The Moral Aspect of Islam

The Islamic Message introduced a social revolution unprecedented in the East or West in ancient or modern times. One of the most important aspects of this revolution was the moral and spiritual transformation which Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) exemplified in his deeds and personality and in the principles he advocated in accordance with the letter and spirit of his Message. This transformation is at the root of the precepts aimed at social amelioration, for the reformation of the individual is the basis for the reform of society.

In His description of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Allah the Almighty declares: {And lo! thou art of sublime morals} (Al-Qalam 68 :4).  And Prophet Muhammad says:

"I was sent in order to complete the virtues of character," and "My Lord has made me upright and has surely done so."

Noble qualities abounded in his fine character; truthfulness, beneficence, recognition and fulfillment of duties, forbearance, meekness, fortitude, courage, profundity, humbleness, forgiveness, and loyalty were a few of the outstanding traits that endeared him to the hearts of men. His followers became so attached to him that they did not hesitate to renounce their unbelief and even forsake their fathers and sons.Centuries have gone by, but the character of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has remained so distinctive and forceful that not even those skeptical of his Message can ignore it. The words of Allah are a testimony to that:

{. . in truth they give not thee [Muhammad] the lie, but evil-doers give the lie to the revelations of Allah} (Al-An`am 6:33).

His exemplary conduct had the greatest influence on the spiritual and moral transformation which was accomplished both in his day and following his death. The faith he espoused and the religious tenets he preached have had similar consequences.

The principles of equality, brotherhood, justice, and freedom which he defined as integral elements of faith have accomplished their task by engendering a righteous character and a noble spirit in society. Of greatest effect has been the belief in the one supreme Allah, to Whom belongs all power and authority, in Whose hands lies the power to reward and punish, to grant and withhold, and in Whose Kingdom and worship people become equal.

This belief perfects the human spirit, liberates it, and directs it toward the common welfare and the all-powerful Allah Who controls the destiny of all things and judges acts by the intention that motivates them, of which He is aware. With this belief Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) pointed out the path to virtue.

The believer possesses a brave heart, and has the courage to express his views. He fears not death because he is possessed only by Allah.

He who has attained a virtuous character does not deceive, for he cannot conceal his deception from Allah or derive any benefit there from. Truthfulness, therefore, has become one of the mainstays of moral character in Muhammad's Message. Lying and deceiving draw one away from Allah and bring only ruin to one's undertakings. Thus, it is impossible for the truly believing Muslim to be a liar or a deceiver.The believer possesses a brave heart, and has the courage to express his views. He fears not death because he is possessed only by Allah. His soul is exalted, and he is propelled forward, even to martyrdom if necessary, in order to defend the truth and to protect himself and his brethren in bondage to Allah against tyranny and disdain. He who is faithful to this belief cannot be a yielding coward. He lives to defend himself and his fellow man against the evils of life, and endeavors to repel them with his own life.

The believer holds that Allah is the One Who gives and withholds, granting freely to whoever pleases Him without account; he is therefore not miserly with his possessions, but is a generous giver. Thus does he please the Supreme Giver; he seeks His bounty and favor by living generously with his brethren, Allah's bondsmen.

The believer cannot then be selfish; his belief prevents him from occupying himself with possessions, for he knows he would thereby deprive the children of Allah from sharing in His bounty. He seeks to express his humanitarian inclinations by being charitable to others and by leading a life of contentment with himself, his relations, his neighbors, and his nation-with all people.

He is well-mannered, sociable, faithful, and sincere because such traits are essential for the perfection of his faith through his submission to the Supreme Being, Who has elevated him and appointed him as His representative on earth, His Khalifah.

The Islamic doctrine which Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) preached and firmly established in the hearts of his Companions and other followers is in itself the greatest pillar of social righteousness. This doctrine has given birth and organization to a spiritual, moral, and virtuous life for the Muslim, and thus occupies the supreme position in his heart. A substance has value and importance only to the extent that it leads to righteousness, that it glorifies and solidifies this spirit.

In the Islamic society which enjoys true faith, the spirit of materialism cannot dominate a man's character and behavior in the way it has dominated much of the world in recent times.

 

Putting Ethics into Practice

It has been related that when Sulayman, the Umayyad caliph (C.E. 715-717) and the son of `Abd-al-Malik, went to Al-Madinah for a visit, he sent for Abu Hazim and asked him to give a discourse. Abu Hazim dutifully obliged, addressing the Amir al-Mu'minin (Commander of the Faithful) in these words: "Take not possessions from other than their proper place, and deposit them not except with whom they belong." The Caliph inquired, "And who is capable of so doing?" Abu Hazim replied, "He whom Allah has granted control over the affairs of subjects as He has granted you." The Caliph then said, "Preach to me, O Abu Hazim ."

Abu Hazim  proceeded: "Know that this command fell to you upon the death of your predecessor, and it will depart from your hands in the same manner it came into them."

The Caliph then asked, "Why do you not come to us?"

Abu Hazm answered, "And what would I do if I came to you, O Commander of the Faithful? If you drew me nearer, I would be distracted from my way; and If you sent me away, you would disgrace me; and you do not possess what I would ask for, nor do I possess anything that I fear you for."

The Caliph then said, "Ask me, then, for what you want."

And Abu Hazm replied, "I have already asked Him Who is more capable than you; whatever He grants, I accept, and whatever He withholds pleases me."

"I have already asked Him Who is more capable than you; whatever He grants, I accept, and whatever He withholds pleases me." (Abu Hazim addressing the Caliph.)

Here we have an example of the imprint of Muhammad's Message on the character of man, exalting and purifying it. The annals of Muhammad's Companions and followers- for that matter, of Muslims everywhere-abound with fine examples of Godliness, kind treatment, the shunning of turpitude, and faithful counseling of Allah's bondsmen.

 

Ethics in Business

It is said that one Yunus ibn-`Ubayd sold tunics of different values; some were worth four hundred dirhams each, and others only two hundred each. Entrusting his nephew with the care of the shop, Yunus departed to offer his prayers. A bedouin entered the shop and asked for a tunic priced at four hundred, but received one priced at two hundred instead. The bedouin liked it, was perfectly satisfied, bought it, and departed, carrying the tunic on his arm.

While on his way, he came upon Yunus, who recognized his tunic and asked the bedouin how much he had paid for it. The bedouin replied that he had paid four hundred dirhams.

"But it is not worth more than two hundred," said Yunus. "Come with me and I will exchange it for you."

The bedouin replied, "This is worth five hundred in my country, and I am pleased with it."

Yunus then declared, "Do not say that, for the counsel of religion is more rewarding than the provisions of this world."

Returning to the shop, he refunded two hundred dirhams to the bedouin, and scolded his nephew, saying, "Are you not ashamed? Do you have no fear of Allah? You would accept gold and abandon the counsel of the Muslims!"

The nephew replied, "May Allah be my witness, he accepted it only because he was pleased." The uncle then said, "But have you pleased him as you would please yourself?"

It has been said about Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir that in his absence his servant sold a bedouin a piece of goods worth only five dirhams for ten. The master looked for the bedouin all day, and when he found him he stated, "The boy erred and sold you for ten what is worth only five."

The bedouin, astonished, replied, "But I was pleased!"

Muhammad replied, "Even if you were, we would please you only with what pleases us," and returned him five dirhams.

Such is the character of the person who has been truly influenced by the Message of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and who has abided by the Prophet's dictum, "Truly, none of you believes until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself." The true Muslim does not deceive, cheat, or swindle.

The effect of Muhammad's Message was decisive on those who followed its guidance. It called not for extravagance, pretentiousness, or boastfulness, but for faith and good deeds both openly and silently, for according to Islam it is more appropriate that man fears Allah than his fellow man.

A person was once asked to testify before the Caliph `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). The Caliph asked him to bring forth someone who knew of him. He produced a man who praised him generously. `Umar thereupon inquired, "Are you his closest neighbor who knows him inwardly and outwardly?"

"No," the man replied.

"Were you his companion on the journey which reveals a man's character?"

"No," he again replied.

"Perhaps you deal with him in dinars and dirhams, which reveals the honesty and integrity of this man?" "No," was the answer.

"I think you behold him in the Mosque, whispering verses of the Qur’an, lowering and lifting his head in prayer." "Yes," replied the man.

`Umar then snapped, "Away with you, for you know him not!" And turning to the would-be witness, he commanded, "Go and bring forth someone who knows you." -onislam.net