The teachings and morality of Islam
a. The Commands
We will briefly present here some of the morals and ethics of Islam which it instills into the Muslim society. We derive them directly from the main sources of Islam, namely the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Hadīths.
First: Truthfulness of speech:
Islam obliges its followers to speak the truth and considers the truthfulness of speech as an inseparable trait of Muslims that they can by no means give up. It strongly warns them against lying and seeks to alienate them from it using the most profound and clear terms. Allah Almighty says:{O you who believe, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful.}[Surat at-Tawbah: 119]The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Adhere to truthfulness, for truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man will keep speaking the truth and striving to speak the truth until he is recorded with Allah as the most truthful. Beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to Hellfire. A man will keep telling lies and striving to tell lies until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.” [6]
Lying is not a trait of the believers, but of the hypocrites [7]. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted with something he betrays the trust.” [8] 5
Hence, the noble Companions assumed the trait of truthfulness so much that one of them said: “We did not know telling lies during the Prophet’s lifetime.”
5 The hypocrite is the one who displays Islam, but in his heart, he does not embrace Islam or believe in it.
Second: Fulfillment of trusts, promises, and covenants, and acting justly among people:
Allah Almighty says:{Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their owners, and when you judge between people, judge with justice.}[Surat an-Nisā’: 58]He also says:{And fulfill the covenant, for you will certainly be questioned about the covenant. Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with accurate scales; that is fair and best in the end.}[Surat al-Isrā’: 34-35]
Praising the believers, Allah Almighty says:{those who fulfill the covenant of Allah and do not break the pledge.}[Surat ar-Ra‘d: 20]
Third: Being humble and refraining from arrogance:
The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was the most humble among people. He would sit among his Companions like one of them and hate that people should stand for him when he arrived at a place. A person needing something would take him by the hand and walk together, and the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would not turn him down; rather, he would fulfill his need. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) instructed people to be modest, saying: “Indeed, Allah has revealed to me that you should humble yourselves to one another. One should neither hold himself above another nor transgress against another.” 6
Fourth: Generosity and spending in charitable causes:
Allah Almighty says:{Whatever wealth you spend in charity, it is for your own good – as long as you do so seek Allah’s pleasure. And whatever wealth you spend in charity, you will be rewarded in full, and you will not be wronged.}[Surat al-Baqarah: 272]Allah praises the believers saying:{And they give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the
6 Narrated by Muslim (17/200) the Book of Paradise, Chapter: traits by which the people of Paradise are recognized
orphans, and the captives.}[Surat al-Insān: 8]Generosity was a trait of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and of the believers who follow his example. He would always give all the money he had in charity. Jābir, one of the Prophet’s Companions, said: «The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was never asked anything and said ‘no’. «He urged people to honor guests, saying: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest; whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain his kinship ties; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or keep silent.” [10]
Fifth: Patience and enduring harm:
Allah Almighty says:{And be patient with whatever befalls you. This is a matter of firm resolve.}[Surat Luqmān: 17]He also says:{O you who believe, seek help in patience and prayer, for Allah is with those who are patient.}[Surat al-Baqarah: 153]And He says:{And We will surely grant those who remain steadfast their reward according to the best of their deeds.}[Surat an-Nahl: 96]The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was remarkably patient, enduring harm and not returning evil with evil. As he called his people to Islam, they hurt and beat him, injuring him. He wiped the blood off his face and said:“O Allah, forgive my people for they do not know.” [11]
Sixth: Modesty:
A Muslim is a chaste and modest person. Modesty is one of the branches of faith, and it prompts one to act virtuously and prevents one from obscenity and immorality both in words and deeds. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Modesty brings nothing but good.” [12]
“Modesty brings nothing but good.” 7
7 Narrated by Al-Bukhāri in the Book of courtesy, Chapter: modesty (8/35)
Seventh: Dutifulness to one’s parents:
Dutifulness, kindness, and humility towards one’s parents represent one of the fundamental duties in Islam. This duty becomes even more due as parents grow older and more in need for their children. Commanding dutifulness to parents and affirming their rights, Allah Almighty says:{Your Lord has ordained that you worship none but Him and show kindness to parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, do not say to them a word of annoyance nor scold them, rather speak to them noble words, and lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.”}[Surat al–Isrā’: 23-24]
He also says:{We have enjoined upon man kindness to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning took place within two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents. To Me is the final return.}[Surat Luqmān: 14]
A man once asked the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him): “Who is more worthy of my good companionship?” He said: «Your mother.” The man asked: “Then who?” He said: “Your mother.” He asked: “Then who?” He said: “Your mother.” He asked: “Then who?” He said: “Your father.” [13] 8
Hence, Islam enjoins the Muslim to obey his parents in whatever they ask him to do, unless a sin is involved, for none should be obeyed when it comes to disobeying Allah. Allah Almighty says:{But if they strive to make you associate partners with Me of what you have no knowledge, then do not obey them. Yet keep company with them in this world with kindness.}[Surat Luqmān: 15]Islam also instructs one to show respect and humility towards them, to honor them with words and deeds, to be kind to them in all ways, like providing them with food, clothes, and medicine, if needed, and to keep any harm away from them. One is also required to supplicate Allah and ask His forgiveness for them, fulfill their promises, and honor their friends.
8 Narrated by Al-Bukhāri in the Book of courtesy, Chapter: who among people is the most entitled to good companionship (8/2)
Eighth: Treating people with good morals:
The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: «The most perfect believers in faith are those with most excellent morals.” [14] 9
In another Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Among the dearest and closest of you to me on the Day of Judgment are those with the most excellent morals.” [15] 10
Allah Almighty in describing His Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), says:{Indeed, you are of a great moral character.}[Surat al- Qalam: 4]In another Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: «Indeed, I have been sent to complete the noble morals.” [16]So, a Muslim should be noble-mannered and kind towards his parents, as we have mentioned, and towards his children, raising them in a good way, teaching them the morality and rulings of Islam, keeping them away from whatever could harm them in this life and in the Hereafter, and spending on them till they grow up and can rely upon themselves and earn their living. Likewise, he should deal with noble morals with his wife, brothers, sisters, relatives, neighbors, and all people. He should wish for his fellow Muslims what he wishes for himself and uphold good ties with his relatives and neighbors, revering the elderly, showing compassion towards the young, and visiting and supporting the distressed among them – in compliance with the verse that says:{Be kind to parents, relatives, orphans,
9 Narrated by Abu Dāwūd in the Book of Sunnah, Chapter: the evidence on its increase and decrease (5/6); and At-Tirmidhi in the Book of nursing, Chapter: what is reported concerning the woman’s right over her husband (3/457); At-Tirmidhi classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound authentic) and regarding Al-Albāni’s judgment: see “Sahīh Abi Dāwūd” (3/886)
10 Narrated by Al-Bukhāri in the Book of virtues, Chapter: character of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) (4/230) with the wording (Indeed, the best among you are those with the most excellent morals)
the needy, near and distant neighbors, close friends, wayfarers.}[Surat an- Nisā’: 36]The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt his neighbor.” [17]11
Ninth: Jihad in the cause of Allah to support the oppressed, establish the truth, and spread justice:
Allah Almighty says:{Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress, for Allah does not like transgressors.}[Surat al- Baqarah: 190]He also says:{Why is it that you do not fight in the way of Allah and for the sake of the oppressed men, women, and children who say, “Our Lord, take us out of this town of oppressive people, and grant us from Yourself a protector and grant us from Yourself a helper.”?}[Surat an-Nisā’: 75]So, the Islamic Jihad aims at establishing the truth, spreading justice among people, and fighting those who oppress people, persecute them, and prevent them from worshiping Allah and embracing Islam. On the other hand, it rejects the idea of coercing people to enter Islam. Allah Almighty says:{There is no compulsion in religion.}[Surat al-Baqarah: 256]
During battles, a Muslim is not allowed to kill a woman, a child, or an old person, rather he should only fight the wrongful combatants.
Whoever gets killed in the cause of Allah is a martyr and for him is a great reward and status with Allah Almighty, who says:{Never think of those who are killed in Allah’s way as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision, rejoicing in what Allah has given them of His bounty, and delighted for those who have yet to join them, of those whom they left behind, that they will have no fear, nor will they grieve.}[Surat Ᾱl ‘Imrān: 169-170]
11 Narrated by Imam Ahmad in “Al-Musnad” (17/80) and Ahmad Shākir said its Isnād is authentic; Al-Bukhāri in “Al-Adab”; Al-Bayhaqi in “Shu‘ab al- Imān”; and Al-Hākim in “Al-Mustadrak”
Tenth: Supplication, Dhikr, and Qur’an recitation:
The greater a person’s faith is, the closer he is to his Lord and the more he supplicates and implores Him to fulfill his needs in life and forgive his sins and elevate his rank in the Hereafter. Indeed, Allah is Generous, and He loves His servants to ask of Him as He says:{When My slaves ask you concerning Me, I am indeed near. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.}[Surat al-Baqarah: 186]Allah answers supplications, if they are good for the supplicants, and rewards them for supplicating Him. Another trait of the believers is that they remember Allah Almighty frequently, day and night, both secretly and in public. They glorify Him with all kinds of glorification and Dhikr, like saying: “Subhānallāh” (glory be to Allah), “al-Hamdulillāh” (praise be to Allah), “Lā ilāha illallāh” (there is no god but Allah), and “Allāhu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). Allah Almighty gives abundant rewards for that as the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: «The Mufarridūn have gone ahead.” They said: “Who are the Mufarridūn, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “They are those men and women who remember Allah frequently.” [18]Allah Almighty says:{O you who believe, remember Allah much, and glorify Him morning and evening.} [Surat al-Ahzāb: 41-42]. In another verse, Allah Almighty says: {Therefore remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not be ungrateful.}[Surat al-Baqarah: 152]Dhikr includes recitation of the Book of Allah, the Noble Qur’an. The more one recites it and ponders on its meanings, the higher his rank will be in the sight of his Lord.
On the Day of Judgment, the following will be said to the Qur’an reciter:
«Read and ascend (in ranks) and recite as you used to recite when you were in the world, for your rank will be at the last verse you recite.” [19] “Read and ascend (in ranks) and recite as you used to recite when you were in the world, for your rank will be at the last verse you recite.” 12
12 Narrated by Abu Dāwūd (1464) and this is his wording, At-Tirmidhi (2914), An-Nasā’i in “As-Sunan al-Kubra” (8056), and Ahmad (6799)
Eleventh: Seeking religious knowledge, teaching it to others, and calling them to it:
The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said:
«Whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah facilitates for him a path to Paradise. Indeed, the angels put down their wings for the seeker of knowledge out of pleasure with what he does.” [20] 13
In another Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: «The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others.” [21]In another Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: «Indeed, the angels invoke Allah’s blessings upon the one who teaches good to people.” [22]In another Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: «Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to that of those who act upon it, without diminishing their reward in any way.” [23] 14
Allah Almighty says:{Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, does righteous deeds, and says, “I am one of the Muslims [submitting to Allah]”?}[Surat Fussilat: 33]
Twelfth: Contentment with the judgment of Allah and His Messenger:
Not showing discontent with anything prescribed by Allah Almighty, for He is the Best Judge and the Most Merciful Lord from Whom nothing in the earth or heaven is hidden, and Whose judgment is not affected by the whims of His servants or the greed of tyrants. Out of His mercy, He has
13 Narrated by At-Tirmidhi in the Book of knowledge, Chapter: the merit of Fiqh in worship (4/153); Abu Dāwūd in the Book of knowledge, Chapter: urging people to seek knowledge (4/5857); and Ibn Mājah in “Al- Muqaddimah” (1/81); and it was classified as Sahīh (authentic) by Al-Albāni in “Sahīh al-Jāmi‘” (5/302)
14 Narrated by Al-Bukhāri in the Book of virtues, Chapter: the best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others (6/236)
prescribed for His servants what serves their interests in this life and in the Hereafter and He has not charged them with anything beyond their capacity. Our servitude to Him entails that we refer for judgment to His Shariah concerning all matters, with complete heart-felt contentment.
Allah Almighty says:{But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they accept you [O Prophet] as judge in their disputes and find no discomfort within their hearts about your judgments but accept them wholeheartedly.}[Surat an-Nisā’: 65]He also says:{Do they seek the judgment of the times of ignorance? Who could be better than Allah in judgment for people who are certain in faith?}[Surat al-Mā’idah: 50]
About The Author
