This is Muhammad School 12
Muhammad: that righteousness is the criterion of a man' superiority over another
The Prophet Muhammad commanded his people to avoid and reject any idea and concept of racial, tribe, family or any other form of superiority based on such ordinary things that are pertaining to this earthly world and He said that righteousness alone was the criterion of a man' superiority over another.
It is well known that the Prophet Muhammad used to:
- Mix with everyone on equal terms,
- Eat with slaves, servants and the poorest and serve them
- Serve the people and give them water to drink.
- Work like any ordinary laborer
- Refuse all privileges and
Two instances may, however, be quoted here:
Once upon a time, the Prophet Muhammad visited one of his friends, Saad Ben Obadah, who was sick. Upon finishing the visit, Saad commanded his son Quays to accompany the Prophet and go with Him until He reaches home. The Prophet wanted Quays to stay with his sick father; so He asked Quays to ride his camel and He will walk. Quays hesitated out of respect but the Prophet insisted: "Either ride my camel or go back." Quays decided to go back.
On another occasion the Prophet Muhammad was travelling on his camel over mountainous territory with a disciple, Uqba Ben Amer.
After going some distance, he asked Uqba to ride the camel, but Uqba refused thinking that this would be showing disrespect to the Prophet.
But the Prophet insisted and Uqba had to obey.
The Prophet himself walked on feet as he did not want to put too much load on the animal.
The first war between the Muslims and the pagan Arabs is called "war of Badr". The Muslims were some 300 while the pagan Arabs were more than 1000; however, the Muslims won.
Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad was among the prisoners of war of Badr. Some of The disciples felt sorry and would have abstained from their shares and send theirs to the Prophet's ransom (to pay and free Abbas) but the Prophet declined saying that He could make no distinctions.
During a halt on a journey, the companions distributed work among themselves for preparing food. The Prophet took upon himself the task of collecting firewood. His companions pleaded that they would do it and that he need not take the trouble, but he replied,
"It is true, but I do not like to attribute any distinction to myself. Allah does not like the man who considers himself superior to his companions."
Aisha, the wife of Muhammad said:
"Allah's Messenger used to patch his sandals, sew his garment and conduct himself at home as anyone of you does in his house. He was like an ordinary human being, milking his sheep, and doing his own chores. He would patch his garments and sole his sandals"
Aisha was once asked: "How was Muhammad with his family?"
She responded: "He was in the service of his family; He used to perform the Routine Household Tasks until it was time for prayer, at which time he would go and pray."
