Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
“In the realm of relationships, warmth is the foundation that fortifies love, bringing comfort and joy to hearts that intertwine.”
In the tapestry of human existence, relationships weave the threads that form the fabric of our lives. While love is often extolled as the pinnacle of connection, there are deeper nuances that transcend religious beliefs and speak to the very essence of our humanity. The virtues of warmth, kindness, softness, consideration, and acknowledgement, when embraced, resonate with the divine teachings found in various religious traditions. These qualities, akin to the first knock of cool wind on your window after an eternal summer, have the power to uplift our spirits and create harmonious bonds that transcend time and space.
The Universal Call for Warmth: Across different faiths, the concept of warmth is upheld as a divine virtue. In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) emphasized the importance of kindness and compassion, reminding believers to treat others with warmth and gentleness.
In the context of Christianity, Jesus demonstrated a remarkable level of compassion in his engagements, reaching out to those who were marginalized, offering solace to the tired and burdened, and extending a welcoming attitude to everyone. Hinduism speaks of warmth as a form of divine grace, encouraging devotees to offer a welcoming heart to every soul they encounter. Regardless of religious background, the call for warmth unites us in recognizing the intrinsic value of extending kindness and compassion to others.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, a significant event in Islamic history, exemplifies the power of warmth and kindness even in challenging circumstances. When negotiating the treaty, the Prophet Muhammad displayed remarkable patience, understanding, and willingness to find a peaceful resolution, despite initial obstacles. This demonstration of warmth and diplomacy ultimately led to a harmonious agreement, highlighting the importance of extending kindness even in times of conflict.
“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.” (Sahih Muslim)
“Kindness, like a delicate flower, blooms even in the most arid landscapes, spreading beauty and hope.” (Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon)
Kindness- A Path to Divine Love: Kindness, too, finds its roots in religious teachings. The Golden Rule, present in various faiths, encourages believers to treat others as they would wish to be treated. Buddhism teaches the cultivation of loving-kindness, emphasizing the transformative power of compassion and generosity. In Sikhism, selfless service (seva) is a pillar of faith, urging devotees to extend kindness and support to all, regardless of their backgrounds. The embodiment of kindness allows us to experience the divine love that transcends individual beliefs and connects us all as part of a greater whole.
“Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. Whenever it is taken from something, it leaves it tarnished.” (Sahih Muslim)
“Softness is the gentle touch that mends broken hearts and soothes wounded souls, offering solace in a world of harshness.” (Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon)
Softness: Embracing Vulnerability: Within religious teachings, the virtue of softness emerges as an invitation to embrace vulnerability and foster emotional safety. The tenderness with which God is portrayed in many traditions demonstrates the value of gentleness and understanding. The Prophet Muhammad’s (Pbuh) gentle approach to resolving conflicts, as seen in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, and offering guidance exemplifies the significance of softness. Similarly, in Buddhism, the practice of compassion encourages practitioners to meet suffering with a gentle and empathetic heart. By embodying softness, we create spaces where others feel safe to share their burdens and find solace.
“Consideration is the compass that guides our actions, helping us navigate the intricate paths of empathy and respect.” (Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon)
Consideration: Walking the Path of Empathy: Religious texts urge believers to cultivate consideration, demonstrating empathy and mindfulness toward others. Hinduism encourages followers to practice ahimsa, or non-violence, which entails being considerate and respectful towards all beings. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, with its focus on peaceful coexistence and respect for the rights of both parties, exemplifies the importance of consideration. By considering the well-being and perspectives of others, we foster understanding, harmony, and unity, transcending religious boundaries in the pursuit of a compassionate world.
“Acknowledgement is the gift of validation, a radiant spark that ignites confidence and inspires the blossoming of potential.” (Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon)
Acknowledgement: Reflecting Divine Grace: Within religious contexts, acknowledgement holds profound significance. Recognizing and honoring the inherent worth and dignity of every person mirrors the divine grace bestowed upon humanity. Islamic tradition places importance on acknowledging the contributions and experiences of others, regardless of their social status. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah serves as an example of this principle in action. In the negotiations of the treaty, the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) acknowledged the concerns and grievances of both the Muslim and non-Muslim parties involved, working towards a resolution that respected the rights and dignity of all. By acknowledging the perspectives and needs of others, we reflect the divine within them and foster a sense of deep connection.
In the annals of human history, the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stands as a beacon of light and guidance. His teachings and actions continue to inspire millions around the world. One significant aspect that holds immense importance is his emphasis on unity, cooperation, and generosity. In this regard, the role of Hazrat Haritha bin Nauman, a companion of the Prophet (PBUH), stands out as a shining example of selflessness and devotion to the cause.
The Generosity of Hazrat Haritha bin Nauman: Hazrat Haritha bin Nauman had several properties surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah (Masjid Nabwi). During his blessed lifetime, the Prophet (PBUH) entered into multiple marriages, which encompassed not only religious wisdom but also societal benefits. Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) solemnized a marriage, Hazrat Haritha bin Nauman would present one of his rooms as a gift. This room would become the residence of the esteemed wife of the Prophet (PBUH). Such was the extent of Hazrat Haritha’s devotion that he eventually gifted all his properties in the same manner to the presence of the Prophet (PBUH).
The Peace Treaty with the Jews: During the same period, the Prophet (PBUH) entered into a peace treaty with the Jewish tribes, as a gesture of goodwill and harmony between the Muslim immigrants (Muhajirin) and the local supporters (Ansar). This treaty, which was documented, outlined the terms that the Jews would not engage in warfare against the Muslims, cause them harm, or provide assistance to anyone who attacked the Muslims. In return, the Muslims guaranteed the Jews’ safety, protection of their lives, wealth, and religious freedom. The Jewish tribes involved in this treaty were Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Qurayza, and Banu Nadir.
The Brotherhood between Muhajirin and Ansar: In addition to the peace treaty, the Prophet (PBUH) established a unique bond of brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar. This brotherhood, known as “Mawakhat,” was established at the house of Hazrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) after the construction of the Prophet’s Mosque. On this occasion, the Prophet (PBUH) instructed: “In the name of Allah, become brothers with each other.”
The Impact of Brotherhood: The impact of this brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar was so profound that it echoed through the ages. The immigrants were moved by the genuine love, care, and support they received from their Ansar brothers. They expressed their amazement, saying, “O Messenger of Allah! We have never seen people like them before. They have shown us such empathy and consolation that there is no comparison to it. They have been so abundantly generous that no example can match it… To the extent that during times of hardship and struggle, they separate themselves from us and include us as equal partners when it is time for prayer, meaning the reward. We are afraid… that all the rewards of the Hereafter may be taken away by this act alone.”
The Prophet’s Response: Upon hearing their heartfelt words, the noble Prophet (PBUH) responded, “No! That cannot happen until you continue to praise them and supplicate for them.”
Some scholars have written that the act of brotherhood demonstrated by the Ansaris is a unique characteristic of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as no previous Prophet had shown such deep fraternity within their community.
There is a tradition that recounts how the Ansari Muslims divided half of their belongings among their migrant brothers. If someone had two houses, they would give one to their brother. Likewise, they shared half of everything they owned. There is a specific case mentioned where an Ansari had two wives, and he offered one of them to his migrant brother, suggesting that the migrant should marry her after the waiting period (iddah) had been completed. However, the migrant Muslim did not find this arrangement appealing.
Conclusion: The example of Hazrat Haritha bin Nauman and the establishment of brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar serve as timeless reminders of unity, cooperation, and selflessness that characterized the era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hazrat Haritha bin Nauman’s generous offerings of his properties to accommodate the Prophet’s marriages showcased his unwavering devotion. Similarly, the peace treaty with the Jewish tribes highlighted the Prophet’s commitment to fostering harmonious relationships and ensuring the protection of religious freedom for all.
Furthermore, the establishment of brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar created an unbreakable bond of love and support. The mutual care and empathy between these groups left an indelible mark on the hearts of the immigrants, who were overwhelmed by the compassion they received. The Prophet’s response, emphasizing the importance of continuous praise and supplication for their Ansar brothers, exemplified his wisdom and recognition of their invaluable contribution.
This remarkable era of unity and cooperation holds timeless lessons for humanity. It teaches us the power of selflessness, the significance of fostering peace and harmony, and the profound impact of genuine brotherhood. By reflecting on the actions and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions like Hazrat Haritha bin Nauman, we can strive to cultivate these virtues in our own lives and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.
In essence: While love remains a cherished cornerstone of our existence, the qualities of warmth, kindness, softness, consideration, and acknowledgement hold immense value in religious teachings. These virtues embody the essence of divine love, fostering compassion, understanding, and harmony. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah exemplifies the power of warmth and kindness, even in challenging circumstances, demonstrating the potential for peaceful resolutions through empathy and acknowledgment. “Warmth is the sunlit embrace that melts away the chill of isolation and nurtures the seeds of connection.”
As we study the noble examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), let us draw inspiration from their selflessness and dedication. May we embrace unity, cooperation, and empathy in our interactions, fostering a world that reflects the values taught by the Prophet (PBUH) and continues to thrive on the principles of love, compassion, and understanding.
“Acknowledgement is the gentle breeze that carries the fragrance of appreciation, nourishing the roots of self-worth and gratitude.” (Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon)
(The author is a renowned educational columnist and motivational speaker. He currently serves as the Senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT Kashmir and can be reached at [email protected])
