OCTOBER 21

Comprehensive Principle

The 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’ (Fathul Bari, 1/73).

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.

All individuals be they literate or illiterate, able-bodied or handicapped, whether of one class or another, are certain at all events 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.

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.