I. Introduction
“The one with good morals and character already owns the best of this world and the hereafter.” (Holy prophet ﷺ )
Islam as a comprehensive way of life encompasses a complete moral system that is an essential aspect of its worldview. Islam defines a universal standard by which actions may be deemed immoral. Islam’s ethical system is striking in that it not only defines morality but also guides the human race in how to achieve it, at both an individual and a collective level.
II. Civilization
Civilization can be defined as
“A state of human society that is very developed and organized and all people in the world and the societies they live in, considered as a whole.”
III. Islamic Civilization
Islamic civilization is the material welfare attained by the Muslims during the Rashidun Caliphate and early Muslim Empires. Islamic civilization possesses different characteristics than other civilizations. This gives it a unique position.
IV. Distinctions of Islamic Civilization
The characteristics of Islamic civilization which makes it different from other civilization include:
- Tawhid
- Self-Purification
- Dignity of man
- Equality
- Social values
- Moral values
- Tolerance
- Rule of law
V. Moral values
Moral values are connected to fundamental human emotions and experiences that motivate us in distinctive ways. Examples: Honesty, dignity, integrity, loyalty, and giving respect to one another.
VI. Moral Value System of Islam as Significant Feature of Islamic Civilization
1. RELATIONSHIP WITH ALLAH
Remembrance of God has a lot of advantages and benefits such as the serenity and tranquility that can be attained in the heart. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Ra’ad verse number 28:-
“Those who believe and whose hearts find serenity by the remembrance of Allah; Surely by Allah’s remembrance hearts find serenity and tranquility.” (Al-Quran)
i. Worship
Allah, in various verses of the Holy Quran, commands us to worship Him sincerely and faithfully. Allah Almighty says in Surah Az-Zumr verse number 2:-
“Surely, we have revealed to you the book with the truth, therefore worship god being sincere to him in obedience.” (Al-Quran)
ii. Trust in God
There are many verses in which Allah commands believers to trust Him. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Maida verse number 23:-
“Put your trust in Allah if you are ‘truly’ believers.” (Al-Quran)
iii. Repentance
In numerous verses, Allah asks the believers to repent to Him and ask His forgiveness. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Anfal verse number 66:-
“O you who believe! Repent towards God a sincere repentance.” (Al-Quran)
2. RELATIONSHIP WITH ONESELF
Purification of the soul is a prerequisite for proximity to God. Indeed, the whole point of morality and spirituality is to purify one’s soul. It is only when this is achieved that the soul starts shining, receiving, and reflecting the radiation and light from Allah.
A major task of all the Prophets and one of the aims behind all their endeavors in teaching the driving message was to help people to purify their souls.
i. Self Control
On self-control, Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Sa’ad verse number 26:-
“O Dawood! Do not follow the whims of your own soul for they will lead you astray from ALLAH’s path.” (AL-QURAN)
ii. Truthfulness
There is a great emphasis on truthfulness in both, the Holy Quran and traditions. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Ahzab verse number 70:-
“O you who believe! fear the wrath of Allah, and say only that which is true.” (Al-Quran)
iii. Humility
In Islam, arrogance is considered a fatal deficiency of the human soul and a major source of many sins and mistakes. According to the Holy Quran, the reason that Satan refused to obey Allah and prostrate before Adam (A.S) was his arrogance. On the other hand, humility is a very great virtue. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Luqman verse number 18:-
“And do not treat people with arrogance, nor go about in the land exulting over much, surely Allah does not love any self-conceited boaster.” (Al-Quran)
iv. Being Moderate and Balanced
Allah created the world with justice and in turn, He expects human beings to act justly. A requirement of justice is to give everything its due right and to strike a balance. Dealing with extremes leads to injustice to oneself or to others. Below, a verse about balance, in general, is mentioned first and it is then followed by two verses about specific cases in which balance is required. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Rehman verse number 7-9:-
“And the heaven, he raised it high, and he made the balance, that you may not be inordinate in respect of the measure, and keep up the balance with equity and do not make the measure deficient.” (Al-Quran)
v. Patience
Islam teaches patience. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Baqrah verse number 153:-
“O you who believe! seek assistance through patience and prayer, surely God is with the patient.” (Al-Quran)
vi. Suppression of Anger
The suppression of anger has been stressed by Islam to its followers. Allah Almighty says in Surah Aal-e-Imran verse number 133-134:-
“Paradise has been prepared for those who suppress their anger and who pardon the people.” (Al-Quran)
vii. Protection of Tongue
Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“The salvation of the believer is in the protection of his tongue.” (Al-Hadith)
3. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE
Islam has many instructions that govern relationships with others.
i. Fulfilling One’s Promise
Islam asks for the fulfillment of one’s promises. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Isra(Bani Israel) verse number 34:-
“And Fulfill the promise surely (every) promise shall be questioned about.” (Al-Quran)
Moreover, Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Ma’arij verse number 32:-
“And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant.” (Al-Quran)
ii. Delivery of Trust
Islam asks for the delivery of trust. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Nisa verse number 58:-
“Surely, Allah commands you to make over trusts to their owners.” (Al-Quran)
iii. Pardon
Islam asks for developing the trait of forgiving others. Allah Almighty says in Surah Aal-e-Imran verse number 133-134:-
“Paradise has been prepared for those who suppress their anger and who pardon the people.” (AL-QURAN)
iv. Respect for Parents
Respect for and obedience and kindness towards parents are enjoined upon Muslims. Unless the parents ask for an unjust act or a sin to be committed; a person needs to obey his/her parents. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Isra(Bani Israel) verse number 23-25:-
“And your lord has decreed that you worship none but him. and that you be dutiful to your parents. if one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. and lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy and say, My Lord! bestow on them your mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.” (Al-Quran)
v. Visiting the Sick
There are many traditions about the importance of visiting the sick and its etiquette, such as shortening the visit (unless the sick himself wishes them to remain more), praying for the sick person, talking to the sick person about the blessing of Allah for the sick and taking gifts for him. Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“The one who visits a sick will be encompassed by the mercy of Allah.” (Al-Quran)
VII. Conclusion
Morality in Islam addresses every aspect of a Muslim’s life, from greeting to international relations. It is universal in its scope and in its applicability. A Muslim is expected to not only be virtuous but also enjoin virtue. He must not only refrain from evil and vice but also actively engage in asking people to eschew them. In other words, they must not only be morally healthy but must also contribute to the moral health of society as a whole.