ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE EQUAL

One day in Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was deeply engaged in conversation with some of the city’s leading figures. He hoped that if they were convinced of his message, their influence might guide the wider community towards Islam.

In that very moment, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum — a blind, poor companion — approached the Prophet ﷺ, asking for clarification on certain verses of the Quran. Momentarily regarding the request as an interruption, the Prophet ﷺ frowned and turned away.

“He frowned and turned away when the blind man approached him. How can you know? He might seek purification, or take heed and benefit from the reminder. As for him who was indifferent, you attended to him eagerly — though you are not to be blamed if he does not purify himself. But as for one who comes to you eagerly, in awe of God, you pay him no heed.”

The Prophet’s Humility

This reminder left a deep mark on the Prophet ﷺ. In later years, whenever he met Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, he would greet him warmly, saying with humility:

“Welcome to him on whose account God has rebuked me!”

(Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 19, p. 213)

This incident carries a timeless message: every human being deserves respect and dignity, whether rich or poor, powerful or powerless.

Equality in Islam is not merely a moral virtue; it is an absolute principle. It means:

Even the Prophet of God was not placed above this principle. The Quran treated him and a common believer alike in matters of human dignity and equality.

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📖 Source: Discover Islam by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan