The Moral Vision
Recognizing Oneself
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said “Amen” to that, and prayed as Abu Huraira
had requested. Abu Huraira’s exceptional memory
was both a result of the Prophet’s prayer for him,
and also of his own eagerness to serve Islam in the
way most suited to his talents and temperament.
Under the protective wing of such prayers, he
devoted himself heart and soul to the area to which
he was assigned. Spending as much time as he
could in the company of the Prophet, he listened
attentively to what was said, memorizing it and—
when the need arose—writing it down. By
recognizing where his own talents lay, and in doing
all he could to develop them, he has taken his place
in Islamic history as the greatest original relator of
the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Every person has a responsibility to first recognize
himself—to see where his own talents lie and do all
he can to channel them in a positive direction. By
doing this one is benefiting, not only oneself, but
even more the cause to which one is committed.
