Saturday, September 7, 2019
Ethics of Human Cloning Essay Example for Free
Ethics of Human Cloning Essay In 1971 James D. Watson claimed that one day human cloning would be workable and noted that ââ¬Å"as many people as possible be informed about the new ways for human reproduction and their potential consequences, both good and badâ⬠(Burley and Harris 2001, p. 69). Watsons statement was given little attention. In 1997, the birth of Dolly, today the worlds most famous sheep, caused widespread public excitement. Dolly became artificially produced clone and proof that cloning large animals like sheep or humans would be possible. More importantly perhaps, Dolly raises many different sorts of important questions for human beings. Human cloning has been met with widespread unease all over the world and generated a series of ethical issues that will be discussed in this paper. Main Body In opposition to productive cloning it is asserted that the method would be causing danger to human beings. For example, Dr Harry Griffin, the director of the Roslin Institute, Scotland, that successfully cloned Dolly the sheep indicates that: It would be irresponsible to try and clone a human being, given the present state of the technologyâ⬠¦. The chances of success are so low it would be irresponsible to encourage people to think theres a real prospect. The risks are too great for the woman, and of course for the child (Griffin, 2001). However, while the possible success regarding human cloning may be low and there may be risks of undeveloped embryos, against this it could be claimed that similar arguments could have been directed against the potential efficiency of in vitro fertilization techniques (IVF). IVF was once considered unsuccessful but today is a well-developed and valued treatment for infertility. IVF would never have developed if negative reasons such as this were successfully used to oppose it. A second concern on the subject of human cloning is about the motivation of those who would want to clone themselves and others. On the one hand, it might be accepted that human cloning would make possible for infertile couples to produce genetically related children. On the other hand, there seems to be a worry that people may use human cloning not in order to found a family but with purpose to make a copy of themselves. In addition, there may be people who hope to produce copies of other living or dead individuals. For example, it was this motivation for cloning that was the theme of the fictional film The Boys from Brazil. In the film Hitlers genotype was cloned to produce a Fuehrer for the future (Harris 1998, p. 169). However, any clone of an existing person will not be a copy of that person. Having the same genotype as another individual does not make a clone the same individual and it is probable that effects from the egg and from the environment would make any clone considerably different from their genetic twin. While this may be so, it could be likely that those who employ human cloning with purpose to produce a copy of themselves or others will not be proper parents. As a result, the welfare of any produced child will suffer. The motivation of many parents to produce a child may also not withstand close examination. What would be a good motivation for wishing to have a sun or daughter? It could be claimed that all motivations to bring to birth a child are based, at least to some degree, on the selfish feelings of future parents. A third main concern on the regard of human cloning involves these kinds of worries about the well-being of the produced child. It may be possible that any child born as a result of nuclear somatic transfer cloning will experience disadvantage either because he/she is robbed of his/her genetic identity or because he/ she will not have an open future (Harris 1998, p. 169). To what extent is a cloned person robbed of his/her genetic identity? While most human beings are genetically unique, there seems to be no indication that permitting the birth of genetically identical twins derived from a single fertilized ovum robs anyone of their genetic identity or even that the fact that twins of this kind share a genetic identity is causing harm to these individuals. It could be stated, therefore, that it thus seems not clear why this factor should make human cloning unethical. It has been indicated (Holm, 1998) that clones created by means of nuclear somatic transfer cloning will live their lives in the shadow of their older genetic twin. As a result, the clones will not have the open future that most of ordinary people have and, it might be argued, human beings have a right to. Soren Holm, for example, argues that: Usually when a child is born we ask hypothetical questions like How will it develop? or What kind of person will it become? and we often answer them with reference to various psychological traits we can identify in the biological mother or father or in their familiesâ⬠¦In the case of the clone we are, however, likely to give much more specific answers to such questions. Answers that will then go on to affect the way the child is reared (Holm, 1998, pp. 160-161). Holms point of view is that producing a clone that lives life in the shadow of an older genetic twin is unethical as: It diminishes the clones possibility of living a life that is in a full sense of that word his or her life. The clone is forced to be involved in an attempt to perform a complicated partial re-enactment of the life of somebody else (the original) (Holm, 1998, p. 162). This means that while people usually claim for the importance of the moral principles of respect for individual autonomy or the power to make a decision for oneself without influence from outside, people are violating these principles by robbing clones this opportunity to live their lives in the way they want. The way the clones were produced will putt them in a position where they are living in a shadow. However, even if this claim is true that clones would live in the shadow of their genetic originals, it is not obvious that this fact should compel people to prohibit human cloning. Arguments that compel people to consider the well-being of a resulting child are questionable. It has been claimed that a person is only wronged by being brought to birth if he/she has a life so bad that it would be a cruelty rather than a kindness to bring it into existence (Bennett and Harris, 2002, p. 323). This kind of unfortunate existence is sometimes characterized as an unworthwhile life. An unworthwhile life would be a life of extremely negative experience and worsening. Other lives that may be not perfect, but not so worthless as to deprive that individual of an amazing experience of living, are termed worthwhile lives. In this regard, the statement is that as long as a person is likely to have a worthwhile life he/she is not disadvantaged by being brought to birth. Thus, even if a human clone is likely to have a life that is somehow less than ideal, his or her suffering is unlikely to be such that it makes life unworthwhile. It could therefore be claimed that while being born a clone may not be the ideal way of coming into the world, it is the only opportunity of existing in this world and to have a life that is likely to be worth living. If this position was considered, it would establish human cloning as ethically acceptable at least on the grounds of giving the child a right to exist. Conclusion The topic human cloning has a number of ethically puzzling if not problematic features. Cloning will be one of the most hotly debated and least well-understood phenomena in near future. Today human cloning meets with overwhelming opposition. However, it is clear that human cloning turns out to be the perfect embodiment of the ruling possibilities for new age.
Friday, September 6, 2019
Health Prevention of Heart Disease for Plano Texas Essay Example for Free
Health Prevention of Heart Disease for Plano Texas Essay Due to the increase risk for Heart disease in Plano, the population is Risk for developing Hypertension which in turn could result in decreased cardiac output, activity intolerance, imbalanced nutrition by taking more than body requirements, and a learning deficient in regarding condition, treatment plan to include, diet, exercise, follow up, Untreated Hypertension potentially puts them at risk for Congestive heart failure, angina, or myocardial infarction. These in turn can result in severe pain, decreased cardiac output, ineffective tissue perfusion, and again a learning deficient in regard to condition, treatment plan and self-care after discharge. Development of any of the above puts the patient at risk for potential anxiety and depression which may be a result of changes in role, particularly for the male bread winner, thus resulting in a threat or change in socioeconomic status, changes in environment and routines or threat or perceived threat to self-concept and Interpersonal conflicts. In assessing readiness to learn in Plano, Texas it is important to note over 53% of adults have a bachelorââ¬â¢s degree or higher (more than twice the national average) (Demographics). This population is in a better place to absorb knowledge. Typically, young and middle-aged adults participate more than older adults, and the average age in Plano is 37. 2 so this is a positive for learning as we move forward on our Health Promotion plan (Adults). The population more at risk for difficulty in learning is the homeless. The total number of homeless as of September 2012 is 291; this is a 55% increase since last year (Conrad, 2012). Although this is not a huge number comparatively it is significant in evaluating readiness to learn. Homeless people are at a great disadvantage for receiving access to education because it is not as easily readily available to them. There are a number of community resources for the homeless, and it is important we work with The Samaritan Inn, The Family Promise Network, My Friendââ¬â¢s House as well as the Collin County Homeless Coalition, and the Metro Dallas Homeless in presenting the education materials we stand a better chance of the material being received, absorbed and applied by the homeless population. It is also important to work with these programs to see if the education is being implemented within the facilities by evaluating meal selections, access or encouragement of exercise. This can serve as not only physical by emotional advantage to all at risk patients.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Role Of Youth Empowerment In Promoting Peace Religion Essay
Role Of Youth Empowerment In Promoting Peace Religion Essay Youth are the pillars of peace and tranquility in the world. The threat of nuclear has been killing our peace of mind, happiness and our wish to live. It has affected mans life directly or indirectly. Even a slight misuse of atomic energy may bring about horrible changes in climate, biological structure; ecological system and finally annihilate the world. To promote inter nation discussion of youths common problems we must approach UN and its related agencies on the topics of human rights and rights of the children. Let the youths make special request for providing advice, help with setting up courses and conferences on the world peace to assist in workshops on peace education for the youth. Youth must be encouraged to appeal to the world leader to create peaceful and sustainable world. Every youth has different knowledge and capabilities. International peace and security can not be achieved without the promotion of mutual understanding, cooperation and goodwill among the youth of the world. The world community must give a new dimension to task of education, producing a new kind of spirit of harmony and understanding in the art of living in the world community. UN must empower every youth with the education and resources to sustainable livelihood and provide social security and solution building concerning peace. However the United Nations has seeds of hope and peace. We should remember that in comparison to the United Nations the world is very old and it is not easy to change the world. Youth can be said to be the most innovative and uncompromising part of society. UN was setup from the ashes of the Second World War and the declaration of human rights was one of the first things that it produced. We should understand that whole universe is created for peace not for destruction. People should therefore live together in peace and do whatever they can for the wellbeing of the suffering ones. However, we have not been successful in stopping the arm race among the great power yet. The exercise of human rights and freedom is an essential element of peace. Peace is an essential requirement for the satisfaction of human basic needs such as food, shelter, health, education, labor and environment. The young general assembly is uniting young people from all over the world in responsible action to initiate practical activities through promoting youth empowerment in decision making and solution building. The children of the world are calling for a better future. They have the chance to develop their potential. They need a peaceful world. Childrens rights are being violated every day and yet the offenders continued to say Children are the future. To educate and enlighten the youths about social services and also promote community organizing as a tool to reconnect people to each other with a common goal of building supportive and good community. To create spaces for the youths of the world including people who are young of color, queer, poor and or have disabilities to invest in the power of collective action. The world community is extremely worried about the continued worsening condition of world-wide youths who face growing levels of unemployment, poverty, epidemic diseases, functional illiteracy and other social and economic challenges. Youths continue to deal with grievous health problems, specially the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) / AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) which is the greatest challenge confronting our generation at present. The world community is extremely worried about the prevalent violation of the human rights concerning with youths such as child labor, trafficking and living in countries under occupation [1]. We know that there are large number of youths missing the proper training and education for good productive jobs, very less jobs and too many nonproductive employments with poor payment and security. The world community should invest much money in applicable skills training, underlining training suited to the job market. Growing awareness of the interdependence of the world and of global problems is concern to all people of the world. The purpose of youth network is to increase the youths respect for human beings, love for humanity and develop a peace loving mind all of which should be the foundation for international understanding. Therefore moral education is very closely related to international understanding. Special activities play an important role because they help the youths develop international understanding through actual experiences. We must empower all the youths of the world and encourage them to pay need to the followings: Interests in the world surrounding and in human cultures. Understanding of world and cultures. Transformation of consciousness to include the world and other cultures. Formation of an attitude of international harmony and cooperation. Often teaching for international understanding is based on a description and analysis of different international social systems. The aim is to develop a critical idea in young people who should be able to discern the political and economical structure, which are the causes of conflict, violence and war. This is right but not enough. The young people will be encouraged to take part in activities of understanding other people and to discover the cultures of other races such as Japanese, the Africans and the Arabs. They may learn in other lands such as the famine crises, earthquake crisis in Pakistan and may decide to sponsor a child in Africa in order to help pay for his education. The venture may be successful in bringing the awareness amongst the young people about the value of understanding and peace and benefits, peaceful cooperation amongst the different people of the world. The people of the world should take keen interest in establishing the identity and pleading in favor of initiatives that empower youth to have greater control over their individual and collective fates and their capability to lead efficaciously to the progress of the community worldwide and achieve peace and international understanding [2]. Peace is not just a state of freedom from any kind of war or conflict but also a condition of mind, individual or collective a political, economical and social cultural harmoniousness. In other words, peace is also defined as a way of living and a way of existence. For this reason to have a true culture of peace, it is required to develop law and order as well as pay respect to human rights for fighting against poorness. We require to support intercultural talks which can be conducted among civilizations and to empower youths. As youths it is our governments concerning about dialogue to establish a culture of peace. Hence we must endorse the following definite schemes to backing youth against oppression and we have to recognize the number of existing obstacles for the realization of a true culture of peace [3]. To form a youth network which could mechanize to guarantee the involvement of youth representatives in reconciliations process, negotiations and peace building. Lets develop and support the education of culture of peace in curriculums of all school levels. It is essential to terminate conventional or formulaic conceptions in education by increasing consciousness the contribution and function of young women and girls in society. The UN system should boost, encourage and detect paths to recognize the participation, facilities and technical assistance for their work [3]. Training, education and capability building of youth are of predominant influence to encourage youths to contribute their time and energy in the field of international understanding and peace. Especially the young people of the developing countries are facing lots of problems for example, lack of opportunities for education and training, unemployment, drug abuse, poor health facilities and services etc. The youths comprise the main human source of support for development. They are in many sectors, the fundamental factors for social transformation and scientific inventions. Young people are frequently the last to benefit directly from general progress, living without basic resources curtails the participation of youths in the lives of their communities and nations. It also has an adverse impact on the access to education and skill development. Poverty undermines the aspiration of millions of young people globally, manifesting itself in illness, illiteracy, drug abuse, trafficking and crime. Faced with too many demands, too few resources, the needs of youth go unanswered to the long term detriment of development. It is evident from the foregoing facts and figures that youth need support if they are to play a central role in society. The international communities also have objectives, to promote youth activities as an integral part of social and economic development; to enhance the active participation of youth in society and to promote among young people, the ideals of peace and international understanding.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Privacy and The Internet: Life of Others Essay -- The Internet
As the explosion of internet social media based companies has grown the issue of privacy has been at the forefront of many peopleââ¬â¢s mind. Privately held information can easily become available to people and be negatively used due to the digital age we are in today. Two of the leading companies in social media are Google and Facebook. This case study analysis explores both Google and Facebookââ¬â¢s privacy policies and issue that has stemmed from it. Google and Facebook recently have taken a lot of backlash from people and governments regarding the way they handle the information they have gathered from the consumers that use their products. Facebook in 2009 was in a dispute with the Canadian government over the use of the data collected and struck a deal with the Canadian government to change their policies. Google also has been faced with criticism that it recorded personal communication sent over unsecured in home Wi Fi networks. German federal commission called for independent investigation of Googleââ¬â¢s practices. While both companies are getting more popular by day there is a growing concern and outcry to not use its services. Websites such as QuiteFacebookday.com is now advocating users to abandon Facebook. European leaders and American groups have voiced concerns over the privacy setting within the systems. Electronic Privacy Information Center has asked Americaââ¬â¢s Federal Trade Commission to see if Faceb ookââ¬â¢s approach to privacy violates the consumer protection laws. In response both Facebook and Google has changed the privacy policies. Google has even came and said that it has the most consumer centric privacy policy among all of the other online services. The privacy policy goes well beyond the social network and s... ...sed earlier in this case study, leaders within the company has make conscious effort to make the consumerââ¬â¢s information protected. (Hunter, 2004, p. 60) Leadership requires that we develop the essential life skills of delaying gratification and being patient, trusting in the law of the harvest and having faith that if we do our part the fruit will come. If consumer confidence in the company deteriorates then more regulations will be put in place to regulate the industry which could cause issues on its own. References Hunter, J. C. (2004). The World's most Powerful Leadership Principle (Sixth ed., p. 60). New York, NY: Crown Business. JESSICA, SILVER-GREENBERG, & SCHWARTZ, NELSON D. (n.d.). MasterCard and Visa investigate data breach. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/31/business/mastercard-and-visa-look-into-possible-attack.html?_r=1 Privacy and The Internet: Life of Others Essay -- The Internet As the explosion of internet social media based companies has grown the issue of privacy has been at the forefront of many peopleââ¬â¢s mind. Privately held information can easily become available to people and be negatively used due to the digital age we are in today. Two of the leading companies in social media are Google and Facebook. This case study analysis explores both Google and Facebookââ¬â¢s privacy policies and issue that has stemmed from it. Google and Facebook recently have taken a lot of backlash from people and governments regarding the way they handle the information they have gathered from the consumers that use their products. Facebook in 2009 was in a dispute with the Canadian government over the use of the data collected and struck a deal with the Canadian government to change their policies. Google also has been faced with criticism that it recorded personal communication sent over unsecured in home Wi Fi networks. German federal commission called for independent investigation of Googleââ¬â¢s practices. While both companies are getting more popular by day there is a growing concern and outcry to not use its services. Websites such as QuiteFacebookday.com is now advocating users to abandon Facebook. European leaders and American groups have voiced concerns over the privacy setting within the systems. Electronic Privacy Information Center has asked Americaââ¬â¢s Federal Trade Commission to see if Faceb ookââ¬â¢s approach to privacy violates the consumer protection laws. In response both Facebook and Google has changed the privacy policies. Google has even came and said that it has the most consumer centric privacy policy among all of the other online services. The privacy policy goes well beyond the social network and s... ...sed earlier in this case study, leaders within the company has make conscious effort to make the consumerââ¬â¢s information protected. (Hunter, 2004, p. 60) Leadership requires that we develop the essential life skills of delaying gratification and being patient, trusting in the law of the harvest and having faith that if we do our part the fruit will come. If consumer confidence in the company deteriorates then more regulations will be put in place to regulate the industry which could cause issues on its own. References Hunter, J. C. (2004). The World's most Powerful Leadership Principle (Sixth ed., p. 60). New York, NY: Crown Business. JESSICA, SILVER-GREENBERG, & SCHWARTZ, NELSON D. (n.d.). MasterCard and Visa investigate data breach. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/31/business/mastercard-and-visa-look-into-possible-attack.html?_r=1
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Psychology Q&A :: Psychology
Question 1 Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of individuals. Before psychology, people did not know why we feel the things we feel or think the things we think. So psychology began with some goals in mind. The first goal is to observe behavior and describe what is happening. This allows for the next goal which is to explain what is happening. It is important to be able to explain how and why behavior happens. It is necessary to find motives or triggers that will cause outcomes. By knowing what causes behaviors to occur we can then predict what will happen in the future. We can then know what to expect and intervene to control the outcome of behavior. Predicting behavior will allow psychologists to better help people by being able to control the outcome of their behavior. There have been a few pioneers that have paved the road for modern psychology. In Leipzig, Germany, a scientist by the name of Wilhelm Wundt became one of the largest contributors to the development of psychology. Wundt created a laboratory strictly for the study of psychology. Another key player is Edward Titchener who founded the first experimental psychology lab in the United Sates. One of the most important documents written in psychology, The Principles of Psychology, was written by William James. With all of these great minds at work an argument arose. The argument was about the right subjects to study and the correct methods to use while studying them. One side of the argument was structuralism. Structuralism uses the idea that all mental processes could be explained by knowing what the mind is made of. The other side of this argument was functionalism. Functionalism asks not so much what the mind is made of but how and why it operates. Functionalism states that the mind depen ds on itââ¬â¢s adjustment to the environment and that it will be an ever-changing entity. In psychology, there are many different perspectives that are employed. The psychodynamic perspective was made famous by Sigmund Freud. Freud exclaimed that behavior motivated by internal forces such as instincts or heredity. The behaviorist perspective declares that behavior is determined from reactions to environmental occurrences. Another perspective is the humanistic perspective which believes that no matter what inheritance or environment provides people are still able to make a choice as to how we behave. The cognitive perspective states that a human is designed to think and imagine.
Monday, September 2, 2019
NATO :: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO
NATO We have already advanced the war on terrorism into Iraq, we have the ability to look back at it with additional knowledge. The expression,â⬠hindsight is 20/20," is also relevant. We have additional knowledge now that we did not have prior to advancing the war on terrorism into Iraq and that knowledge can easily influence our perspective. During the time prior to moving into Iraq, I think we, as a nation, reacted resolutely to stop terrorists and their ability to train. After the events of Sept. 11 the movement into Afghanistan I do not think met with much resistance by the American public. That same public opinion was different for the advance into Iraq. I think the previous action, namely the Gulf War, influenced that reaction as well. In the four major paradigms or schools of thought on international relations, the realist school of thought believes politics is a power struggle among nation-states. Thomas Morgenthau is the ââ¬Å"fatherâ⬠of realism. Realists have little faith in international law or international organizations. The globalist school of thought focuses on economic interdependence of the global arena. Political and economic decisions in one industrialized nation have consequences for all other nations as well as non-state actors. We believe President Bush acted on Iraq primarily using the realist school of thought. The realists have "little faith in international law or international organizations." The situation in Iraq had been degrading for some time as Saddam Hussein was not adhering to the resolutions from the Gulf War. We tried to get the international community and NATO to back us and agree with our position. But this didn't happen. I believe President Bush lost confidence in NATO and acted independently. Alternately, we acted with the globalist school of thought in regards to the war on terrorism.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Hazrat Muhammad (saw) todayââ¬â¢s Prophet Essay
When we talk about the historical personalities, Hazrat Mohammad PBUH is the greatest person among all. Prophet Mohammad PBUH is the last and perfect Prophet of Allah. I am pleased to share Prophet Mohammad PBUH actions towards each and every matter. Prophet Mohammad PBUH was the greatest scholar. His teachings are regarded the most valuable and acceptable knowledge. Not only Muslims but also non-Muslims are greatly inspired with his character and commend his nobility. Prophet Mohammad PBUH taught human being that how to be gentle and kind with other people and even with the animals. he life of the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, was a life of grand success. In his high moral qualities, his spiritual power, his high resolve, the excellence and perfection of his teaching, his perfect example and the acceptance of his prayers, in short, in every aspect of his life, he exhibited such bright signs that even a person of low intelligence, provided he is not inspired by unreasonable rancour and enmity, is forced to confess that he was a perfect example of the manifestation of Divine qualities and was a perfect man. . Prophet Mohammad PBUH was a great model for all the humanity. This article contains some actions towards every matter done by our beloved Prophet Hazrat Mohammad PBUH. Mercy to all mankind: Allah Subhanoho wa-Tââ¬â¢ala Says to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) in The Holy Quran: ââ¬Å"And We have not sent you except as a mercy to mankind.â⬠Hadrat Abu Huraira said: the Prophet was asked to curse the infidels. He said, ââ¬Å"I have not been sent to curse people but as a mercy to all mankind.â⬠(Muslim) Mother of faithful believers Hadrat Aisha (said that she once asked the Holy Prophet :ââ¬â¢Did you face a day severer than the day of the battle of Uhud? ââ¬ËHe answered: ââ¬ËYes I have experienced such things at the hands of your people and such a day was the day of Aqabah. On this day I presented me. In this cloud I saw Angel Jibril (peace be upon him) who called me and said: Allah, the Most High, has heard what your people have said to you and the response to your offer. Allah has now sent the Angel of the Mountains to you to carry out your orders to do what you might like to be done to them. Then the Angel of the Mountains addressed me greeting with Salam and then said: ââ¬ËMuhammad! Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) has heard what your people have said to you. I am the Angel of the Mountains and my Lord has sent me to you to carry out your orders. What do you want now to be done? If you like I may crush them between the two mountains encircling the city of Makka. The Holy Prophet replied: (I do not want their destruction) I am still hopeful that Allah will make some of their children (good Muslims) who would worship Allah, the One, without associating anybody with Him. His manners and disposition: ââ¬Å"By the grace of Allah, you are gentle towards the people; if you had been stern and ill-tempered, they would have dispersed from round about youâ⬠(translation of Qurââ¬â¢an 3:159) About himself the prophet (pbuh) said:â⬠Allah has sent me as an apostle so that I may demonstrate perfection of character, refinement of manners and loftiness of deportment.â⬠By nature he was gentle and kind hearted, always inclined to be gracious and to overlook the faults of others. Politeness and courtesy, compassion and tenderness, simplicity and humility, sympathy and sincerity were some of the keynotes of his character. In the cause of right and justice he could be resolute and severe but more often than not, his severity was tempered with generosity. He had charming manners which won him the affection of his followers and secured their devotion. Though virtual king of Arabia and an apostle of Allah, he never assumed an air of superiority. Not that he had to conceal any such vein by practice and artifice: with fear of Allah, sincere humility was ingrained in his heart. He used to say, ââ¬Å"I am a Prophet of Allah but I do not know what will be my end.â⬠In one of his sermons calculated to instill the fear of Allah and the day of reckoning in the hearts of men, he said, ââ¬Å"O people of Quraish be prepared for the hereafter, I cannot save you from the punishment of Allah; O Bani Abd Manaf, I cannot save you from Allah; O Abbas, son of Abdul Mutalib, I cannot protect you either; O Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, even you I cannot save.â⬠He used to pray,:â⬠O Allah! I am but a man. If I hurt any one in any manner, then forgive me and do not punish me.â⬠He always received people with courtesy and showed respect to older people and stated: ââ¬Å"To honor an old man is to show respect to Allah.â⬠He would not deny courtesy even to wicked persons. It is stated that a person came to his house and asked permission for admission. The prophet (pbuh) remarked that he was not a good person but might be admitted. When he came in and while he remained in the house, he was shown full courtesy. When he left Aiysha (ra) said, ââ¬Å"You did not think well of this man, but you treated him so well.â⬠The prophet (pbuh) replied, ââ¬Å"He is a bad person in the sight of Allah who does not behave courteously and people shun his company bacause of his bad manners.â⬠He was always the first to greet another and would not withdraw his hand from a handshake till the other man withdrew his. If one wanted to say something in his ears, he would not turn away till one had finished . He did not like people to get up for him and used to say,â⬠Let him who likes people to stand up in his honour, he should seek a place in hell.â⬠He would himself, however, stand up when any dignitary came to him. He had stood up to receive the wet nurse who had reared him in infancy and had spread his own sheet for her. His foster brother was given similar treatment. He avoided sitting at a prominent place in a gathering, so much so that people coming in had difficulty in spotting him and had to ask which was the Prophet (pbuh). Quite frequently uncouth Bedouins accosted him in their own gruff and impolite manner but he never took offence. He used to visit the poorest of ailing persons and exhorted all muslims to do likewise ââ¬Å". He would sit with he humblest of persons saying that righteousness alone was the criterion of oneââ¬â¢s superiority over another. He invariably invited people be they slaves, servants or the poorest believers, to partake with him of his scanty meals . Whenever he visited a person he would first greet him and then take his permission to enter the house. He advised the people to follow this etiquette and not to get annoyed if anyone declined to give permission, for it was quite likely the person concerned was busy otherwise and did not mean any disrespect (Ibid). There was no type of household work too low or too undignified for him. Aiysha (ra) has stated, ââ¬Å"He always joined in household work and would at times mend his clothes, repair his shoes and sweep the floor. He would milk, tether, and feed his animals and do the household shopping.â⬠He would not hesitate to do the menial work of others, particularly of orphans and widows. Once when there was no male member in the house of the companion Kabab Bin Arat who had gone to the battlefield, he used to go to his house daily and milk his cattle for the inhabitants Justice: The Prophet (pbuh) asked people to be just and kind. As the supreme judge and arbiter, as the leader of men, as generalissimo of a rising power, as a reformer and apostle, he had always to deal with men and their affairs. He had often to deal with mutually inimical and warring tribes when showing justice to one carried the danger of antagonizing the other, and yet he never deviated from the path of justice. In administering justice, he made no distinction between believers and nonbelievers, friends and foes, high and low. From numerous instances reported in the traditions, a few are given below. Sakhar, a chief of a tribe, had helped Muhammad (pbuh) greatly in the seige of Taif, for which he was naturally obliged to him. Soon after, two charges were brought against Sakhar: one by Mughira of illegal confinement of his (Mughiraââ¬â¢s) aunt and the other by Banu Salim of forcible occupation of his spring by Sakhar. In both cases, he decided against Sakhar and made him undo the wrong. (Abu Dawud, Sunan Dawud, pg.80) Abdullah Bin Sahal, a companion, was deputed to collect rent from Jews of Khaibar. His cousin Mahisa accompanied him but, on reaching Khaibar, they had separated. Abdullah was waylaid and done to death. Mahisa reported this tragedy to the Prophet (pbuh) but as there were no eye-witnesses to identify the guilty, he did not say anything to the Jews and paid the blood-money out of the state revenues. A woman of the Makhzoom family with good connections was found guilty of theft. For the prestige of the Quraish, some prominent people including Asama Bin Zaid interceded to save her from punishment. The Prophet (pbuh) refused to condone the crime and expressed displeasure saying, ââ¬Å"Many a community ruined itself in the past as they only punished the poor and ignored the offences of the exalted. By Allah, if Muhammadââ¬â¢s (My) daughter Fatima would have committed theft, her hand would have been severed.â⬠(Bukhari, Sahh Bukhari, Chapter ââ¬Å"Alhadoodâ⬠) The Jews, in spite of their hostility to the Prophet (pbuh), were so impressed by his impartiallity and sense of justice that they used to bring their cases to him, and he decided them according to Jewish law. (Abu Dawud, Sunan Dawud) Once, while he was distributing the spoils of war, people flocked around him and one man almost fell upon him. He pushed the men with a stick causing a slight abrasion. He was so sorry about this that he told the man that he could have his revenge, but the man said, ââ¬Å"O messenger of Allah, I forgive you.â⬠(Abu Dawud, Kitablu Diyat). In his fatal illness, the Prophet (pbuh) proclaimed in a concourse assembled at his house that if he owed anything to anyone the person concerned could claim it; if he had ever hurt anyoneââ¬â¢s person, honor or property, he could have his price while he was yet in this world. A hush fell on the crowd. One man came forward to claim a few dirhams which were paid at once. (Ibn Hisham, Sirat-ur-Rasul) Equality: Muhammad (pbuh) asked people to shun notions of racial, family or any other form of superiority based on mundane things and said that righteousness alone was the criterion of oneââ¬â¢s superiority over another. It has already been shown how he mixed with everyone on equal terms, how he ate with slaves, servants and the poorest on the same sheet (a practice that is still followed in Arabia), how he refused all privileges and worked like any ordinary laborer. Two instances may, however, be quoted here: Once the Prophet (pbuh) visited Saad Bin Abadah. While returning Saad sent his son Quais with him. The Prophet (pbuh) asked Quais to mount his camel with him. Quais hesitated out of respect but the Prophet (pbuh) insisted: ââ¬Å"Either mount the camel or go back.â⬠Quais decided to go back. (Abu Dawud, Kitabul Adab) On another occasion he was traveling on his camel over hilly terrain with a disciple, Uqba Bin Aamir. After going some distance, he asked Uqba to ride the camel, but Uqba thought this would be showing disrespect to the Prophet (pbuh). But the Prophet (pbuh) insisted and he had to comply. The Prophet (pbuh) himself walked on foot as he did not want to put too much load on the animal. (Nasai pg. 803) The prisioners of war of Badr included Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet (pbuh). Some people were prepared to forgo their shares and remit the Prophetââ¬â¢s (pbuh) ransom but he declined saying that he could make no distinctions. (Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, Chapter ââ¬Å"Ransomsâ⬠) During a halt on a journey, the companions apportioned work among themselves for preparing food. The Prophet (pbuh) took upon himself the task of collecting firewood. His companions pleaded that they would do it and that he need not take the trouble, but he replied, ââ¬Å"It is true, but I do not like to attribute any distinction to myself. Allah does not like the man who considers himself superior to his companions
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