Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) 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 one'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 labourer. Two instances may, however, be quoted here:
Once the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) visited Saad
Bin Abadah. While returning Saad sent his son Quais with him. The Prophet (s.a.a.w.)
asked Quais to mount his camel with him. Quais hesitated out of respect but the
Prophet (s.a.a.w.) insisted: "Either mount the camel or go
back." Quais decided to go back. [Abu Dawood]
On another occasion he was travelling
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 (s.a.a.w.). But the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) insisted and he
had to comply. The Prophet (s.a.a.w.) himself walked on foot as he did not want to
put too much load on the animal. [Nasai]
The prisoners of war of Badr included
Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet (s.a.a.w.). Some people were prepared to forgo their
shares and remit the Prophet's (s.a.a.w.) ransom but he declined saying that he
could make no distinctions. [Sahih Bukhari]
During a halt on a journey, the
companions apportioned work among themselves for preparing food. The Prophet (s.a.a.w.)
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,
"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." [Zarqani,
Vol. 4 pg. 306)]
by Athar Husain
An excerpt from the book entitled "The Message of Mohammad," by
Athar Husain.
http://muslim-canada.org/muhammadatharhusain.html
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Excellent Qualities 
