A Compassion For All The Worlds

A Compassion for All the Worlds Among the worship practices he prescribed, one is zakat—giving a portion of one’s yearly income to those in need. This is like confirming through your wealth that you truly care for others. The foundation of human ethics laid by the Prophet is this principle: “Prefer for others the good you prefer for yourself” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 13875). This principle offers mercy to all aspects of social life. Every individual clearly understands what they like and dislike. For example, everyone wishes to be treated with love, not hatred. Everyone desires to be dealt with honestly, not deceitfully. Everyone prefers that others speak to them kindly, not harshly. If every person begins treating others the way he wants to be treated himself, society will become a place of peace and safety. Among his many teachings, one very important one is this: even if someone treats you badly, still treat them well. Don’t match their behaviour—rise above it. Your behaviour should not be based on how others treat you, but on your own high moral values. There is great wisdom in this teaching. The truth is that this is the only path to real success in this world. Even when others behave badly, one must maintain good conduct. Those who fail to do this can never reach true success. They cannot stay on the high path of character that they once claimed to follow.