rn HJJfory.for Eltnlity 213add ressing nO[ just Muslims but all peo ple (an-nl15), as he did during me
farewell sermon-he taught each conscience to transcend the appear-
ances that might hinder its prog ress tOward the Just (al-adl). Ln the pres-
ence of God, nothing could justify discrimination, social injustice, or
racism. In the Muslim community, a black man called [he believers to
prayer, and a slave's son commanded the army; faith had freed the believ-
ers from judgments based on deceptive appearances (linked to origin and
social starus) that stimulate unwise passions and dehumanize th em.
He had listened [0 women in his society, who o ften experienced denial
of meir righlS, exclusion, and ill-treauncnt. Revelatio n recalls mis listen-
ing and this accessibility; "God has indeed heard the stalemem o f the
woman who pleads with }'OU concerning her husband and carri es her
complaint to God. And G od hea rs th e argument herween both of you.
For God hears and sees [all things]."J Similarly, he listened to a woman
who wanted to divorce her husband because she did not like him any-
more; he heard her, looked into th e matter, and separated them.^4 He also
recei\'ed another wo man who complained mat her father had married her
off wimoU[ asking for her o pinion; hc was ready to separatc her and her hus-
band, but she info rmed him that she was actually satisfied with her
father's choice but wanted to make it known " to fathers" that " this was
not their decision" and that they could no t act in such a way without seek-
ing their daughters' consent.S The Messenger conveyed to women the
twofold requirement of spiritual training and of asser ting a femininity
that is not imprisoned in the mirro r o f men's gaze o r alienated within
unhealthy relationships of power or seduction. Their presence in society,
in public spaee and in social, political, economic, and even military action,
was an objective fact that th e Prophet not only never denied o r rejected
but clearly encouraged. In the light of spiritual teachings, he guided them
to assert themselves, be present, express themselves, and claim the real
freedo m of he art and co nscience. They had to choose it by themselves
and trace it Out for themse lves, trusting in the Most Gracious.
The Messenger loved children, with their innocence, gentleness, and
ability to be present in the moment. Close to God, close to his own heart,
he remained attentive to those who primarily understood the heart's lan-
guage. He: kissed them, carried th em on his shoulders, and playcd with
th em, reaching toward their innocence, which is in ilS essencc the expres-
sion o f a permanent praye r to God. Children, like angels, wholly belong