Wisdom of The Holy Prophet — Page 28
28 8. Seek exaltation in the sight of Allah through courtesy towards one who behaves churlishly towards you and through bestowing favours upon him who deprives you of that which is due to you. 9. Be courteous and consort with the poor and humble. This will exalt you in the sight of Allah and will guard you against pride and arrogance. 10. A gentle word is charity. I I. Bad behaviour is an evil quality. 12. Two qualities never combine in a true believer: niggardliness and ill-behaviour. 13. That one of you should accompany a brother to help him in some affair of his is better for him than spending two months in retreat in my mosque. 14. Be mindful of your duty to Allah and do not neglect the smallest good you can do, even if it should be no more than pouring water from your bucket into that of one who is thirsty, or meeting your brother with a smiling face. Do not let your robe trail below the ankles for this is a sign of vanity which is displeasing to Alla:h. Should a person abuse you or taunt you with a failing from which you do not suffer do not taunt him with a failing from which he does suffer. Forbear, and he will carry the burden of his guilt and you will be rewarded for your forbearance; and speak not ill of anyone. 15. When a person who is honoured among his people visits you, do you also receive him with honour. 16. The Holy Prophe (peace be on him) forbade a person making his brother vacate his seat to occupy it him self. 17. Let not anyone occupy another person's normal seat in his own house without his permission. 18. Let not any of you approria:te to his own use in fun or in earnest an article belonging to his brother, and should he borrow even his brother's stick let him hasten to restore it.