Forty Gems of Beauty — Page 138
138 golden principle. Differences are bound to arise among nations and countries, as they do among individuals. In order to mitigate their bitterness, decent treatment of one another is the most effective remedy. A respectful attitude towards the leaders of one another exercises considerable influence in this behalf. The Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him) has accordingly commanded that whenever the leader or dignitary of another people or party visits Muslims, they should show him due respect, irrespective of his religion and race, and should not neglect the duties of hospitality towards him. This priceless injunction is the finest epitome of hospitality, good conduct, and true statesmanship. His personal example in this respect was reflected in his laying by a special robe which he would don when receiving foreign embassies, as a mark of special welcome to them; though, as a rule, he had simple tastes and his dress and food had no trace of fastidiousness. He was so particular in the matter of duties of hospitality to foreign delegations that, while on his deathbed, he made a will directing respectful treatment of visiting embassies and missions. Once when an ambassador was extremely impertinent in his conduct towards him, he [the Holy Prophet] told him that he could not rebuff him as he was the envoy of a foreign people. On the conquest of Mecca, the Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him) announced amnesty to those who would remain indoors within their own homes and would not visit the houses of others to hatch conspiracies against Muslims. Thereupon Ab u Sufy a n, the chief of Mecca, said that since he was the head of the Quraish tribe, he deserved special consideration. Granting his request, he said that his [Ab u Sufyan’s] house would be marked off for special treatment and that whoso sought asylum in it would be treated as if he took refuge in the Holy Prophet’s own house.