Wisdom From the East

On Martydom:

“The ink of a scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr.”

On Wealth:

A man’s true wealth is the good he does in this world to his fellow man. None of us has faith unless we desire for our neighbors what we desire for ourselves.

On Equality:

“Even as the fingers of the two hands are equal, so are human beings equal to one another. No one has any right, nor any preference to claim over another.”

On Peace:

“Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind. Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.

On Racism:

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black any superiority over a white except by piety and good action. “

On Oppression:

Feed the hungry and visit the sick, and free the captive, if he be unjustly confined. Assist any person oppressed, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.

On Knowledge:

It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is, better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words.

On Truth:

“Strive always to excel in virtue and truth. “Say what is true, although it may be bitter and displeasing to people.”

On Women:

Act kindly towards women, for they were created from a rib and the most crooked part of the rib is its top. If you attempt to straighten it you will break it, if you leave it alone it will remain crooked: so act kindly towards women. Women are the twin halves of men. Men and women are equal.”

These are words from Muhammad as found in the Quran. This is true Islam. Islam comes from the word salaam, meaning peace.