Garments for Each Other — Page 89
89 should remain within reasonable limits; in fact, there should be no animosity amongst each other. The exemplary model set by the Holy Prophet (saw) in all his affairs was not only for the people of that time; rather it is an example for us to follow till the end of the world. It should not be that we only read, listen and enjoy these examples but when the time comes, we overlook their significance. Numerous complaints are received about how masters abuse their servants for minor mistakes. Similarly, some husbands treat their wives brutally. They beat them wrongfully. Some cases are so bad that the wives have to go to hospital. In Europe, the police often make arrests and then a series of legal cases starts. The Sunnah (practice) of the Holy Prophet (saw) of being gentle, loving and kind towards family members is there for us to act upon. In some instances, the situation gets out of control and the husband’s relatives become a part of the quarrel. Sisters -in-law and mothers-in-law also beat the poor wife. In any case, such situations should be avoided. To control one’s anger, the Holy Prophet (saw) said that if an angry person is standing, he should sit down, and if he is sitting, then he should lie down and recite prayers of Istighfar (seek forgiveness) and Lahaul (complete surrender to God), and pour cold water over himself or perform ablution. All these admonishments have been given so that one may act on them. In these times the Promised Messiah (as), the true servant of the Holy Prophet (saw) has presented lofty examples of noble conduct. I will mention a few here: First, he would admonish and then remind his followers how the Holy Prophet (saw) emphasized those qualities that are essential to mainta in peace in one’s home. Regarding treatment of women, the Promised Messiah (as) said: