Way of The Seekers — Page 86
86 THE 13 Cooperation. 14 Honesty. 15 Search for peace; to try to bring about peace and harmony. 16 Forgiveness. 17 Keeping of promises. 18 To raise the fallen. 19 To extend due regard and respect to equals. 20 To show proper deference to superiors. 21 Reconciliation: It is a virtue to bring about reconciliation in case of confrontation and to make an attempt at rapprochement. 22 Brotherliness. 23 Keeping secrets. 24 Cheerfulness. Virtues Relating to Lower Animals 1. To take good care of their diet. 2. To exact work only according to their capacity. 3. To feed animals which are not employed by man: The Holy Prophet (on him be peace) said: Once it continued to rain for days on end with the result that birds had to go hungry. A person who fed them was blessed with faith and consequently entered paradise. Those in whose wealth there is a well ascertained share for those who ask and those who do not ask. (70:25-26) It is a hallmark of the faithful that they share their wealth with not only those who request for help but also with those who do not so request. Birds and other lower animals also belong to the latter class. They too should be properly fed. 4. Taking care of animals: The poor dumb animals should be protected against the inclemencies of the weather. Their