An Example of Noble Character

If other people are self-centered, he seeks the good. If others exploit, he benefits others. If others have rebellious temperaments, he is humble. If others are warlike, he is peace-loving. If others take pleasure in killing, he finds happiness in giving life. If others carry hatred toward people, he alone carries love, even if others hate him. In Sahih al-Bukhari, there is a narration from Aisha that shows the approach of the Prophet of Islam in worldly collective affairs. Al-Bukhari recorded this hadith under four chapters. The narration states: “The Messenger of God never had to choose between two matters except that he took the easier one.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3560) This is a Sunnah of the Prophet of Islam. It shows that in matters presented before him among people, he always chose the easier path. When one way was peaceful and the other confrontational, when one was conflict and the other agreement, when one was the path of war and the other of peace, in all such cases, he chose the relatively easier and simpler option. This principle is evident throughout his entire life. This Sunnah is well-known and established. However, generally, it is applied only in small matters. For example, when the Prophet was leading the prayer and a child’s crying was heard behind him—brought by its mother—he would shorten the prayer. Instead of reciting a long chapter, he would recite a short one and finish quickly so the mother