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The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) cared very much for each person in his Ummah, and was always there for anybody who needed his help. He treated people completely fairly. He helped slaves buy their freedom, and gave money to a Muslim who could not afford a dowry so that he could get married. He even asked Aishah (ra) to give whatever food they had in the house for the wedding feast. That night, Aishah (ra) and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) had no food at all.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) helped people to understand that Allah (swt) does not look on the outward forms of people but on their hearts and inward. This understanding helped the great and strong Muslims not to become arrogant and to know that it is their duty to protect the weak. Although in those days and all throughout Islamic history people kept slaves, he taught the Muslims that their slaves are not to be beaten. They are also not allowed to be overburdened with work. If the work is too much, then the master of the house should help. They are to eat with the family and are to be given the same kind of food that the family eat. They are to be clothed as the family are clothed. To encourage people to free their slaves, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) told them of the rewards they would receive in Heaven if they do so. He himself set a clear example when he appointed Bilal, a black man and former slave, to high office. Indeed, throughout Islamic history many of the most distinguished men and women have been former slaves or the sons and daughters of slaves.

He sought advice and counsel regarding all sorts of things - even matters of governance and strategies for battles, and would always listen carefully to each person's view. However, once he had taken a decision, the Ummah would support it fully.

He insisted that people should be kind to their animals, and said that no animal should ever be killed without good reason. They should never be tortured. Once when his army was on the march, he diverted the soldiers away from where a bitch lay suckling her young pups.

He taught the Muslims to be a responsible community, to look after each other and to love each other. He used to tell people with regard to their faith: "None of you (truly) believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."

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This article has been taken from the book titled "Islam and its festivals" by Istafiah Is'harc

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