Life Supreme — Page 43
46. LIFE SUPREME yearned for the time when he might be able to return to Mecca; but he had to wait ten years before this was possible. When he did return he was accompanied by ten thousand followers who could have taken. Mecca by storm; but the Holy Prophet gave strict orders that there should be no bloodshed despite the earlier enormities committed on the Muslims by the Meccans. The Holy Prophet entered Mecca full of forgiveness for the persecutors and he dealt severely with only a handful of persons who had been guilty of excessive crimes. All others he pardoned although they had committed grievous injury upon him and his small group of converts when they had resided in Mecca; and even after they had migrated to Medina, those same Meccans pursued them and battled against them on several occasions. Such was the magnanimity of the Holy Prophet. He never sought revenge. His heart was full of mercy, sympathy and love for mankind. . CONTEMPT. Contempt and scorn is another manifestation of rancour. This mental attitude is incompatible with the spirit of holiness. One may strongly dislike the behavior or characteristics of somebody but one's thoughts towards him should always be of a charitable nature. . Contempt hardens the heart. . Almost everyone suffers ill-health in one way or another during his or her lifetime. Millions wantonly injure their health through careless habits of living. Smokers, drinkers and gormandisers are but a few examples. Those who pass through life unscathed are infinitesimal. . Similarly, everyone except the prophets of God suffer to a lesser or greater extent from spiritual maladies. One does not treat the physically sick with contemptuous indifference; nor should the spiritually sick be treated in a similar manner. One's attitude towards them should be one of sympathy-not antipathy. . PRIDE. Rancour sprouts from pride. One who is proud, even in the least degree, is inclined to think improperly towards others. All derogatory thoughts mixed with prejudice are rancorous. Pride is detested by. God. "Walk not on the earth proudly. " (17:39) "Evil indeed is the abode of the proud. " (16:30). It has also been said concerning this sin: