The social features in Islamic society

 Promoting the spirit of gratitude

 

I would like to provide another example to illustrate how the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) would imbue the general atmosphere of his society with Islamic values. Apart from political beliefs and tendencies and other such issues, in Islam what is important is the spirit of loyalty, respecting each other’s rights and showing gratitude for the efforts and services of other people. This is very important for the health of society and the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) would repeatedly stress this point. He would not just pay lip service to such things. For example, he would not just advise the people to respect their promises and show their gratitude, rather he would create the necessary conditions for the people to do so.

According to a narration, a delegation had been sent by Najashi the king of Abyssinia to meet with the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) in Medina and to deliver a message, which was a common practice among different states. Najashi was the king of Abyssinia and just like many other kings of his time, he was Christian, but when the delegation came to visit the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.), he stood up to receive and serve them. His companions said: “Messenger of God, we are here, so let us take care of serving the guests.” The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) said: “No, when Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, their king showed a lot of respect and now I want to return the favor.” This is an example of showing gratitude.

During his life, the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) fought many battles against polytheists of Quraysh and he also fought a few battles against the Byzantine Empire – which was in control of the Levant region as well as Palestine. He even took part in the Battle of Yarmouk, the Battle of Mu’tah and the Battle of Tabouk, but he never fought a battle against Abyssinia and he never deployed his army there.
It was not the case that the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) used to fight every king who did not believe in Islam. Najashi’s commitment to his promises and the Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) gratitude for Najashi’s favor were not forgotten even after the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) had established an Islamic government. Many such examples can be provided from the life of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.), but it would take too long to discuss every example.

Reference:Lessons from the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) Sayyid Ali Khamenei on the personality and be’that of the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.)