Maulana Wahiduddin Khan | ST Blog | April 16, 2018THE simplest principle of the religion of humanity is to treat others just as one would like to be treated by them. The Prophet once observed:'No one can be a believer until and unless he begins to like for his brother what he likes for himself.' (Sahih al-Bukhari, hadith no 13).With minor differences these words of the Prophet have been recorded in all the books of Hadith. For instance, according to the tradition narrated by Muslim (the compiler of the second most authentic book of Hadith) the wording is as follows:'By the Being in Whose Hand is my soul; no one can be a believer as long as he does not like for his neighbour (or brother) what he likes for himself.' (Sunan ibn Majah, Hadith no 69) [Highlight1] All individuals, be they literate or illiterate, rich or poor, from any part of the world, are certain at all times of their own likes and dislikes. Now what is required is that they simply follow the principle that whatever behaviour they want from others, they should themselves accord to others. Conversely, whatever behaviour towards themselves they abhor in others, should likewise be eschewed by them.One who does not differentiate between his own people and others is a man of principle.This is such a comprehensive principle that it is useful in relations between men and women, individuals and nations, in the homeland as well as in foreign lands. If people were to adhere to this principle, their family life as well as their social life would improve. National life as well as international life would run more smoothly. It is like a master key to human ethics, one single key which suffices to open all locked doors.One who does not differentiate between his own people and others is a man of principle. His is a contradiction-free personality. And this trait, when properly developed, will turn him into a perfect person.
Related Articles
Article
The world of nature is a world of order. How different is the world of man, where human affairs so often descend into chaos, because the members of society flout those very principles which should bring order into their…
Article
Let Peace Prevail | Speaking Tree | TOI | 6th February 2012Faith can move mountains; it can also cause strife and violence. If God is with everybody then what is it that makes people kill in the name of religion?…
Article
If an engine driver is to set his locomotive in motion, he has to stand before the fire and endure its fierce heat. This huge and complex machine, built up of so many parts, will remain immobile unless he is prepared to…
Article
Stuti Malhotra | CPS Member | Speaking Tree, July 28, 2019Guru Nanak chose Kartarpur to practise his philosophy of equality, simplicity and righteousness, writes STUTI MALHOTRAGuru Nanak wanted to free our society from…
Article
In late December 1984 the Soviet First Deputy Prime Minister, Ivan Arkhipov, made a nine-day visit to the People's Republic of China. The two giants of the communist world have been at odds with one another over…