One of the aims of sending Prophets (PBUT), including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) , was to recite to faithful people the signs of Allah Almighty, to purify them and to teach them the Book and wisdom (3:164). Therefore, the Quran considers Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) as an excellent exemplar for the believers (33:21). It means that all his deeds and behaviors at the individual, social, political, and cultural levels and even with other nations of that era, are instructive and he (PBUH & HP) is a perfect role model to be followed. Besides, he (PBUH & HP) was sent as a mercy to all the nations (21:107), both Muslims and non-Muslims. Hence, his approach in spreading peace and concordance in the world can be an excellent model to be followed. Here, we review how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) acted in this regard.

Making Peace and Coexistence Treaty with the Followers of Other Religions and Polytheists

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH & HP) Sunnah did not ignore other nations and their internal independence at all. On the contrary, Islam is a worldwide religion that has recognized other tribes and nations, whether inside or outside of the Islamic state’s territory. Clear evidence for that are the treaties that have been made between the Islamic state and different nations or tribes during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP). In the pre-Islamic Arab era, fighting other tribes, killing, and bloodshed was a culture. But, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) made various treaties and emphasized on adhering to them to demonstrate how the tension between parties can be peacefully reduced and fighting back is the option only when invaded. The Islamic state was always faithful to the peace treaties as far as other parties were so. 

The Constitution of Medina by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

As an example, as soon as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) arrived at Medina, he drew up a covenant among those who had emigrated with him from Mecca (Muhajirin) and the Jewish tribes of Medina including Aws and Khazraj (who were known later as Ansar (i.e. helpers, since they helped Muhajirin). This covenant was called the Constitution of Medina. This constitution aimed to guarantee the security and coexistence of various groups who lived in Medina and formed the basis of a multi-religious Islamic state. Some of its articles were:

•    Muslims and Jews constitute “one nation” (Ummah Wahidah). Muslims are on their religion, so are Jews;

•    Muslims and Jews are gracious to each other;

•    The Jews adhered to this constitution should be protected and helped. No oppression upon them. No alliance with their enemies; 

•    Each party of this constitution should be allied with the other in case one of them is invaded;

•    Both parties should ally whenever Medina is invaded;

•    Both parties should take part in the expenses in case of a war. Muslims should pay their expenses, so do the Jews [1].

Treaty of Hudaybiyyah 

At the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP), Mecca was under the control of one of the most significant Arabian tribes called Quraysh, who were polytheists. They had forbidden Muslims to enter the city and perform Hajj rituals. After Prophet (PBUH & HP) had dreamed entering Mecca doing Hajj rituals with companions, this Ayah confirmed his (PBUH & HP) dream: “Certainly Allah has fulfilled His Apostle’s vision in all truth: You will surely enter the Sacred Mosque, God willing, in safety, with your heads shaven or hair cropped, without any fear.” (48:27). Hence, The Prophet (PBUH & HP) and a group of Muslims with some other Arabs of around Medina, marched peacefully towards Mecca without arms, in the hope of making a pilgrimage. At first, Quraysh prevented them from entering Mecca. Still, after some negotiations, a treaty called the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was drawn up between the two parties, which helped to decrease the tension between them. 

This treaty guaranteed a 10-year peace between Quraysh and Muslims and authorized Muslims to return to Mecca in the following year to perform a peaceful pilgrimage [1]. 

References:

1.  M. A. Amini, “The principle of peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims in Islam,” Ma’rifat Journal, no. 165, p. 35-52.

    
   

1. The Taste of Water

The taste of water is the taste of life. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.49, p.99.

2. Cleanliness

Cleanliness is among the manners of prophets. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.335.

3. Halal Food

Any food that benefits the body and brings energy to it is allowed (Halal), and whatever harms the body and drains its energy is forbidden (Haram).

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.254. 

4. A Plan for Life according to Imam Rida (AS)

Try to divide your day into four parts; a part for praying to Allah, one for providing your livelihood, one for spending time with your friends and the ones you trust to tell your mistakes and love you sincerely, and a part for enjoying Halal pleasures which gives you the ability to fulfill the other parts.

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.337.

 5. This World and the Hereafter

The one who puts aside his/her world [ultimately] for the sake of his/her religion, or vice versa, is not among our followers. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.346.

6. Manners

Observe your manners in your relations with the ones older or younger than you. 

Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasa'il, vol.8, p.354. 

7. A Believer's Grief

Whoever washes away a believer's grief, Allah will save him/her from despair on the Day of Judgment.

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni,  al-Kafi, vol.2, p.200.

8. Gratitude 

Allah has commanded to express gratitude toward Himself and your parents; therefore, if you don't give thanks to your parents, you are not grateful to Allah.

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal, p.156.

9. Reason and Ignorance

Reason is your best friend and ignorance, your worst enemy.

Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.443. 

10. Make Attempts

You are ridiculing yourself if you ask for Allah's help, yet don't make any attempts [to reach your goal]. 

Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no.2790.

11. Greetings

The one who greets a poor Muslim differently than a rich person will face Allah's wrath on the Day of Judgement.  

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.59. 

12. Generosity

From the two groups who face each other, victory belongs to the one that shows more generosity. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.71, p.452.

13. Modesty in Imam Rida (AS)'s View

Modesty has different manifestations; one is for those who know their limitations, accept their position contently, like to treat people the way they expect to be treated, confront insult with benevolence, control their anger and forgive people. Allah loves the righteous. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni,  al-Kafi, vol.2, p.124.

14. Optimism 

Allah will treat the one who holds an optimistic view toward Him, the same as his/her approach. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni,  al-Kafi, vol.8, p.347.

15. Eating Less

Eating less and refraining from excessive use of food will protect your body against various diseases.

Al-Ma’mun ,al-Risa’la al-Dhahabiya fi al-Tibb, p.270. 

16. Sickness and Health

Two groups are always sick; A healthy person who abstains from food and a sick person who does not abstain.  

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.340.

17. Respect Allah

Whoever respects Allah's sanctuary, he/she will be respected, and whoever obeys Allah, will be obeyed. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.137.

18. A Generous Person

A generous person eats from other people's food [if invited], for people to eat from his/hers, and the ungenerous does not eat from other's food, to not offer his/her own food to others. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.1, p.15. 

19. Children and the Elderly

Respect the elderly, be kind to children, and pay a visit to your relatives.

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.265.

20. Praying to Allah

Allah delays granting the request of a believer, since He is eager to listen to him/her praying, saying, "This is the voice I love listening to" and hasten in granting the request of a hypocrite, saying, "This is the voice I loathe hearing." 

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.345.

21. Know Your Value

Whoever knows his/her value will never be devastated.

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.72, p.66.

22. Eid al-Fitr as Imam Rida (AS) Describes

Fitr has been appointed as Eid for Muslims to come together as a community on this day in the presence of the Lord and thank Him for His blessings.

Ibn Qūlawayh, Kamil al-Ziyarat, p.522.

23. Visiting Relatives and Friends 

Visit each other regularly to create more love between yourselves, and hold each other's hands and wipe anger away from your hearts.

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.347.

24. The Manner of Borrowing

The one who borrows something with the intention of giving it back is under Allah's protection until he does so. However, if he doesn't have the intention of paying the debt back to its owner, he is considered a thief.

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, Al-Fiqh al-Radawi, p.268.

25. Signs of Awareness in Imam Rida (AS)'s Words

Patience, knowledge, and silence are signs of awareness. Silence is one of the gates to wisdom. It endows human beings with tenderness and guides them toward virtues. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.113.

26. Perfume

Wearing perfume is one of the manners of prophets.

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.510.

27. Repenting

The one who repents from sin and repeats doing it seems like a person who is ridiculing his/her Lord. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.504.

28. A True Worship 

The value of worshipping does not depend on the number of prayers or fasts. Instead, true worship is pondering deeply on Allah and everything related to Him. 

Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.442.

29. Knowing Allah

The first step in serving Allah is knowing Him.

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Tawhid, p.34. 

30. Allah's Reward

Whoever smiles at his/her fellow believer, will win Allah's reward. 

al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Kitāb muṣādaqat al-ikhwān, vol.1, p.157. 

31. Give Thanks

The one who doesn't gratify a kindness received by others has not given thanks to Allah Almighty. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.24.

32. Committing Sins

Insignificant sins lead into great sins and the one, who doesn't have any fear of Allah while committing the insignificant ones, won't feel any fear in doing the great ones. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.73, p.353.

33. Forbearance

You are not a devout worshipper if you do not seek forbearance. 

Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.11.

34. Neighborhood 

If your neighbor is not safe from your harm, you are not among our followers. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.24.

35. Promises

The one who breaks promises is prone to unfortunate incidents.

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.67, p.186.

36. Relief and Despair

Verily, relief, and success comes after despair.

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.52, p.110.

37. Faith in Allah

Faith includes knowing by heart, confessing by the tongue, practicing by all parts of your body. 

Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.422.

38. The Manner of a Believer

A believer does not leave aside what is right, when in anger, and does not go astray, in happiness, and does not take more than he/she deserves, while in power. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.355.  

39. The Stingy, The Envious, The Ruler, The Liar

There is no peace for the stingy, no pleasure for the envious, no guarantee for the rulers, and no conscience for the liar. 

Ibn Shu'bah, A Summery of Tuhaf al-Uqul, hadith no. 500249. 

40. A Deceitful Worship

Doubt the faith of the one who shows off with his/her worships to Allah, since Allah Al-mighty abhors bragging about worship and appearance. 

Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.70, p.252.