People are created with different personalities. Some of the features are bestowed by the Creator while others are shaped in the environment they live. Therefore, people have two types of character, being permanent and changeable. The fact that individuals are created with different natures are among the signs of Allah, and that they have different opinions is by virtue of a certain wisdom. Because human is a unique being among other creations. Besides, human has different characteristics within its own type. This triggers various discords and divergences. Therefore, the difference of opinions between people is not coincidental but on the contrary, a manifestation of the wisdom and will of Allah.
Muhammad, the last prophet chosen among people, was aware that each individual were created with a different disposition and ability. Therefore, he treated his interlocutors prudently. He refrained from coarse and offending expressions, and preferred to use a moderate style of speaking. He did not completely cut off his relations with people, keeping in mind that they may make mistakes. Even though the mistakes made harmed Muslims in general, the Prophet did not immediately punish anyone and only reached a conclusion after searching into the events and learning about the state of his interlocutor. The Prophet himself also made mistakes from time to time. Nevertheless, he was not persistent when he realized his mistake, prayed for forgiveness, and tried to make peace with those whom he did wrong.
Since the Prophet Muhammad was open to criticism and gave importance to freedom of expression, everyone would express their thoughts easily before him. He would listen to every word of his interlocutors even if he opposed their thoughts. Because he knew and comprehended that not all of them had the same mindset. Therefore, his Companions did not blindly imitate him; they would question him on all occasions to gain insight into matters. While they were fully submissive to the Prophet’s expressions that were revelation products, they used to question his personal opinions from time to time, and expressed in an appropriate manner that they were not likeminded.
The Prophet was tolerant without expecting tolerance from people. He preferred to be patient in the face of inappropriate words and manners and coarse and disrespectful behaviors against him. Even though he was faced with situations that pushed the limits of criticism from time to time, he enabled people to express their thoughts freely.
The calmness and steadiness that the Messenger of Allah showed in the face of the harsh and coarse style of his opponents against him was taken example by his Companions. Because the Messenger of Allah did not use a rude and offending language, and he warned his Companions regarding this subject. Because the inappropriate expressions of people against one another tarnish individuals’ honor and offend them.
The Prophet used the same attitude and the style towards his family as well. As is within every family, some undesirable incidents also occurred in the family of the Messenger of Allah. However, the Messenger of Allah told his wives that they should be careful about their style both when talking to him and when talking to each other. He did not exaggerate the problems occurring among spouses and within the family, he did not attach too much importance to them, and tried to solve them in a calm manner.
The society in which the Prophet grew up was divided into different classes. This disintegration also had an intellectual dimension. In an environment where tribes acted superior to one another, he did not differentiate between people and addressed himself to them not as tribe centered but with the aspect of being human.
The Messenger of Allah did not only guide Muslims but also set an example in his communication with the members of other religions. His life is full of examples of toleration. In this respect, he did not prioritize being a member of any religion. He put being human before belief. Because where there is no humanity, there can be no religion. Therefore, he allowed those who did not share his belief to have the freedom of religion and conscience. The basic foundation of his invitation activities was the fact that the Qur’an left people free regarding the choice of religion and did not subject them to any force.
The Prophet Muhammad did not act with the feeling of revenge in the face of offences committed against him, and preferred to forgive. However, he was not as tolerant about the issues concerning all Muslims and those who insulted Islam. He was not indifferent to situations where law was violated and inflicted the necessary punishment on whoever was trying to disturb the peace of the society.
