The Speaking Tree | 13th Feb. 2012

The simplest principle of the religion of humanity is to treat others just as one would like to be treated by them. The Prophet once observed: 'No one can be a believer until and unless he begins to like for his brother what he likes for himself'.In another hadith, the Prophet of Islam said: 'By the Being in Whose Hand is my soul; no one can be a believer as long as he does not like for his neighbour what he likes for himself.'

This is such a comprehensive principle that it is useful in relations between men and women, individuals and nations, in the homeland as well as in foreign lands. If people were to adhere to this principle, their family life as well as their social life would improve. National life as well as international life would run more smoothly. It is like a master key to human ethics, one single key which suffices to open all locked doors.

One who does not differentiate between his own people and others is a man of principle. His is a contradiction-free personality. And this trait, when properly developed, will turn him into a perfect person, a person who has principled and unilateral ethics.

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The Prophet of Islam, once addressing his companions, said: "Should I not tell you what is good character?" They said, "Yes, certainly." The Prophet replied: "You should join him who cuts asunder from you. You should give to those who deprive you. You should forgive those who oppress you."

This can be termed unilateral ethics.But, high moral character does not mean that you should give good treatment only to those who give good treatment to you. That would show a tit for tat mentality. 'Do as you would be done by' expresses the principle which should be adhered to.

Principled behaviour is not governed by our reaction to another's action, but is rather governed by a code of ethics. A man should rise above any base attitude displayed by others; he should instead be unilaterally governed by ethics. He should refrain from the psychology of reaction. And in no circumstance should he abandon his positive moral attitude. The greatest sign of a noble character in any individual is that, in spite of a negative reaction from others, he maintains his positive attitude.