The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page ccxcix
GENERAL INTRODUCTION inquired whether either of his parents was alive and the man told him that both were alive. He then asked: "Are you indeed anxious to win the pleasure of God?" and on the man replying in the affirmative the Prophet said: "Then go back to your parents and serve them and serve them well. " He pointed out that one's non-Muslim relations were equally entitled to be treated kindly and with consideration along with one's Muslim relations. One of Abu Bakr's wives, who was a non-Muslim, visited her daughter Asma' and the latter inquired of the Holy Prophet whether she might serve her and make presents to her, to which the Holy Prophet replied: "Certainly, for she is thy mother" (Bukhārī, Kitābul-Adab). He treated not only his near relatives but even remote ones and anybody connected with them with great consideration. Whenever he sacrificed an animal he would send a portion of the meat to the friends of Khadijah (his deceased wife) and told his wives never to overlook them on such occasions. Many years after Khadijah's death when he was sitting with some of his Companions, Khadijah's sister, Ḥālah, came to see him and asked permission to enter. Her voice sounded in the Prophet's ears very much like that of Khadijah and when he heard it he said: "Oh Lord! This is Hālah, Khadijah's sister. " Indeed, true affection always manifests itself thus that one becomes fond of and considerate towards all those who may be connected with a person whom one loves or holds in high esteem. Anas bin Mālik relates that during the course of a journey he found himself in the company of Jarir bin 'Abdullāh and observed that the latter busied himself in looking after him as a servant looks after his master. As Jarir bin 'Abdullah was older than Anas, the latter was embarrassed and protested that Jarir should not put himself out on his account. Jarīr replied: "I used to observe how devotedly the Anṣār served the Holy Prophet and, being impressed with their devotion to and love for the Holy Prophet, I had resolved in my mind that if I ever happened to be in the company of an Anṣārī, I would serve him like a servant. I am, therefore, only carrying out my resolve and you should not seek to dissuade me" (Muslim). This incident affirms that where one person truly loves another, his affection extends also to those who sincerely serve the object of his attachment. In the same way those who truly honour their parents are always deferential and considerate towards those who may be connected with their parents through bonds of affection or relationship. On one occasion the Holy Prophet stressed it as the highest virtue for a man to honour the friends of his father. Among the persons addressed was 'Abdullah bin 'Umar. Many years after, while proceeding on Pilgrimage, he met a Bedouin and he made over to him his own mount and also presented him with his turban. One of his companions observed that he cclxxiii