The ManicaPost
In the previous articles, we had seen the teachings of Islam regarding the rights and duties in respect of specific categories of people in community who are related to each other or have a direct connection/ dealing with each other. Interestingly we find that Islam extends the duties of every individual to all others in community — fellow humans or mankind in general. The Holy Qur’aan contains specific injunctions in this regard and the teachings and sayings of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) cover this aspect in a fair amount of detail.
As the world very rapidly becomes a global village, we find that in most cases, communities comprise of people from people from various countries, races, tribes and social ranks, each with their own ethnic, cultural, linguistic, temperamental features as well as diverse religious and /or educational backgrounds.
In order to promote peace and harmony between them, there has to be a great degree of mutual respect and cordial feelings. After all, humankind originates from one source – Adam and Eve – hence we are meant to acknowledge that the next person is not only of the same “species” as ourselves, but he/she experiences the same feelings, emotions, anxieties, etc. like us. Allah Almighty declares in the Holy Qur’aan “O Mankind! We have creat-ed you from a (pair) of male and female and made you into communities /nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah Almighty is the most God-conscious (righteous) of you.” (Ch 49 : v 13)
So the observance and practice of righteousness at all times – in terms of duty to God Almighty as well as in terms of duty towards all others is of prime importance in the sight of The Almighty. Class, creed, ethnicity, etc. do not hold any specific regard or distinction in His sight – these are only means of gaining recognition within and between ourselves. One cannot afford to look down upon others in community just because they may be of a different ethnicity, profession, etc.
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said “Those whose hearts are devoid of mercy for others, will not obtain the mercy of Allah Al-mighty.”
The word “others” used here does not only refer to those who have a right upon us by bond of relation, association or employment, but all members of the larger community. Everyone, indeed, has a claim to kindness and compassion, no matter what class he/she may belong to.
However, true sympathy and kindness towards the wrong-doers in community, would demand that first of all, a sorrow and concern is felt in the heart at their plight and transgression and an effort is made to save them. Besides this, in cases of physical or worldly want and suffering, we are commanded to be kind and helpful to them.
