Social values: The glue that holds Muslims together - a priority
Posted By Karima Saifullah
November 14, 2007
In Islam, social values are a priority that was stressed in both the Holy Quran and Hadith, (sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)).
What non-Muslims probably don’t know is that a Muslim only achieves spirituality when he does good to himself and his society.
For example, brotherhood doesn't have to be related to a certain group; it's what every Muslim should call another Muslim in any country around the world, regardless of race, color, or wealth. Since all Muslims follow the same noble religion, have common interests and seek Allah's forgiveness and satisfaction, no matter what country they live in, they all feel like brothers aiming at the same target.
"You are all brothers, and are all equal. None of you can claim any privilege or any superiority over another,” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said.
Family in Islam comes on top of the social values’ list. The Holy Qur‘an and Hadith stress the importance of family because it’s the basic unit of society. That’s why Islam urges all Muslims to get married, start a family early in their lives, and maintain a strong relationship with family members.
"The best among you is he who treats the members of his family best,” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said.
Even though marriage is very important in Islam, divorce is allowed if there’s no understanding between a married couple. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an: "And if you fear that the two (husband and wife) may not be able to keep the limits ordered by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she redeems herself (from the marriage tie)”(2 : 229).
However, Islam permitted divorce reluctantly, neither liking nor recommending it. "Among lawful things, divorce is most disliked by Allah." (narrated in the book of tradition of Abu Daud).
Raising good Muslim children and treating them equally is also important in Islam. Before the noble faith was revealed, people used to kill baby girls as boys were more preferred. Of course Islam prohibited such killings and urged Muslim parents to look after their daughters.
"A person who is blessed with a daughter or daughters and makes no discrimination between them and his sons and brings them up with kindness and affection will be as close to paradise as my forefinger and middle ringer are to each other,” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said.
Islam also demands Muslims to treat their neighbors respectfully. Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best friend in the sight of Allah is he who is the well-wisher of his companions, and the best neighbour is one who behaves best towards his neighbours.”(Transmitted by Tirmidhi).
Although Islam recognizes the differences between Muslims, either socially or financially, it urges all Muslims to help one another and bring each other closer to Allah (SWT). In Surah 3 1, Vs. 18 Allah (SWT) says: "Turn not thy face away from people in pride, nor walk in the earth haughtily; surely Allah loves not any arrogant boaster. Moderate thy pace when walking and soften thy voice when speaking".
Every Muslim is also obliged to urge others to do good and avoid evil deeds. Spying, backbiting and undue suspicion should be avoided. Muslims are also encouraged to seek knowledge and wisdom to help themselves and others. "A word of wisdom is the lost property of a Muslim. He should seize it wherever he finds it,” said Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said: “Help one another in righteousness and virtue but help not one another in transgression.”
When the Prophet (PBUH) was asked "We understand what you mean by going to the help of a brother who is oppressed, but how shall we help a brother who is an oppressor?" The Prophet (PBUH) replied, "By restraining him from oppressing others."
Islam also urged Muslims to treat the needy and orphans with respect. Even if a Muslim can’t help a needy person, he shouldn’t dismiss him/her.
Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an: “Serve Allah and join not any partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (ye meet) and what your right hands possess: for Allah loveth not the arrogant the vainglorious.”(An-Nisaa (4),36)
Even animals should be treated kindly by all Muslims. According to the spirit and teachings of Islam, causing pain and suffering to the innocent creatures of Allah is not justifiable under any circumstances.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once noticed a dove flying around agitatedly and found out that somebody caught its offspring. He was very annoyed, and said: "Who hurt the feelings of this bird by taking its young? Return them to her".(Narrated by Abdul Rahman bin Abdullah bin Mas'ud.).
In another incident, the Prophet (PBUH) was asked if acts of charity even to the animals were rewarded by Allah (SWT). He replied: “Yes, there is a reward for acts of charity to every beast alive.“ (Narrated by Abu Huraira, Bukhari, 3:322.)
The aim of social values in Islam is to improve relations between Muslims, and create a stable, strong community. If non-Muslims ignore the negative propaganda that the mainstream media disseminates about Muslims, and instead learn the good qualities that Islam promotes, they will better understand and respect Muslims.