Superiority Complex Leads to Evil CONTENTS

journey could be undertaken only with the help of an expert guide. Otherwise, it was impossible. The Prophet of Islam and his companion, Abu Bakar Siddiq, selected one Abdullah ibn Urayqit, to guide them on this journey. Abdullah ibn Urayqit used to guide people over long distances as a profession and, although he was a polytheist and belonged to the community of those who were hostile to the Prophet, the Prophet still accepted him on this risky journey. (Sirah Ibn Hisham, v. 2, p. 98) What was the reason for this selection? The reason was that although Abdullah ibn Urayqit belonged to the community of the Prophet’s dire opponents, he was known for his professional honesty, that is, he was totally sincere in his profession. Whatever service he accepted, or whatever responsibility he undertook, he performed it with total honesty. In the matter of his undertaking he did not let his beliefs or any other personal interests come in the way. Professional honesty is a quality which makes one dependable in the eyes of others. Even his enemies trusted him. He behaved in such a way that people took him at his word. He thus had a place of honour amongst his own people as well as those of other communities.