The Importance of Doing Good: A Lesson from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
"Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong (even) if they do evil." (Tirmidhi) لاَ تَكُونُوا إِمَّعَةً تَقُولُونَ إِنْ أَحْسَنَ النَّاسُ أَحْسَنَّا وَإِنْ ظَلَمُوا ظَلَمْنَا وَلَكِنْ وَطِّنُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ إِنْ أَحْسَنَ النَّاسُ أَنْ تُحْسِنُوا وَإِنْ أَسَاءُوا فَلاَ تَظْلِمُوا .Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2007
It highlights the importance of being independent thinkers and doing good regardless of how others treat us.
The Power of Independent Thinking
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) believed in the power of independent thinking. He encouraged his followers to use their intellect and make their own decisions based on sound judgment. In this saying, he warns against blindly following the actions of others. He advises us not to be swayed by the actions of others, whether good or bad. Instead, we should make our own choices and act in a manner that aligns with our values.
Doing Good Even When Others Do Not
The second part of this saying stresses the importance of doing good even when others do not. It is easy to be kind and generous when others are treating us well. However, the true test of our character is how we respond when others mistreat us. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) teaches us that we should never stoop to the level of those who do us wrong. Instead, we should continue to do good and strive to be better than those who wrong us.
The Importance of Fairness and Justice
Another underlying theme of this saying is the importance of fairness and justice. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) believed in treating others fairly and justly, regardless of their background or beliefs. He urged his followers to avoid discrimination and to treat everyone with respect and dignity. This saying reinforces the idea that we should always strive to do what is right, even if it is difficult or unpopular.
The Relevance of this Saying in Today's World
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are timeless and relevant in today's world. We live in a society that is often divided by differences in race, religion, and ideology. This saying reminds us that we should strive to treat everyone with kindness and compassion, even those who do not treat us well.
Here are some related verses from the Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):
1.
وَٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلْخَٰشِعِينَ
"And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]." (Quran 2:45)
This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and prayer in difficult situations. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also stressed the value of patience and perseverance in many of his sayings.
2. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
أَحَبُّ النَّاسِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ
"The best of people are those who are the most beneficial to people." Source: al-Mu’jam al-Awsaṭ lil-Ṭabarānī 6026
This saying of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) highlights the importance of serving and helping others. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to make a positive impact on those around us.
3. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet(s.a.w) said:
مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent."
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2500
This saying of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stresses the importance of speaking kindly and avoiding harmful speech. It encourages us to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others.
Overall, these verses and sayings reinforce the idea that we should strive to be kind, compassionate, and beneficial to others. They remind us of the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, and of the value of independent thinking and doing good even in the face of adversity.