SERVICE TO MANKIND

and whether he has succeeded in moulding himself entirely on the model of Islam. When Umar Faruq, the second Caliph of Islam, travelled from Madinah to Palestine, he had taken only one camel along with him. He thought, if he continued to ride the camel during the entire journey, it would be cruelty to the animal, so it must be given rest. Therefore, he rode and walked by turns so that the camel should have periods of rest, until he reached his destination. This shows that if the true spirit of Islam is inculcated in a person, he becomes so compassionate to all living beings, that, even at the cost of his own comforts, he extends a helping hand to others. According to a Hadith, “By God, he is not a Muslim who eats his fill, while his neighbour goes hungry.” This shows that a Muslim is one who is concerned with others’ hunger and thirst as he is with his own; who is concerned not only with his own person but with the whole of humanity. According to another Hadith, you should, “extend greetings to people, feed them and earn your place in heaven.” This shows that according to Islam that person is worthy of heaven whose heart is eager for others’ peace and well-being, who is eager to share with everyone, whether it be food, clothes or medical help, etc. In short, one should share in people’s pain and suffering. Islam is a religion of humanity. Islam considers serving others as a great act of worship. According to the teachings of Islam, it is only in serving people that we shall have a share in God’s mercy. o It is only in serving people that we shall have a share in God's mercy. Intellectual Development Healthy differences, inviting discussion and dialogue and intellectual exchange, lead to intellectual development, while a ‘no difference’ situation leads to intellectual stagnation.