The Sunday Mail
Umari Stambuli: Holy Qur’aan Speaks
Islamic Law has introduced and propagated a cluster of public ethics. At the same time, it has warned failure to strictly abide by it will entail punishment in the hereafter.
Every one of us has some form of interaction (active or passive) with others in society. This interaction may be through a business transaction, being a fellow commuter, or even being a mere pedestrian (passing by others).
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) once asked his companions: “Do you know who is the bankrupt person?” They answered, “A bankrupt person amongst us is the one who has neither money nor property.”
The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said, “In reality the bankrupt person in my nation is the one who comes on the Day of Resurrection with prayer, charity and fasting (all to his name and credit), yet he used to insult, slander, slay and beat others. Thus claimants (against him for his injustice and oppression) will be rewarded by according them his good deeds. If his good deeds are finished, their bad deeds will be cast onto him until he will then be thrown into the Hellfire.”
Thus such a person not only loses all the acts of goodness they had observed but even get lumped with the bad of those against whom they had committed injustices in any way whatsoever.
This surely puts a very great emphasis on the need to observe correct social and public etiquettes at all times. Whilst the Islamic “way of life” is very comprehensive in this regard (as well as in all other aspects of our daily lives), we highlight just a few important etiquettes in this regard, merely by way of example.
Etiquette in public places
1. Among the rules of behaviour in the market place are those included in the Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) words when he said: “Refrain from sitting in the streets.”
The Companions said, “O Messenger of Allah, we have no alternative, there is no other place where we can sit and discuss matters.”
The Messenger (PBUH) said, “If it is so, then in that case, discharge your responsibilities due to the street.”
The Companions asked as to what was due to the street. He said, “Keeping your eyes down, clearing the streets of obstacles, responding to greetings, enjoining virtuous deeds and forbidding evil.”
In another narration he added: “Helping the aggrieved and guiding the handicapped.”
Thus, maintaining due observance of the basic civil responsibility and conducting oneself in a dignified manner (with correct decorum) is an obligation upon the one who sits in any public place.
2. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) further declared: “Beware of two cursed practices.” His Companions asked, “What are the two cursed practices? He answered, “A person answering the call of nature in public or in a shady place (where people rest).”
Once again a very clear cut Prophetic teaching for something as ordinary as relieving oneself! This must not be done in public places and especially not where it will cause disturbance or offence to others (members of the public).
How sad it is to note that even in this day and age we find that many indeed, are those who do not bother as to where and how they relieve themselves!
3. Islam teaches that a person passing through a public place should refrain from carrying harmful weapons or devices, and if there is a dire need to pass through then it must be done in manner that there is no danger or threat to the ordinary public.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said, “When any one of you happens to move through our place of prayer or the market place with an arrow (in his hand) he must grasp its pointed head in his palm, so that none should receive any injury from it.”
Yet again a very sound and solid piece of Prophetic advice! No member of the public should feel threatened by any dangerous tool or implement, weapon, device, and so forth. In fact the one carrying this should cover the part which may cause harm to others (cut them, bruise them, and so forth.) If it even accidentally touches them.
(To be continued)
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]
