LEARNING FROM THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD

strength. Beating someone in a physical competition is not a great feat; even an animal can perform such a feat. The greatest sign of a person being powerful is that when he gets angry with someone, he has complete control over himself. Despite anger, he should not go beyond the realm of humanity. Anger should not prevail over him, rather he should prevail over anger. A COMPREHENSIVE ADVICE The Prophet of Islam asked one of his Companions, “Shall I give you a compact piece of advice?” He said: “Yes, O Messenger of God”. The Prophet said, “Guard your tongue.” (At-Tirmidhi) Guarding the tongue means that a person should refrain from saying something offensive to others. He should protect himself, in all circumstances, from the evil that spreads in society. It is a fact that most social evils are spread through people losing control of their tongues. Controlling the tongue closes the door to all kinds of social evils. It is a sign of seriousness that a person should always use his language carefully. Misuse of language appears when a person harms others, speaks harshly to others, finds fault in others, and spreads rumours about others. EXTRAVAGANCE The Quran forbids extravagance, which is spending without real need (7: 31). The Prophet of Islam said that it is also an extravagance to eat whatever you feel like eating. (Sunan ibn Majah) It is man’s legitimate right to spend on real needs. One should not spend out of desire and pleasure. God gives someone surplus wealth, not for spending it only on himself. Wealth is God’s trust, and he should spend it only on the things God has ordained for him. Extravagant lifestyle is an indication that a person has not fulfilled God’s trust. PEACEFUL CITIZEN The Prophet of Islam said that a Muslim is one from whose hand and tongue people are safe. (Musnad Ahmad) This means the true servant of God is the one who lives as a nonviolent person in society. He should not utter such words as may hurt others. That is, no one should experience harm from him. This is the minimum standard of humanity. The highest level of humanity is for men and women to live in a society in such a way as they may benefit each other. And if they cannot benefit others, then at least they should not become problem persons for others in the society.