Muhammad’s next admonition, regarding the treatment of slaves, was similarly pioneering: “Your slaves are your brethren. See to it that you feed them with such food as you eat yourselves and clothe them with the clothes you yourselves wear. If a black slave is appointed your emir [leader], listen to him and obey him.”

After reminding the believers to adhere to the teachings of the Qur’an, including giving charity regularly and performing the Haj, he called for Muslim solidarity: “Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Every Muslim is a brother unto other Muslims. Therefore, the property of one is unlawful to the other unless given willingly. Do not be unjust to one another.”

He warned against religious extremism, something that many imams and other Muslims today would do well to heed: “Be moderate in religious matters, for excesses caused the destruction of earlier communities.”

He was almost finished.

“O People, have I faithfully delivered unto you my message?” he asked. “O God, yea!” replied the multitude. The Prophet raised his forefinger and said, “O Lord, bear witness.”

The rest of the day was spent in meditation. At sunset, the Prophet mounted his camel, followed by the rest. As a commotion broke out, he cried, “Gently, gently! In quietness of soul! And let the strong among you care for the weak.”

The Wisdom of Muhammad

The sayings of Muhammad are among the treasures of mankind.

— Mahatma Gandhi

Family

One who cuts off family ties does not enter the Garden of Paradise.

Women

God enjoins you to treat women well.
Do not forbid your wife to go to the mosque.

The Young

He is not one of us who does not treat the young with compassion.
Let the younger ones salute the elderly, let the one walking salute those sitting, and let those small in number salute those larger in number.

Neighbors

He is not a believer if his neighbor does not feel safe from his treachery.
Never scoff at a neighbor’s gift, even if it is sheep’s hooves.

Manners

The most odious of men are those who quarrel.
Do not snoop.
God hath not made it lawful for you to enter the houses of others without their permission.
Control your anger.
The exercise of religious duties will not atone for an abusive tongue.
No father has given his child anything better than good manners.

Visiting the Sick

Visit the sick and comfort them.

Charity

Give ungrudgingly; do not hold back, lest God holds back from you.
One’s wealth does not diminish with charity.

Moderation

Let each of you pray to the extent of your energy; then sit down when you are tired.
Be moderate in religion.

Modesty

Do not lavish praise on me like the Christians lavish praise on the son of Mary. I am only a slave. Call me God’s slave and messenger.

Non-Muslims