Forty Gems of Beauty — Page 135
135 been so engaging with him in your conversation. ” The Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said: “ Aisha! Is it not my duty to deport myself in excellent ways in my social contact with the people? ” 29 Before embracing Islam, Ab u Sufy a n was a bitter enemy of the Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him). But when the Caesar of Rome enquired of him about the teachings of the Holy Prophet to his people (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and asked if he had ever broken a promise or betrayed a trust, Ab u Sufy a n had nothing to say about the Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him) but that he prohibited the worship of idols, taught excellent manners and that he had never broken the pledge he made with them. This excellence of his conduct was not confined to men only. He has included even animals within the fold of his compassion. He would constantly impress on his companions: ;C _ : n 0 _5n9 >7 “It is a good deed to show compassion to all living beings. ” Once when a camel was moaning piteously under the weight of an excessive load, the Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was deeply moved and, walking over to the beast, compassionately patted its head and told his owner that the dumb animal was complaining of its cruel treatment and that he should treat it with consideration so that he may be shown compassion in the heavens. 29 S a h ī h al-Bukhārī, in “ Al-Adab Al-Mufrad ”, “Praising People”, Hadith No: 338