And I'll Get the Firewood... (story)

Our Prophet, Prophet Muhammad (S) was sent by Allah to be our teacher. He said,

"I have been sent to perfect noble manners."

He taught the Muslims in many ways. Sometimes he would teach them by his words and speeches. Other times he would show them what to do by performing the actions himself. The Muslims would then copy him. Sometimes the Muslims would do something in front of the Prophet (S) and he would not object. Then, they would know that it was alright to behave in this way, because otherwise the Prophet (S) would have stopped them.

One day, the Prophet (S) and some Muslims went on a journey. After travelling for a long time they got tired, so they stopped for a rest. They decided to make a small camp and cook some food. One of the men said that he would go and kill a lamb so they could cook it. Another man said that he would remove the skin of the lamb before it was cooked. Another said that he would light the fire and cook the meat. Each one of the men said that he would do a certain job so that the work could be done quickly and fairly. The Prophet (S) then said that he would collect and bring the firewood. All the men told him that there was no need for him to do anything at all. They would do all the work. The Prophet (S) told them that he knew that they could do the work, but Allah does not like for a person to sit and let other people do all the work. The Prophet (S) also explained to them that although he was their leader, he did not like to get special treatment from them. This is because Allah does not like a person to think that he is better than other people.

The Prophet (S) told them that he knew that they could do the work, but Allah does not like for a person to sit and let other people do all the work. The Prophet (S) also explained to them that although he was their leader, he did not like to get special treatment from them. This is because Allah does not like a person to think that he is better than other people.

We learn from the Prophet (S) that:
When we sit back and let other people do the work, it makes us lazy.
We should all share in any work that needs to be done, so that it can be done quickly and easily.

A hadith from the prophet (s)

Allah does not look at the value of what you say or the wealth that you possess, he looks at what you believe in your heart and how you practice your faith.2. 

1. Mutahhari, Daastan-e-Raastan
2. Bihar al-Anwar, vol.77, p.88.