The Holy Prophet (S)...
The Holy Prophet (S), with full moral force, was looking for ways to root out class and racial differences and other such things. He always tried to abolish the wrong criteria which people had adopted for false superiority. He established the genuine and correct criterion of superiority based on spiritual and moral foundations. The respect, which the Holy Prophet (S) showed for others attracted and absorbed people in him. Humanity was benefited by the Prophet (S).
Indeed the Holy Prophet (S) clearly said: بُعثت لإتَمِم مكارم الأخلاق I have been sent to perfect the noble character. During his reign, once Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.)[^3] was travelling outside Kufah: a non-Muslim who did not recognize him became his travel companion from a place. "Where are you going?" He asked. "To Kufah" `Ali (a.s.) replied. At a junction where their paths parted, the non-Muslim proceeded to his way, but to his utter surprise, he saw `Ali (a. s.) following him.
"Are you not going to Kufah?" he questioned. "Why?" Asked 'Ali (a.s.). "It is the other path which leads to Kufah." "I know", `Ali (a.s.) replied. "Then why did you deviate from your route?" he asked.
Imam `Ali (a.s.) said: "For the amicable parting of the company, it is obligatory on a man to follow a few steps with his fellow traveller as a token of respect before bidding goodbye and this ethic has been taught to us by our Holy Prophet (S) ." This affection and respect impressed the non-Muslim very much, and he asked, "Did your Prophet give you such code of conduct?" "Yes", replied 'Ali (a.s.).
The non-Muslim said: "Those who accepted the Prophet of Islam (S) and followed his footsteps, were enchanted by this moral teaching and nobility." Then he changed his route and accompanied 'Ali (a. s.) to Kufah, had discussions about Islam with him and finally became Muslim[^4].
Respect and pay regards to your friends and never confront each other disrespectfully.[^5] The Holy Prophet of Islam (S) said: لا تُحقِرون أحدا من المُسلمين فإن صغيرهم عند الله كبيرٌ.