Hazrat Inayat Khan now begins to consider the need to awaken humanity to its inherent connection as one single family. In doing so, the Master uses the language conventions of a century ago, speaking of ‘brotherhood,’ and ‘man’, while people now would doubtless employ more inclusive language. As it would require rather intrusive editing to bring his speech to this present-day standard, and as it should be clear that in his heart and spirit and intention he included all members of humanity in his address, the text remains as it was recorded. The previous post in the series is here.

The most important part which the ideal of brotherhood has to fulfil in daily life is not only to bring about a better understanding between different classes, nations and races, but to create a moral ideal in every individual. Man conscious of the principle of brotherhood can consider the interest of his fellowman.  

In the schools the most essential teaching of brotherhood must be that a child should grow to recognize in the other children his brothers and sisters, and his obligation to them as his obligation to his own brothers and sisters. Children with their development in life grow to recognize in the family their obligation to their brothers and sisters without being especially taught, only by the fact that they know they are their brothers and sisters; and therefore naturally that knowledge produces in them a sense of duty to one another and a sense of honour to care for the honour of their brothers and sisters.

If the same sense was developed for the youth, to look upon the child of another also as a brother or sister, to stand by them in their troubles and to guard them in their difficulties, and to consider their honour one’s own honour, the world would become much better. When man would grow to manhood, he would have a different outlook on life. He would move about in this world as a human being, as a man.

Besides, in business, man would realize not only his material interest, but also his duty to those with whom he has to deal in business. In his profession he would not only think that he has to obey the laws of his professional unions or observe their etiquette because he is forced by his profession to do so, but he would feel the interest and honour of the others as his own interest and honour if the feeling of brotherhood were developed in him.  Business causes people to have necessary laws, etiquettes, forms of politeness and outward brotherhood, and yet there is always something absent which is most necessary in life.

The moral of brotherhood must be realized by understanding the meaning of brotherhood.  Brotherhood does not only mean a name.  People may call someone outwardly ‘brother,’ and yet behind may talk against each other. The word ‘brother’ has something sacred in it. It is not only a word, but there is something living in it. When one calls someone else his brother he stands by him for all his life.

A brother is just like one hand to the other hand. When one hand is hurt, immediately to its rescue comes the other hand. When one had is trying to do something, the other hand helps it.  When one hand is tired, the other hand is ready to take up its work; and the rest of both hands is when they are united together.  When a person wants to rest he clasps his hands together.  That unity is symbolical of brotherhood. If people name the members of a certain institution or society brothers, it means nothing – only that instead of members, you call them brothers.

To be continued…