ISLAMIC SOCIETY

Islamic Society ~ 148 ~ when pain is felt in one part of the body, the rest of the body should immediately register it. In this way, the distress of one single Muslim would quickly extend to other Muslims who would not then be at peace with themselves until they had relieved their brother of his pain. The nature of Islamic society must be such that day to-day dealings are marked with mutual kindness, esteem and consideration. People should be as ready to assist each other in times of need as they would be to take action in the case of their own need. For example, when one sees another homeless and destitute, one should feel as if it were oneself, and not another, who lacked a home and the basic necessities of life; with this feeling in one’s heart, one could not then just leave one’s brother in the lurch. Then, as to the manner in which one embarks on a suitable course of action, all one’s deeds should be carried out in a spirit of humility, and with the idea of doing justice to all. There could be no question then of behaving with arrogance, attempting to assert one’s superiority, or even of feeling jealous of anyone who excelled in some particular way. Everyone should wish his fellows