Upon a glance at the movements of prophets; it becomes clear that the most important accomplishment of the divine prophets was an ethical revolution; ethics which originated from monotheistic beliefs and were coupled with divine incentives and goals.

In Islamic culture, ethical behavior is only valued when it is based on a divine motive. If ethical behavior is carried out to earn popularity; to maintain interests; and to solidify social and political status, it would not be of value. It can be said that ethical behaviors which do not maintain a divine motive are only based on pretense. In such cases, with the slightest ups and downs, smiles turn into anger, and friendships turn into enmities. However, if behavioral patterns are based on a divine belief nothing can shake the strong foundation of friendships and relations. The pious and moral individuals return badness with goodness; react kindly to rages; and display amity in the face of enmities so that the foundation and basis of the humane and ethical bonds would not be harmed.

Thus, the Prophet of Islam was instructed by God to kindly react to misconducts of the opponents.

In the 96^th ayah of Surat al-Muminun, God notes: “Repel ill conduct with that which is the best. We know best whatever they allege.”

The 34^th ayah of Surat Fussilat notes: “Good and evil conduct are not equal. Repel evil with what is best. If you do so, behold, he between whom and you was enmity, will be as though he were a sympathetic friend.”

A nomad Arab entered Medina and headed toward the mosque to ask the Prophet to assist him with gold and silver. At this point in time, the Prophet was in the company of his followers and disciples. The nomad Arab sought Prophet’s assistance. The Prophet helped him. However, the Arab nomad complained and sought more. He also insulted the Prophet. Prophet’s disciples were enraged and intended to harm the Arab nomad. However, Prophet prevented them from doing so. Then, the Prophet invited the Arab nomad to his house and helped him even further. Upon seeing the simple life of the Prophet of Islam, that Arab nomad was highly influenced by the Prophet and thanked the Prophet for his assistance. Meanwhile, the Prophet told the Arab nomad that his last day’s harsh remarks had angered the Prophet’s disciples. The Prophet told the Arab nomad to show his gratitude in the presence of the Prophet’s disciples in order to calm them down. The nomad Arab accepted to do so. The next day, the Arab man entered the mosque. The Prophet addressed his disciples, stating that this man has expressed his content toward us. Is this the case? The Arab man confirmed the Prophet’s remarks and once again expressed his gratitude toward the Prophet of Islam. The Prophet’s disciples were gladdened by his remarks. Then the Prophet once again addressed his disciples, noting that they might have harmed the Arab nomad, the other day. The Prophet went on to add that, however, upon his kindness toward that Arab nomad, he had ultimately befriended the Prophet.

Undoubtedly, without a divine motive and goal, expression of kindness in reaction to badness, and maintenance of flexibility in return for others’ mistakes would be a very difficult task. However; those, who maintain monotheistic viewpoints easily forgive and tolerate others’ misdeeds; and only think of pleasing God. These monotheists easily forgive others’ mistakes, and make wrongdoers regretful of their misdeeds with their appropriate and kind manners. God, which is the symbol and manifestation of goodness, depicts the glittering behavior of Prophet Mohammad in the 159^th ayah of Surat Al-I’Imran, noting: “It is by Allah’s mercy that you are gentle to them; and had you been harsh and hardhearted, surely they would have scattered from around you. So excuse them, and plead for forgiveness for them…”

Getting along with people is one of the prominent manifestations of ethical virtues, which calls for flexibility, and forgiveness.

Undoubtedly, if peaceful coexistence would govern a community, there would be no trace of misdeeds; and all members of the community would enjoy their lives.

Meanwhile, in the tradition of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), peaceful coexistence should not just focus on human beings; and justice should also be fulfilled toward animals, which cannot defend themselves appropriately.

Thus, according to Quranic teachings and the tradition of Prophet of Islam, a true Muslim should maintain a divine motive in all of his behavioral patterns and should respond badness with goodness and virtuous deeds. A true Muslim follows the exemplary behavior and tradition of the Prophet of Islam and gets along with people, because he realizes that this is the tradition of Prophet Mohammad.

MR/ME