Morality and ethics in Islam

31 Jan, 2016 - 00:01 0 Views
Morality and ethics in Islam Worship in Islam

The Sunday Mail

Umari Stambuli
Holy Qur’aan Speaks

MORALITY is one of the fundamental sources of a nation’s strength, just as immorality is one of the main causes of a nation’s decline. Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and has declared morality as one of it’s cornerstones. Islam has established some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed in all circumstances.
To uphold these rights, Islam has provided not only legal safeguards, but also a very effective moral system. Thus, whatever leads to the welfare of the individual or the society and does not oppose any maxims of the religion is morally good in Islam, and whatever is harmful is morally bad.
Given its importance in a healthy society, Islam supports morality and matters that lead to it, and stands in the way of corruption and matters that lead to it.
The guiding principle for the behaviour of a believer is “Virtuous Deeds”. This term covers all deeds, not only acts of worship. The Guardian and Judge of all deeds is God Almighty Himself.
The most fundamental characteristics of a believer are piety and humility. A believer must be humble with God and with other people — God Almighty declares in the Holy Qur’aan:
“And turn not your face away from people (with pride), nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, God does not like any arrogant boaster. And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the donkey.” (Ch 31 : v 18-19).
God Almighty sums up righteousness in verse 177 of the second chapter of the Holy Qur’aan: “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but righteousness is (for one) to believe in God and the Last Day and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; (the one) who spends of his wealth, in spite of love for it, (giving) to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, to the needy, to the way farer, to those who ask and for the freeing of slaves; and who is steadfast in prayers, and gives Zakaah (alms); and those who fulfil their covenants which they made; and who are patient and perseverant in poverty and ailment and throughout all periods of tribulation. Such are the people of truth, the pious.”
This verse teaches us that righteousness and piety are based before all else on a true and sincere faith. The key to virtue and good conduct is a strong relation with God Almighty, who sees all, at all times and everywhere. He (The Almighty) knows the secrets of the hearts and the intentions behind all actions. Therefore, a believer must be moral in all circumstances; God Almighty is definitely aware of each one when no one else is. If we deceive everyone, we cannot deceive Him. We can flee from anyone, but not from Him.
The love and continuous awareness of God and the day of judgement enables man to be moral in conduct and sincere in intentions, with devotion and dedication: “Indeed, the most honourable among you in the sight of God is the most God-conscious,” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 49 : v 13).
Then come deeds of charity to others, especially sharing and giving things which we become attached to and even love. This, like acts of mandatory worship and prayer, is an integral part of worship. A righteous person must be reliable and trustworthy.
Finally, faith must be firm and should not wane when faced with adversity. Morality must be strong to vanquish corruption: “And God loves those who are firm and steadfast.”
Patience is often hardest yet most beautiful when it is observed against one’s own desires or anger. The Holy Qur’aan lays this out very clearly : “And march forth toward forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise (which is ) as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the pious.
Those who spend (in the way of God) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon people; verily, God loves the doers of the good deeds.” (Ch 3 : v 133).
These three acts are among the hardest things for most people, but they are also the keys to forgiveness from The Almighty and for entry into Paradise. One must surely ask: those who are able to exercise charity when they are in need themselves, control themselves when they are angry and forgive even when they are wronged — are they not the best?
This is the standard by which actions are judged as good or bad. By making the primary objective, pleasing God, Islam has set the highest possible standard of morality.
A believer should not be vain or attached to the temporary pleasures of this world. While most people allow the material world to fill their hearts, believers should keep God Almighty in their hearts and the material world in their hand.
Instead of being attached to the car and the job and the diploma and the bank account, all these things should become tools to make us better people.
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) summarised the conduct required of a true believer when he said: “My Creator and Sustainer (The Almighty) has given me nine commands: to remain conscious of Him (God Almighty) whether in private or in public; to speak justly whether angry or pleased; to show moderation both when poor and when rich; to reunite bonds of relationship with those who have broken off with me; to give to him who refuses me; that my silence should be occupied with thought; that my looking should be an admonition; and that I should (always) command what is right.”
Thus morality in Islam addresses every aspect of life, from greetings to international relations.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars,Publications Department PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003 e-mail: [email protected]

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