LESSONS FROM JESUS CHRIST — To Forgive and Forbear

The Prophet Muhammad was instructed by God to follow the guidance of the prophets before him. By extension, all the followers of Prophet Muhammad must also seek guidance from the lives of the other prophets. Each one of us must evaluate the situation we face, and then, whilst examining the lives of other prophets, should determine in which prophet’s story we can find a similar example. Our response to this situation should be the same as that of the prophets. Every one of the prophets mentioned in the Quran was an upright man, guided by God along a straight path. For example, from the Prophet Abraham we learn what our behaviour should be towards unbelieving parents. We are to obey them as long as doing so does not contradict God’s commands. We are to convey to them the message of God in a gentle, kind-hearted and reasonable manner. But if they chose to disbelieve, we must not force them, but, instead, should pray for their forgiveness instead. The Prophet Ismail’s example shows us what our behaviour should be towards believing parents. We are to obey them in what is right and seek guidance from them and assist them in their work. We learn a lesson from the Prophet Yusuf’s example of not standing against rulers and not confronting them in the political field. We should accept their position and avail of the opportunities that arise in other, non-political, spheres. Similarly, from Jesus’ life we can draw many lessons that can provide us with wonderful guidance. The Quran repeatedly mentions Jesus Christ, and we can learn much from his life. Unilateral Good Character Jesus Christ says: ‘‘But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you”. LUKE 6: 27-30 The same teaching is echoed in the Quran: