etc. By the acceptance of Islam they had to quit these
false practices and consider themselves as equal to all those they had been oppressing.
Q (b) Why did the people of Makkah pursue Muslims? (4)

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 The people of Makkah pursued Muslims for various reasons.
 Initially when after open preaching Islam gained some strength their hatred to the new religion was
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immediately assessed by their cruel treatment to Prophet (PBUH) and his followers.
 They implemented every possible way to destroy Muslims and Islam, the newly growing faith.
 When Muslims escaped from their cruelties and went to Abyssinia they tried their level best to bring
them back.
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 This is due to their insecurity froun Muslirs. They felt threatened of losing their prestige and power in
Makkah with the success of Muslinis.
 They knew that the increase of Muslims in number would directly affect their religion as Islam totally
against Polytheism.

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Since Kabah was sacred for Muslims as well therefore the moment Muslims would come in their idols
would be harmed inside Kabah and they would also lose the possession of Kabah.
 With the possession of Kabah their economical stability would also be harmed as they wouldn’t be able
to gain financial and social benefits from the fairs they conducted for pilgrims.
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 Thus, they pursued Muslims so that Islam wouldn’t flourish and affect their religious and economical
establishment in the center of Arabia.