Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 248
248 business and co-workers, wayfarer and travellers and your slaves. ' 132 Islam has placed social relations on a firm basis by declaring the rights of these classes of persons, especially those of the poor, who are our backward brothers. Well-to-do members of society have been made responsible for the welfare of orphans. The former must bring up the latter like their own children. Those who are poor and out of work must also be helped and have work provided for them. Again, a man is told to do good to his near and distant neighbours, that is, to persons living in the same town with him, and to those who have come to live there from other towns. Co-partners and co-workers are then mentioned as deserving of special treatment. I am personally not an admirer of trade unions which are the outcome of the social life of the West. If the social laws of Islam were acted upon the rights of workmen could be protected without the institution of such unions but this verse does indicate a certain amount of cooperation and brotherli- ness between persons working in the same profession. Again, we are told to treat travellers—rich or poor— kindly, so that brotherly relations may be established far and near, and the foundations of universal peace may be laid. Regarding the relations between old and young the Holy Prophet sa has said, 132 Al-Nis a ’, 4 :37.