ISLAMIC VIRTUES

ISLAMIC VIRTUES To Emulate F OR centuries the lives of the Prophet and his Companions have served as models of a truly God-fearing existence for all humankind, and will continue to do so. Hence God’s preservation of this page of history with such exactitude that anyone, who is sincere about learning from their example can know, even today, every detail of how they lived and died. The following are a few of the examples worth emulating. LEARNING FROM EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS A cart pulled by two oxen, drove past Abu Darda, a Companion of the Prophet. He watched as one of the oxen carried on pulling while the other stopped. “There is a lesson even in this,” said Abu Darda. “The one that stopped was whipped, while the other was left alone.” MENTION WHAT IS GOOD: PASS OVER WHAT IS EVIL Abu Harun tells of how he once went to Abu Hazim, and after greeting asked him how one could offer thanks for one’s two eyes. “When you behold good, make mention of it and when you behold evil, pass over it,” replied Abu Hazim. Then Abu Harun asked him how one could offer thanks for one’s ears. “When you hear something good, pass it on,” said Abu Hazim, “and when you hear something evil, make no mention of it.” PREFERRING TO BE UNOSTENTATIOUS At the end of a long journey on camel-back, Caliph Umar arrived in Palestine along with a group of emigrants and helpers. The long garment which he had been wearing for so many days had torn at the back and it was given to be washed and mended. The garment was brought back mended, along with another one made out of fine cloth. Umar looked at it and asked the person what this was that he had brought. “Your garments,” he replied. “I have washed and patched it. The other one is a gift from me.” Umar examined it, running his hand over it, then he put on his own garment and gave the other one back to him saying that the old one absorbed sweat better. BY PERFORMING SMALL TASKS A MAN DOES NOT DEMEAN HIMSELF The Caliph of Islam, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, was talking to someone late one night when the lamp started flickering. “I will wake up the servant,”