Islam: The Complete Way of Life
Muslims
believe that Islam is the ultimate and complete way of life for
mankind. This belief is based on the Divine Book of Allah, the Qur’an
and the Sunnah/Ahadith (tradition and sayings or teachings of Prophet
Muhammad (Salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ¾ May
the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Islamic teachings are
full of truth, wisdom and virtues; and taken altogether they are a
perfect guide to mankind of all ages, generations, races and social
strata. They are simple, yet very practical. If implemented as a way of
life, Islam will be the ultimate solution to all sorts of perplexing
problems affecting mankind.
It
is worth recalling that towards the middle of the sixth century AD,
mankind had lived in pain, oppression, cruelty and chaos. Before this,
messengers had come in regular succession, but for 600 years no message
had come from Allah. The absence of divine guidance for so long a time
was itself a manifestation of Allah’s chastisement to mankind for doing
all kinds of evil deeds on earth. Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala, meaning: the Exalted, Most Glorious) sent Muhammad r
and chose him as a universal Messenger to all mankind (Qur’an 34:28),
as a Mercy for all creatures (Qur’an 21: 107) and as the Seal of the
Prophets (Qur’an 33:40).
Allah
sent down the Qur’an to His Messenger as a guide to mankind (Qur’an
2:185). It is a complete divine guidance, with nothing omitted from it
(Qur’an 6:38). It is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before
it, and a fuller explanation of the Book ¾ wherein there is no doubt ¾
from the Creator of the Worlds (Qur’an 10:37). Allah assuredly guards
it (from corruption). (Qur’an 15:9) It is verily a Message for the
God-fearing, a Truth of assured certainty (Qur’an 69:43-52).
Islam as the revealed Religion from Allah (I)
is comprehensive and perfect. Its Divine Book, the Qur’an is the only
most comprehensive book available to mankind for guidance ¾ nothing has been omitted from it. It is further explained in detail. Allah (I) the Most High says:
[...Nothing have We omitted from the Book and they [all] shall be gathered to their Rabb in the end.] (Qur’an 6: 38)
[…He
it is Who has sent unto you the Book, explained in detail. They know
full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it has been sent down
from your Rabb in Truth. Never be then of those who doubt.] (Qur’an 6: 114)
[For
We had certainly sent unto them a Book based on knowledge, which We
explained in detail - a Guide and a Mercy to all who believe.] (Qur’an 7: 52)
[…[This Qur’an is] a Book with Verses basic or fundamental [of established meaning] ¾ further explained in detail ¾ from One Who is All-Wise and Well-Acquainted [with all things].] (Qur’an 11: 1)
As the complete Book of Guidance, the Qur’an guides us to believe and obey Prophet Muhammad (r). The Messenger (r)
possesses an exalted standard of character (i.e., sublime morals) and
is an excellent example for us to follow. Our Creator emphasizes:
[Indeed,
in the Messenger of Allah [Muhammad] you have an excellent example to
follow for him who hopes in [meeting with] Allah and the Last Day, and
remembers Allah much.] (Qur’an 33: 21)
It is imperative, therefore, that we must strictly adhere to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. It is a divine commandment that guides us to the Straight Path. Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah
constitute the best guidance for the whole mankind. We have to believe
and follow the following teachings from the Qur’an and the Ahâdîth:
“And if you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and His Messenger.’” (Qur’an 3:31)
“And
verily, this is my Straight Path so follow it, and follow not other
paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has
ordained for you that you may become pious.” (Qur’an 6:153)
Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah (t) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (r)
said, “The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah, and the
best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs
are their innovations; and every innovation is an error.” (Muslim1885
and Ibn Majah 1/45)
Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah (t) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (r) used
to say in his prayer after tashahhud, “The most excellent words are the
words of Allah and the most excellent guidance is the guidance given by
Muhammad.” (Tirmidhi 956 and Nasa'i)
Hudhaifah (t) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (r)
said to us, “Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the
roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Qur’an was
revealed and the people read the Qur’an, (and learned from it) and also
learned it from the Sunnah. Both Qur’an and the Sunnah strengthened
their (the faithful believers’) honesty.” (Bukhari 9/381)
In order to guide mankind to the Right Religion, Allah (I) has completed His Divine Favor upon us by making Islam the Perfect Religion. The last message that Allah (I) has sent to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (r) for our Divine Guidance is the perfection of Islam. Allah (I), the All-Mighty, says:
[...This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…] (Qur’an 5: 3)
The following are some Qur’anic verses and Ahadith (Prophet’s
teachings) which reflect the comprehensiveness of Islamic economic,
social, religious and cultural values. These are compiled mostly from
Alim for Windows Version 4.5.
Fair/Honest Dealing in Trading, Buying and Selling
“O
you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair
dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to
wrong and depart from justice. Be just: and fear Allah. For Allahs
well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Qur’an 5:8)
Hakim bin Hizamt (Radhiallahu anhu, meaning: May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger said:
“The seller and the buyer have the right to keep or return goods as
long as they have not parted or till they part; and if both the parties
spoke the truth and betrayed in purchasing.” The Prophet told him to say
at the time of buying, “No cheating.” (i.e., he has the right to return
it if found undesirable). (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 328)
Abu
Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “If one gives in charity
what equals one date-fruit from the honestly earned money and Allah
accepts only the honestly earned money ¾
Allah takes it in His Right (hand); and then enlarges its reward for
that person (who has given it), as anyone of you brings up his baby
horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a mountain described the
defects and qualities (of the goods), then they would be blessed in
their transaction. And if they told lies or hid something, then the
blessings of their transaction would be lost.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith
293)
Hakim ibn Hizam narrated that Allah’s Messenger said:
“The seller and the buyer have the right to keep or return goods as
long as they have not parted or till they part; and if both the parties
spoke the truth and described the defects and qualities (of the goods),
then they would be blessed in their transaction, and if they told lies
or hid something, then the blessings of their transaction would be
lost.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 293)
(For
other relevant Qur’anic verse and Hadith see: Qur’an 3:161 and
Al-Bukhari Vol. 2 Hadith 491 Vol. 3 Hadith 293 Vol. 3 Hadith 597, Abu
Dawud Hadith 3527, Tirmidhi Hadith 2799, Ibn Majah and Darimi)
Weighing/ Measuring of Goods for Business
“Give
full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is
straight. That is better and fairer in the final determination.” (Qur’an
17:35)
“So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance.” (Qur’an 55:9)
Al-Miqdam bin Ma’dikaribt narrated that the Prophet r said: “Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 338)
(For
other relevant Qur’anic verse and Ahadith see: Qur’an 83:1-3,
Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 334 Vol. 3 Hadith 341 Vol. 3 Hadith 345, Vol. 3
Hadith 345 and Vol. 3 Hadith 385.)
Documentation and Fulfillment of Contracts/Obligations
“...
Fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient,
in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of
panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.” (Qur’an 2:177)
“O
you who believe! When you deal with each other, in transactions
involving future obligations in a fixed period of time reduce them to
writing. Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties. Let
not the scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him. So let him
write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear Allah
His Rabb (Sustainer) and not diminish aught of what he owes. If the
party liable is mentally deficient, or weak or unable himself to
dictate; let his guardian dictate faithfully. And get two witnesses, out
of your own men. And if there are not two men, then a man and two
women, such as you choose, for witnesses, So that if one of them errs
the other can remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are
called on (for evidence). Disdain not to reduce to writing (your
contract) for a future period, whether it be small or big; it is more
just in the sight of Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more
convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves. But if it be a
transaction which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, there is
no blame on you if you reduce it not to writing. But take witnesses
whenever you make a commercial contract; and let neither scribe nor
witness suffer harm. If you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in
you. So fear Allah; for it is Allah that teaches you. And Allahs well
acquainted with all things. If you are on a journey and cannot find a
scribe a pledge with possession (may serve the purpose). And if one of
you deposits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee (faithfully)
discharge His trust, and let him Fear Allah his Rabb (Sustainer).
Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it- His heart is tainted with
sin. And Allah knows all that you do. (Qur’an 2:282-283)
“O you who believe! Fulfil (all) obligations...” (Qur’an 5:1)
“And
take not your oaths, to practice deception between yourselves with the
result that someone’s foot may slip after it was firmly planted, and you
may have to taste the evil (consequences) of having hindered (men) from
the Path of Allah, and a mighty Wrath descend on you.” (Qur’an 16:94)
It
is narrated on the authority of Abu Umama that Allah’s Messenger said:
“He who appropriated the right oft a Muslim by (swearing a false) oath,
Allah would make Hell-fire necessary for him and would declare Paradise
forbidden for him.” (Muslim Vol. 1 Hadith 252)
(For
other relevant verses and Ahadith see: Qur’an 5:89; 16:92; 16:94;
Muslim Vol. 1 Hadith 252; Hadith 4056; Al-Bukhari Vol.8 Hadith 668 and
Abu Dawud Hadith 3237; Al-Bukhari Vol.6 Hadith 138; Abu Dawud, Hadith
3316; Al-Bukhari Vol.8 Hadith 622 and Vol.9 Hadith 538.)
Obligatory Payment of Debts
“If
the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him
to repay. But if you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you,
if you only knew. And fear the Day when you shall be brought back to
Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be
dealt with unjustly.” (Qur’an 22:280-281)
Abu Hurairah narrated that a dead man in debt to others used to be brought to Allah’s Messenger who
would ask, “Has he left anything to repay his debts?” If he was
informed that he had left something to cover his debts, the Prophet
would offer the funeral prayer for him; otherwise he would say to the
Muslims (present there), “Perform the funeral for your friend,” But when
Allah helped the Prophet to gain victory (o his expeditious) he said:
“I am closer to the Believers than themselves, so, if one of the
Believers dies in debt, I will repay it, but if he leaves wealth, it
will be for his heirs. (Al-Bukhari Vol. 7 Hadith 284)
Abu
Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “If I had a gold equal
to the mountain of Uhud, it would not please me that anything of it
should remain with me after three nights (i.e., I would spend all of it
in Allah’s Cause) except what I would keep for repaying debts.”
(Al-Bukhari Vol. 8 Hadith 452)
(For
other relevant Qur’anic verses and Ahadith, see: Qur’an 4:12, 24:11,
Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 502 Vol. 8 Hadith 452, Muslim Hadith 3896,
Tirmidhi Hadith 2926, Nasa'I and Abu Dawud Hadith 3558.)
Discouragement of Being in Debt
‘Aishah (Radhiallahu
anha) narrated that Allah’s Messenger used to invoke Allahn the prayer
saying, “O Allah, I seek refuge with you from all sins, and from being
in debt.” Someone said: “O Allah’s Messenger, (see you) very often you
seek refuge with Allah from being in debt. He replied, “If a person is
in debt, he tells lies when he speaks, and breaks his promises when he
promises.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 582 and Abu Dawud Hadith 879)
Amr
bin Al-As narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “All the sins of a
Shahid (martyr) are forgiven except debt.” (Muslim Vol. 3 Hadith 4649)
(For other relevant Ahadith, see Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 487 and Abu Dawud Hadith 3336.)
Prohibition of Usury
"Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for
deeds of charity: for He loves not creatures ungrateful and sinner.”
(Qur’an 2: 276)
"O you who believe! Fear God, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if you are indeed believers.” (Qur’an 2: 278)
"O you who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear God that you may (really) prosper.” (Qur’an 3:130)
Abdullah
ibn Mas’ud narrated that Allah’s Messenger cursed the one who accepted
usury, the one who paid it, the witness to it, and the one who recorded
it.” (Abu Dawud Hadith 3327)
(For
other relevant Qur’anic verses and Ahadith see: Qur’an 2:275, 4:161 and
30:39; Al-Bukhari Vo.l. 3 Hadith 379, Vo.l. 7 Hadith 829, Muslim Hadith
3854, Tirmidhi Hadith 2829 and Nasa'i, Hadith 2827, Ibn Majah, Bayhaqi
and Ahmad.)
Prohibition of Bribery
"And
do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it
as a bait (bribe) for the judges, with intent that you may eat up a
little of (other) people's property.” (Qur’an 2:188)
‘Abdullah
ibn Amr ibn al-‘As narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger saying,
"Fornication will not appear among any people without their being
punished by famine, and bribery will not appear among any people without
their being punished by terror.” (Tirmidhi Hadith 3582 and Ahmad)
‘Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As narrated that Allah’s Messenger cursed the one who bribes and the one who takes bribe. (Abu Dawud Hadith 3573)
Avoidance of Hoarding and Monopoly
"On
the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of
Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and
their backs. ‘This is the (treasure) which you buried for yourselves:
Taste you, then the (treasures) you buried.’” (Qur’an 9:35)
Abda
narrated that the Prophet said: "Do not withhold your money by counting
it (i.e. hoarding it), (for if you did so), Allah would also withhold
His blessings from you.” (Al-Bukhari Vo.l. 2 Hadith 514)
Ya’la ibn Umayyah narrated that the Prophet said:
“Hoarding up food (to sell it at a high price) in the sacred territory
is a deviation (from right to wrong).” (Abu Daud Hadith 2015)
Ma1mar
bin Abdullah, the son of Nadla reported that Allah’s Messenger said,
“None but a sinful person hoards (goods).” (Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith
2154)
Umar
bin Al-Khattab reported that Allah’s Messenger said: “He who imports
(goods is granted provision and he who hoards (goods) is a cursed one.”
(Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith 2153)
Avoidance of Entering into Transaction when another is already Making the Same Transaction
Ibn
Umar reported that Allah’s Messenger said: “Anyone of you should not
enter into transaction when another is already making the transaction.”
(Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith 2171)
Abu Hurairah reported that Allah’s Messenger said:
“A man should not enter into transaction against the transaction of his
brother (while he is making a transaction) to his brother’s purchase.”
(Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith 2172)
Mutual Consent
“O
you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities:
but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual goodwill: nor
kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hats been to you Most
Merciful.” (Qur’an 4:29)
Abu Sa’id Khudri t reported that Allah’s Messenger said “A transaction is valid as a result of mutual consent.” (Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith 2185)
Generosity in Business Transaction
Uthman bin Affan t reported that Allah’s Messenger said: “Allah will admit to the Paradise a man who is lenient as a seller and a buyer.” (Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith 2202)
Jabir bin Abdullah reported that Allah’s Messenger said:
“May Allah have mercy on the bondsman who is kind when he sells, kind
when he buys and lenient when he demands (his debt)..” (Ibn Majah Vol. 3
Hadith 2202)
Disapproval of Taking Oaths in Business
Abu
Qatada reported that Allah’s Messenger said: “Beware of taking oaths in
a business transaction because it (first) promotes the business and
then ultimately obliterates (the blessings of the business).” (Ibn Majah
Vol. 3 Hadith 2209)
(For other relevant Hadith see: Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith 2208.)
Defects of Commodity for Sale should be Known
Uqba bin ‘Amir t
is reported to have said: I heard Allah’s Messenger as saying: “A
Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. It is not permissible for a Muslim to
sell a commodity that contains some defect in it except that he
describes that (defect) to him (the buyer).” (Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith
2246)
(For other relevant Hadith see: Ibn Majah Vol. 3 Hadith 2247)
Encouragement of Partnership and Profit Sharing
Salih bin Suhaib t
reported on his father’s authority that Allah’s Messenger said: “There
are three things which contain a blessing in them: buying and selling
for a prescribed period, profit sharing (mudaraba) and mixing of wheat
with barley for domestic consumption but not for sale.” (Ibn Majah Vol. 3
Hadith 2289)
Prohibition of Theft and Robbery
“As
to the thief, male or female, cut off his hand or her hands: a
punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and God is
exalted in power.” (Qur’an 5:38)
‘Aishah
narrated that the Prophet said: "The hand should be cut off for
stealing something that is worth a quarter of a Dinar or more.”
(Al-Bukhari Vol.8 Hadith 780 and 782)
‘Abdullah ibn Yazid al Ansaryt
narrated that the Prophet forbade robbery (taking away what belongs to
others without their permission), and also forbade mutilation (or
maiming) of bodies. (Al-Bukhari Vol.3 Hadith 654)
(For other relevant verse and Ahadith see: Qur’an 5:39; Al-Bukhari Vol. 5 Hadith79; Abu Dawud Hadith 4367 and Hadith 4396.)
Prohibition of Land Grabbing
Sa’id bin Zaid t narrated that Allah’s Messenger said:
“Whoever usurps the land of somebody unjustly, his neck will be
encircled with seven earths (on the Day of Resurrection).” (Al-Bukhari
Vol. 3 Hadith 632; Vol. 4 Hadith 419)
Ibn
‘Umar narrated that the Prophet said: “Whoever takes a piece of the
land of others unjustly, he will sink down the seven earths on the Day
of Resurrection.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 634; Vol. 4 Hadith 418)
Prohibition of Gambling and the Selling, Buying, and Consumption of Intoxicants
"O
you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication) of stones, and
(divination by) arrows are an abomination of Satan's handiwork: Eschew
such abomination, that you may prosper. Satan’s plan is (but) to excite
enmity and hatred among you, with intoxicants and gambling, and to turn
you away from the remembrance of God and from Prayer: Will you not then
abstain?" (Qur’an 5:90-91)
‘Aishah
narrated that Allah’s Messenger was asked about Al-Bit, a liquor
prepared from honey which the Yemenites used to drink. Allah’s Messenger
said: “All drinks that intoxicate are unlawful (to drink).” (Al-Bukhari
Vol. 7 Hadith 492, Muslim Vol. 3 Hadith 4956)
(For other relevant Qur’anic verse and Hadith, see: Qur’an 2:219 and Al-Bukhari Vol. 7 Hadith 438.)
Prohibition of Pork
“Forbidden
to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that
on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah...” (Qur’an 5:3)
“Say:
‘I find not in the Message received by me by inspiration any (meat)
forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be dead
meat, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine; for it is an
abomination or what is impious, (meat) on which a name has been invoked
other than Allah’s. But (even so), if a person is forced by necessity,
without lawful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, your Rabb
(Sustainer) is Most Forging, Most Merciful.’” (Qur’an 6:145 also see
16:115)
Prohibition of Making/Having Pictures of Animated Objects
Narrated
Ibn Abbas: ... “I heard him (Muhammad) saying, ‘Whoever makes a picture
will be punished by Allah till he puts soul (life) in it, and he will
never be able to put soul (life) in it ..’.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith
428)
Abu Talhat reported Allah’s Messenger having said: “Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture.” (Muslim Vol. 3 Hadith 5249)
Avoidance of Smoking
“And
spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own
hands contribute to (your) destruction.” (Qur’an 2:195)
“O
you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities:
but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor
kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah has been to you Most
Merciful! If any do that in rancour and injustice, soon We shall cast
him into the Fire: and easy it is for Allah. If you (but) eschew the
most heinous of the things which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit
your evil deeds, and admit you to a Gate of great honour.” (Qur’an
4:29-31)
Other Forbidden Sources of Income/Business
Abu Maslud Al Ansarit
narrated that Allah’s Messenger forbade taking the price of a dog,
money earned by prostitution and the earnings of a soothsayer.”
(Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 439)
Proper Slaughtering of Animal for Food
O
you people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow
the footsteps of Satan for he is to you an avowed enemy... O you
people! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be
grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship. He has only forbidden you
dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any
other name has been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced
by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,
then is he guiltless. For Allahs Oft-Forging Most Merciful. (Qur’an
2:168-173)
Shaddad
bin Aus said: “Two are the things which I remember Allah’s Messenger
having said: ‘Verily Allah has enjoined goodness to everything; so when
you kill, kill in a good way and when you slaughter, slaughter in a good
way. So every one of you should sharpen his knife, and let the
slaughtered animal die comfortably.’” (Muslim Vol. 3 Hadith 4810)
(For other relevant verses, see: Qur’an 5:3 and 5:4.)
Planting
Narrated
Anas bin Malik Allah’s Messenger said: “There is none amongst the
Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or
an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift from him.”
(Al-Bukhari Vol. 3: Hadith 513; Vol. 8 Hadith 41)
Conservation of Resources
“It
is He Who produces gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and
tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar
(in kind) and different (in variety). Eat of their fruits in their
season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest
is gathered. But waste not by excess: for Allah loves not the wasters.”
(Qur’an 6:141)
Protection of the Environment
“There
is a type of man whose speech about this world’s life may dazzle you.
And he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet he is the
most contentious of enemies. When he turns his back, his aim everywhere
is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and progeny
but Allah loves not mischief. When it is said to him, Fear Allah,” he is
led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell; an evil bed
indeed (to lie on)!” (Qur’an 2:204-206)
Protection of Property
‘Abdullah
bin ‘‘Amr narrated: “I heard the Prophet saying, ‘Whoever is killed
while protecting his property then he is a martyr.’” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3
Hadith 660)
Sa’id ibn Sayedt
narrated that the Prophet said: “He who is killed while protecting his
property is a martyr, and he who is killed while defending his family,
or his blood, or his religion is a martyr.” (Abu Dawud 4754)
Moderation/Wise Spending and Avoidance of Extravagance and Extremes
"O
you who believe! Make not unlawful the good things which God has made
lawful for you, but commit no excess: for God loves not those given to
excess.” (Qur’an 5:87)
“O
children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place
of prayer: eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not
the wasters.” (Qur’an 7:31)
"Verily
spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his
Rabb (Sustainer) (Himself) ungrateful.” (Qur’an 17:27)
(For other relevant Qur’anic verses, see: 17:26; 17:29 and 25:63-67)
Discouragement of Miserliness
So
he who gives (in charity) and fears (Allah), and (in all sincerity)
testifies to the Best, We will indeed make smooth for him the path to
Ease. But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient,
and gives the lie to the Best, ¾
We will indeed make smooth for him the Path of Misery; nor will his
wealth profit him when he falls headlong (into the Pit). Verily We take
upon Us to guide, and verily unto Us (belong) the End and the Beginning.
Therefore do I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely; none shall burn
therein but those most unfortunate ones who give the lie to Truth and
turn their backs. But those most devoted to Allah shall be removed far
from it. Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification,
and have in their minds no favour from anyone for which a reward is
expected in return, but only the desire to seek for the Countenance of
their Creator Most High; and soon will they attain (complete)
satisfaction. (Qur’an 92:4-21)
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said:
"Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, 'O
Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your cause,' and the other
(angel) says, 'O Allah! Destroy every miser.’” (Al-Bukhari,Vol. 2 Hadith
522)
(For other relevant Ahadith, see: Al-Bukhari Vol. 4 Hadith 166; Vol. 2 Hadith 523 and Tirmidhi,1873.)
Encouragement of Self-Sufficiency and Discouragement of Begging
Abu
Said Al-Khudri narrated that some Ansari persons asked for (something)
from Allah’s Messenger and he gave them. They again asked him for
(something) and he again gave them. And then again they asked him and he
gave them till all that was with him finished. And then he said: “If I
had anything, I would not keep it away from you. (Remember) Whoever
abstains from asking others, Allah will make him contented, and whoever
tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allah will make him
self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him
patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than
patience.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 2 Hadith 548)
Abu
Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “By Him in Whose Hand my
life is, it is better for anyone of you to take a rope and cut the wood
(from the forest) and carry it over his back and sell it (as a means of
earning his living); rather than to ask a person for something and that
person may give him or not.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 2 Hadith 549)
Hakim bin Hizamt
narrated that the Prophet said: “The upper hand is better than the
lower hand, (I.e., he who gives charity is better than him who takes
it). One should start giving first to his dependents. And the best
object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the
money which is left after his expenses.) And whoever abstains from
asking others for some financial help, Allah will give him and save him
from asking others, Allah will make him self-sufficient.” (Al-Bukhari
Vol. 2 Hadith 508)
(For other relevant Hadith, see: Al-Bukhari Vol. 2 Hadith 509.)
Emphasis and Reward for Hard Work
“That man can have nothing but what he strives for.” (Qur’an 53:39)
“And
if any strive (with might and main), they do so for their own souls:
for Allahs free of all needs from all creation. Those who believe and
work righteous deed, from them shall We blot out all misdeed that they
have committed, and We shall reward them according to the best of their
deeds.” (Qur’an 29:6-7)
Al-Miqdamt narrated that the Prophet said:
“Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by
working with one’s own hands. The Prophet of Allah, Daud (David), used
to eat from the earnings of his manual labor.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith
286)
Paying Salaries/Wages of Employees/Laborers on Time
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said:
“Allah says, ‘I will be against three persons of the Day of
Resurrection: 1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but he proves
treacherous; 2. One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the
price; and 3. One who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by
him but does not pay him his wages.’” (Al-Bukhari 3:430)
Anast narrated that the Prophet used to get cupped and would never withhold the wages of any person. (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 480)
Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: "Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries.” (Tirmidhi Hadith 2987 and Ibn Majah)
Value of Time
“By
the time, verily man is in loss, except such as have Faith, and do
righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual enjoining of Truth,
and of patience and constancy.” (Qur’an 103:1-3)
Ibn
‘Abbas narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “There are two blessings
which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing
good..” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 8 Hadith 421)
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet
said: "Allah said: 'The son of Adam hurts Me by abusing Time, for I am
Time; in My Hands are all things and I cause the revolution of night and
day.' " (Al-Bukhari 6/351; 8/200; 9/583 and Muslim 4/5581)
Traveling
“For
We assuredly sent amongst every People a Messenger, (with the Command),
‘Serve Allah, and eschew Evil.’ Of the people were some whom Allah
guided, and some on whom Error became inevitably (established). So
travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied
(the Truth).” (Qur’an 16:36)
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said:
“Traveling is a kind of torture as it prevents one from eating,
drinking and sleeping (properly). So when one’s needs are fulfilled, one
should return quickly to one’s family.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 31)
Sah bib Sa’d As-Sa’idit narrated that Allah’s Messenger said:
“To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah’s Cause for one day is better
than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in Paradise
as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the
world and whatever is on its surface; and a morning’s or an evening’s
journey which a slave (person) travels in Allah’s Cause is better than
the world and whatever is on its surface.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 4 Hadith
142)
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said:
“It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last
Day to travel for one day and night except with a mahram (her husband or
a male close relative with whom she can not marry at all examples: her
brother, father, grandfather, etc.).” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 2 Hadith 194)
(For
other relevant Qur’anic verse and Ahadith, see: Qur’an 30:9-10,
Al-Bukhari Vol. 4 Hadith 242 and Al-Bukhari Vol. 4 Hadith 239.)
Riches/Wealth
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said: “Riches does not mean having a great amount of property, but riches is self-contentment.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 8 Hadith 453)
Condition for Change/Development
“Because
Allah will never change the Grace which He has bestowed on a people
until they change what is in their (own) souls. And verily Allahs He Who
hears and knows (all things).” (Qur’an 8:53)
Power and Sovereignty
“To
Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether you show
what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah calls you to account for it.
He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases, for Allah has
power over all things.” (Qur’an 2:285)
“Say:
“O Allah! Rabb (Sustainer) of Power (and Rule), You give Power to whom
You please, and You stripes off Power from whom You pleases. You endow
with honour whom You please and You bring low whom You please. In Your
hand is all Good. Verily, over all things you have power.” (Qur’an 3:24;
also 3:29)
“To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and Allah has power over all things.” (Qur’an 3:189; 11:4)
“Do
you not know that to Allah (Alone) belongs the dominion of the heavens
and the earth? He punishes whom He pleases, and He forgives whom He
pleases. And Allah has power over all things.” (Qur’an 5:40; also 5:120)
“If
Allah touches you with affliction, none can remove it but if He touches
you with happiness, He has power over all things. He is Irresistibly
Supreme over His servants. And He is the Wise, acquainted with all
things.” (Qur’an 6:17-18)
“It
is He (Allah) Who has made you the inheritors of the earth. He has
raised you in ranks, some above others; that He may try you in the gifts
He has given you: for your Rabb (Sustainer) is quick in punishment.
Yet, He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 6:165)
Goal
“To
each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a
race) towards all that is good. Whosoever you are, Allah will bring you
together; for Allah has power over all things.” (Qur’an 2:148)
“Say:
‘Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death,
are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds.’” (Qur’an 6:162)
“...And
to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and to all
that is between. And to Him is the final goal (of all).” (Qur’an 5:18)
(For other relevant Qur’anic verses see: 5:105 and 40:2-3)
Obedience to God, His Messenger and to Rulers/Authorities
"O
you who believe! Obey God, and obey the Messenger, and those charged
with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves,
refer it to God and His Messenger, if you do believe in God and the Last
Day: that is best and most suitable for final determination.” (Qur’an
4:59)
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet said:
“Whoever disapproves of something done by his ruler then he should be
patient, for whoever disobeys the ruler even a little (a span) will die
as those who died in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance (i.e.,
rebellious sinners).” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 9Hadith. 176)
Anas bin Malik narrated that Allah’s Messenger said:
“You should listen to and obey your ruler even if he was an Ethiopian
(black) slave whose head looks like a raisin.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 9 Hadith
No.256)
‘Abdullah narrated that the Prophet said:
“A Muslim has to listen to and obey (the order of his ruler) whether he
likes it or not as long as his orders involve not one in disobedience
(to Allah), but if an act of disobedience (to Allah) is imposed one
should not listen to it or obey it.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 9 Hadith No.258)
‘Auf bin Malik narrated that Allah’s Messenger said:
“The best of your rulers are those whom you love and who love you, who
invoke God’s blessings upon you and you invoke His blessings upon them.
And the worst of your rulers are those whom you hate and who hate you
and whom you curse and who curse you.” It was asked (by those present):
“Should we not overthrow them with the help of the sword? He said: “No,
as long as they establish prayer among you. If you then find anything
detestable in them, you should hate their administration, but do not
withdraw yourselves from their obedience.” (Muslim Vol. 3 Hadith 4573)
Discouragement to Seek Power/to Rule
‘Abdur Rahman bin Samuraht narrated that Allah’s Messenger said:
“O ‘ Abdur Rahman bin Samurah! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you
are given authority on your demand, you will be held responsible for it,
but if you are given it without asking for it, then you will be helped
(by Allah) in it. If you ever take an oath to do something and later on
you find that something else is better, then do what is better and make
expiation for your oath..” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 9 Hadith 260)
Accountability
Abdullah bin Umar t narrated that he heard the Prophet saying:
“Every one of you is a guardian, and responsible for what is in his
custody. The ruler is a guardian of his subjects and responsible for
them; a husband is a guardian of his family and is responsible for it; a
lady is a guardian of her husband’s house and is responsible for it,
and a servant is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible
for it. A man is a guardian of his father’s property and is responsible
for it so all of you are guardians and responsible for your wards and
things under your care).” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 2 Hadith 592; also Vol. 3
Hadith 73)
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Maliht
that Ubaidullah bin Ziyad visited Ma’qil bin Yasar in his illness.
Ma’qil said to him: I am narrating to you a Hadith which I would have
never narrated to you had I not been in death-bed. I heard Allah’s
Messenger said: “A ruler who has been entrusted with the affairs of the
Muslims, but he if makes no endeavours (for the material and moral
uplift) and does not sincerely mean (their welfare) would not enter
Paradise along with them.” (Muslim Vol. 1 Hadith 264)
Law of Equality and Justice
“In
the Law of Equality there is (saving of) life to you, O you men of
understanding that you may restrain yourselves.” (Qur’an 2:179)
“Allah
does command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are
due; and when you judge between people that you judge with justice.
Verily how excellent is the teaching, which He gives you! For Allahs He
Who hears and sees all things.” (Qur’an 4:58)
“O
you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah,
even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it
be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. For not the
lusts (of your departure), lest you swerve, and if you distort
(justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allahs well-acquainted with
all that you do.” (Qur’an 4:135)
“O
you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to fair
dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to
wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety. And fear
Allah for Allahs well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Qur’an 5:8)
“Allah
commands justice, the doing of good, and giving to kith and kin, and He
forbids all indecent deed, and evil and rebellion, He instructs you
that you may receive admonition.” (Qur’an 16:90)
Anas Bin Malik narrated that the Prophet said: “The prescribed Law of Allahs the equality in punishment (i.e. Qisas).” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 6 Hadith 26)
(For other relevant Qur’anic verses see: 2:178 and 6:164.)
Encouragement for Giving Right Judgement
‘Amir bin Al-’As t is reported to have said that he heard Allah’s Messenger
as saying: “When a judge gives a decision, and he tries his best to
decide correctly and is right (in his decision), there are two rewards
for him and if he gave judgement and did his best (to arrive at a
correct decision) but erred, there is one reward for him.” (Ibn Majah
Vol. 3 Hadith 2314; Muslim Vol. 3 Hadith 4261)
Abdur Rahman bin Bakrat reported: “My father...heard Allah’s Messenger as saying: ‘One of you should not judge between two persons when he is angry.” (Muslim Vol. 3 Hadith 4264)
Prohibition of Graft and Corruption
Narrated Khaula Al-Ansariyat : “I heard Allah’s’ Messenger
said: ‘Some people spend Allah’s wealth (Muslim’s wealth) in an unjust
manner; such people will be put in the (Hell) Fire on the Day of
Resurrection.’” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 4 Hadith347)
Mutual Consultation
“Those
who respond to their Rabb (Sustainer), and establish regular prayer;
who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of
what We bestow on them for sustenance; and those who, when an oppressive
wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend
themselves.” (Qur’an 42:38-39)
Prohibition for Fighting/Murder and Other Crimes
Never
should a Believer kill a Believer; except by mistake, and whoever kills
a Believer by mistake it is ordained that he should free a believing
slave. And pay blood money to the deceased’s family, unless they remit
it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he
was a Believer, the freeing of a believing slave (is enough). If he
belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance,
blood-money should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be
freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a
fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah: for Allah
has all knowledge and all wisdom. (Qur’an 4:92)
“If
a man kills a Believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide
therein (forever): and the wrath and curse of Allah are upon him, and a
dreadful chastisement is prepared for him.” (Qur’an 4:193)
“Nor take life ¾ which Allah has made sacred ¾
except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given
his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not
exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped by the
(Law).” (Qur’an 17:33)
Abu Bakraht narrated: “I heard Allah’s Messenger
saying, ‘When two Muslims fight (meet) each other with their swords,
both the murderer as well as the murdered will go to Hell-fire.” I said:
“O Allah’s Messenger!. It is all right for the murderer but what about
the murdered one? Allah’s Messengereplied, “He surely had the intention
to kill his companion.’” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 1 Hadith 30)
Ibn Umar narrated that Allah’s Messenger
said: “A faithful believer remains at liberty regarding his religion,
unless he kills somebody unlawfully.” (Al-Bukhari Vol.9 Hadith 2)
Abdullah Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet said: “Whoever carries arms against us, is not from us.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 9 Hadith 13)
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet said:
“The most hated persons with Allah are three: 1) A person who deviates
from the right conduct (i.e., an evil-doer), in the Haram (sanctuaries
of Makkah and Madinah); 2. A person who seeks that the traditions of the
period of ignorance should remain in Islam; and 3. A person who seeks
to shed somebody’s blood without any right.” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 9
Hadith21)
Conditions for Killing a Believer
Abdullah narrated that the Prophet said:
“The blood of a Muslim, who confesses that La ilaha il-Allah (none has
the right to be worshipped but Allah) and that I am the Messenger of
Allah, cannot be shed except in three cases: 1. life for life (in cases
of intentional murders without right i.e., Al-Qisas ¾Law
of equality in punishment); 2. a married person who commits illegal
sexual intercourse; and 3. the one who turns renegade from Islam
(apostate) and leaves the group of Muslims (by innovating heresy, new
ideas and new things etch. in Islamic religion).” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 9
Hadith 17)
Prohibition of Suicide
“O
you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities:
but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor
kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah has been to you Most
Merciful.” (Qur’an 4:29)
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said:
“He who commits suicide by throttling shall keep on throttling himself
in the Hell-fire (forever) and he who commits suicide by stabbing
himself shall keep on stabbing himself in the Hell-fire (forever).”
(Al-Bukhari Vol. 2 Hadith 446)
Jundab t narrated that the Prophet said:
“A man was inflicted with wounds and he committed suicide, and so Allah
said: ‘My slave has caused death on himself hurriedly, so I forbid
Paradise for him.’” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 4 Hadith 445)
Prohibition of Betrayal
Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Prophet said:
“Every betrayer will have a flag which will be fixed on the Day of
Resurrection, and the flag ‘s prominence will be made in order to show
the betrayal he committed..” (Al-Bukhari Vol. 4 Hadith 411)
Fighting against Oppression, Transgression and Persecution
Fight
in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits;
for Allah loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch
them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for
persecution is worse than slaughter. But fight them not at the Sacred
Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay
them. Such is the punishment of those who reject faith. But if they
cease, Allahs Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until
there is no more persecution and the religion becomes Allah’s. But if
they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice
oppression. (Qur’an 2:192-193)
“The
blame is only against those who oppress men with wrong-doing and
insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and
justice: for such there will be a Chastisement grievous.” (Qur’an 42:42)
Ibn
Umar narrated that the Prophet said: “Oppression will be a darkness on
the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Bukhari 3:627; Muslim Vol.4 Hadith 6249)
Anas bin Malik narrated that Allah’s
Messenger said: “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is
an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! It is all right
to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an
oppressor? The Prophet said: “By preventing him from oppressing others.”
(Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 624 and Muslim Vol. 4 Hadith 6254)
Abu Dharrt
reported Allah’s Messenger as saying: “Allah, the Exalted and Glorious,
said: ‘My servants, I have made oppression unlawful for Me and unlawful
for you, so do not commit oppression against one another...’” (Muslim
Vol. 4 Hadith 6246)
(For other relevant Ahadith, see: Al-Bukhari Vol. 3 Hadith 628 and Hadith 629.)
Conditions for Fighting/Waging War against Enemies
“Fight
in the Cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits;
for Allah loves not transgressors.” (Qur’an 2:190)
“To
those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because
they are wronged; and verily Allahs Most Powerful for their aid. (They
are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,
(for no cause) except that they say, “Our Rabb (Sustainer) is
Allah.”... (They are) those who, if We establish them in the land,
establish regular prayer and give zakat, enjoin the right and forbid
wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs.”
(Qur’an 22:39-41)
Jihad/Fighting in the Cause of Allah
“And
why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being
weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed); men, women and children, whose
cry is: “Our Rabb (Sustainer)! Rescue us from this town; whose people
are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect; and
raise for us from You one who will help!?” (Qur’an 4:75)
“Those
who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith
fight in the cause of Evil; so fight against the friends of Satan.
Feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.” (Qur’an 4:76)
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