THE GIFT

Whenever they reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Then he would distribute them among those who sat around him. This morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

He (pbuh) accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said: O Prophet of Almighty God, you have over looked the right of those who watch while you eat? The Holy Prophet (pbuh) smiled and waited till the man who had brought the fruit had gone. Then he (pbuh) said: I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had I allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who had brought the gift. Rather than make him feel disappointing, my palate accepted the bitterness.

This is how Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught us best of morals and excellent manners. By living a simple and ordinary life and treating everybody alike with courtesy and respect, he was able to spread the light of Islam. His immaculate personality and lofty character, coupled with his honesty and wisdom, attracted multitudes of people towards truth and justice.

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) pays great importance to the behavior of human beings amongst each other in a society. Hence, always seems advising the following:

1. Deal gently with people, and be not harsh; cheer them and condemn not.
2. The best of friends is he who is best in behavior and character.
3. One who does not practice modesty and does not refrain from shameless deeds is not a Muslim.
4. Much silence and a good disposition; there are no two works better than these.