Practical Examples of the Conduct of the Holy Prophet(sa) With Regard to Establishment of Human Values and Religious Tolerance

There is another example of his establishment of human values and of fairness.

‘Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila narrates that Sahl bin Hanif and Qais bin Sa‘d were sitting at a place called Qadsia when a funeral procession went by. They both stood up. When they were told that the funeral was that of a non-Muslim, they replied:

“Once a funeral procession went by the Holy Prophet(sa) who stood up as a mark of respect. He was told that it was the funeral of a Jew. To this the Holy Prophet(sa) replied:

Was he not human?”1

Thus should be the respect for the religion of others as well as for humanity. Such expressions and such models create an atmosphere of religious tolerance. In conveying such feelings, kind sentiments for others are generated and it is these sentiments that create an atmosphere of love and peace. Unlike the actions of the worldly people of today that are nothing beyond creating an atmosphere of hatred.

Another Tradition relates that at the victory of Khaybar some Muslims came upon some copies of the Torah. The Jews went to the Holy Prophet(sa) and requested that their Holy Book be returned to them. The Holy Prophet(sa) directed the Companions(ra) to return the religious books of the Jews to them.2

Despite the wrong attitude of the Jews for which they were being punished, the Holy Prophet(sa) did not tolerate to even treat the enemy in a way that would have hurt their religious sentiments.