Abu Masud was a Companion of the Prophet. Once he became angry with a servant and began to hit him with a stick. The Prophet was incidentally passing by and on seeing this he said: 'Abu Masud, you should know that God has more power over you than you have over this servant.' When Abu Masud heard this admonition, the stick fell from his hand. Abu Masud was earlier only seeing himself and his servant, so he felt he was more powerful. But Prophet's reminder made him realize that there was an all-powerful God above. In front of God all are the same: there was no difference between Abu Masud and his servant. The reason for all wrongs is that some people begin to think that they are greater in power and position than others, but if they were to look at matters from God's eyes, they would realize that all are equally powerless. This realization would prevent a person from being unjust and oppressive. Prophet's Companions were always conscious of God, thus they were very cautious in daily life. This is living faith: when you are dealing with a person, you should know that God is watching you.
