This author also has had the privilege of addressing some of these functions, in Urdu or English, but always speaking of the Prophet’s superb teachings on human rights, rule of law, human dignity and brotherhood, social etiquette and inter-personal relations. “Value four things before four other things,” said the Prophet Muhammad to his followers, “life before death, youth before old age, health before sickness, and affluence before poverty.” In this exhortation indeed lies a complete plan faithfully acting on which one can live a very meaningful life. Death is inevitable and therefore life whose span nobody knows must be spent purposefully; people must make full use of their talent when they are young since no one can either avoid advanced age or anticipate indifferent health; and it must be kept in mind that financial circumstances of a person may not necessarily remain stable.

What a marvellous code of conduct for all those who care to follow it.

The writer is member, Law Commission of India