Islam 102

Lesson 4: Quran and Islamic Society

Spiritual and Moral Aspects of Islamic Society

Quran says to the believers:

“You are the best of people, evolved for the service of mankind; enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah.” (Al – Imran 3:110)

There are certain moral and ethical ills and misconduct which virtually degrade man to the level of animals. Islam instructs Muslims to cultivate high ethical qualities and avoid sins and wrong attitudes which may distort not only the man but also the whole society. First of all the belief in Allah, and then the observance of the five times of prayers, fasting, and zakat (charity) are those tenets of Islam which bind the Muslim community into a concrete shape.

Pardah (the covering of the body and face for women) is to safeguard and protect her modesty and chastity against exploitation and degradation. Pardah holds a significant role in Islamic community. It prevents immorality, immodesty and shameless acts in Muslim society. Intermingling of men and women is not encouraged in Islam. Likewise, other qualities to uplift moral evolution of the society are enhanced; the Prophet said

“I have been sent down by God to teach moral virtues and to evolve them to highest perfection.”

Here are such virtues which can make Islamic society a safe haven in the world and will ensure salvation for its members in the hereafter:

1. Truthfulness and Honesty:
   These qualities were the virtues of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) due to which he was given titles of Sadiq (the truthful) and Amin (Trustworthy) by his enemies who approved of these qualities present in his personality. Quran says

   “O ye who believe! fear God and be only with those who are true (in word and deed).” (9:119)

   “Behold, Allah bids you to deliver all that you have been entrusted with unto those who are entitled thereto.”(4:58)

   Lack of honesty pollutes the whole atmosphere with suspicion, distrust and loss of faith.
2. Justice:
   Justice is an integral part of Islamic ethics. It is the core morality. It should be practiced in all spheres. Quran says

   “God commands justice and doing of good.”(16:90)

   “And let not the hatred of others to you made you serve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety.” (5:8)

   The Prophet said

   “The people who will come under the shadow of Divine mercy on the Day of Resurrection will be those who accept a trust when it is offered to them and restore it willingly to the rightful claimant when they are asked to do so, and who judge in respect of others exactly as it would in respect of themselves.”

3. Supremacy of Law:
   Law is defined as the set of rules established in a community, demanding or prohibiting certain actions. A citizen has to abide by the law and show respect to it. According to Quran, Allah is the greatest lawgiver and Judge, and all His creations have to obey His commands and follow them. No one can change His law. Those who refuse to obey are wrong-doers. Islam is the greatest law-giving institution in the world. The main reason for the violation of laws are selfishness, and considering oneself above the law. Islam strictly considers both these aspects. It creates a sense of discipline in man to obey and it inculcates a fear of Allah in him. Islam awakens the consciousness of man by keeping in his mind the fact that he will answer to God; if he escapes from the punishment through deception or abuse of power, he will not keep away from the torture of Hell in the Hereafter.

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