Principle of Equality
(part 2)
Manifestation of Equality in the Prophet's (PBUH) Practice
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave a practical demonstration of equality in all social spheres, emphasizing on basic rights and the laws that benefit mankind and entitle them to enjoy public services.
He has said in this regard: “Men are equal like the teeth of the comb.”
As a ruler of the Islamic society, the holy Prophet was the picture of equality; he even carried this out in his look of affection at his followers. It has been quoted from Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S): “The Messenger of God (PBUH) would distribute his looks among his followers and looked at each equally.”
He was above any air of superiority and shunned any type of discrimination. It has been quoted: “He wouldn't even sport air of superiority over his servants in terms of food or clothing.”
In his 23-year mission his efforts were concentrated on familiarizing people with his conduct, including equality and to negate all baseless attributes that are alien to the human nature.
He burnt all the affinities
His fire burnt all the impurities.
In his position as ruler as well he was like all other ordinary people without any air of superiority, and administered the society without any special privilege. According to Imam Khomeini (R.A):
“The Islamic government is not like the preceding governments of the kings or presidents. The Islamic ruler is one who would sit in the same small mosque of Medina and those who governed other parts of the country would assemble in that small mosque, like normal people in a way that anyone entering would not realize who is the governor, who is the ruler and who is a poor man. Their attire was the same as that of the poor; their life similar to the poor. Their government was such that if one from the lowest level of the society would have claims against the ruler of the country or the one in authority, or another citizen, they would go to the judge and he would summon the ruler and the ordinary citizen.”
The Prophet lived like other people in the society. He neither owned a king's mansion nor would attend ceremonies were he was given privileges. In gatherings he would sit in a way there was no ranking. In Medina, the centre of his government, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would sit in meetings in a way that when a visitor arrived, he could not say who was heading the meeting.
He believed himself to be a member of the society, in the true sense of the term, and held no privileges for himself and abhorred discrimination. It is said during one of his trips, they wanted to slaughter a sheep. Each of the followers took to a chore. One said: “I will cut the sheep's throat” The other said: “I will skin it” The third one said:” I will cook it.” The Noble Prophet said: “I will gather wood for the fire” His followers said: “Don't trouble yourself!” He replied: I know you would do my work for me, but I don't like to have any privilege over you, as God doesn't like to see his man discriminated over his fellows. So he got up and started gathering wood.
Source:
Behavior and Character of the Holy Prophet of Islam from Imam Khomeini's Viewpoint
Written By: Mostafa Dilshad Tehrani
Translator: Ali Shahbaz
Other Links:
Principle of Modesty and Humbleness (part 1)
Principle of Modesty and Humbleness (part 2)
