The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 39
II - Brief Note on Islāmic Equality 39 great even in Islām (because Islām does not snatch the acquired greatness of any individual). However, the condition is that they adopt the knowledge of religion and personal goodness. ” 1 From the above mentioned references, which put forward fundamental insights on the perspective of Islāmic equality, the following points may be concluded: In their origin, all people are the progeny of one forefather and the branches of a single tree, and no individual or nation possesses distinction over another individual or nation, merely on the basis of racial difference. Since Muslims belong to the community of one prophet and are bearers of the same faith, they are brothers to one another. In the likeness of minerals in the earth, various nations and individuals can and do in fact take on different characteristics; but due to this, no individual or nation has the right to flaunt themselves over another individual or nation. Prior to Islām, the merits which were considered the basis of an individual’s or nation’s greatness, such as, wisdom, knowledge, generosity, bravery, power and influence, etc. , customarily stand in Islām as well. However, Islām has added the condition that in addition to these commonly known qualities, the quality of spirituality is also necessary. Islām has declared virtue and fear of Allāh to be the greatest quality, because this quality is most beloved to God in Islām, and he who excels in this quality shall be deemed distinct in relation to others. Directions of Granting Due Regard to Ranks in Everyday Relations After presenting the fundamentals of Islāmic equality, Islām addresses the question that if despite having a common origin the circumstances and qualities of people can be different, then given the existence of inevitable disparities, what behaviour should be employed in the everyday social affairs between people of different ranks? Hence, in relation to this, the Holy Prophet sa states: 1 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Manāqib, Bābu Qaulillīhi Ta‘ālā Yā Ayyuhan-Nāsu Innā Khalaqnākum Min Dhakariw-Wa Unthā. . . , Ḥadīth No. 3496