Friday, November 16, 2012

Islamic Ethics for a Better Society


In his special sermon of October 05, 2012 on the occasion of the Annual Conference [“JALSA SALANA”] of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius reflected on the fundamental values and structural norms on which the edifice of human society is constituted. Based on a holistic analysis of the profound Islamic ordinances, the Messenger of Allah of our times pin-points several ethical principles which, if kept in mind in our individual and collective life, would go a long way in making the world a better place to live.  

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:


Now, allow me to pinpoint certain directives offered by Islam to get rid of some social evils and build a better and progressive society:

1. There should be a good relationship between the high and the low, the aged and the young.

2. Beggary is looked down on with extreme displeasure. The Holy Prophet (saw) has said: “The hand of the donor is better than the hand of the taker.” There came a period in history when people had charity to give but there were no takers.

3. With regard to our neighbours, the needy and the orphans, the Holy Quran has laid this order: “And worship Allah and associate naught with Him and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful.” (4: 37)


4. Although Islam has rendered the State responsible to cater for the primary needs of mankind as food, clothing and housing, yet it has said that the best earning in what man gets by the sweat of his own brow.

5. Many disputes take place because a head of household throws rubbish in the street or in front of a neighbour’s house. Islam has given clear directions on this matter and has even gone so far as to say that it’s a good action to remove harmful things from the road. In the same way Islam does not permit one to enter a house without the owner’s permission. When a person returns to his own house he should inform the inmates and say Salaam to them.

6. In the same way to promote love and friendship Islam has recommended the exchange of gifts between neighbours and friends. The best gift is the offering of the prayerful wish called “Assalamu Alaikum”, that is, May peace be with you.

7. Many of the social evils of our country can be removed by the leading of a simple life. Our food, our clothing, our way of life should be based on simplicity and moderation. The simpler we are the better we win friendship.

8. To avoid the clash between capital and labour, the Industrial court could follow this golden rule: “The artisan should be given his wages – an adequate one – before the sweat on his body has dried up,” as has said our Holy Prophet (saw).

9. To end this series of directions I quote a verse of the Holy Quran, in Surah Al-Maida: “Help one another in righteousness and piety; but help not one another in sin and transgression.” (5: 3)

My message is:

(1)  We should work in close cooperation with one another towards the betterment of society and nation.
(2)  We should not injure anybody by our hands or our tongues.
(3)  If we share one another’s joys and sorrows there is no reason why we should not live a life of peace and harmony in this world. Surely then God will bless us and help us. (Amin)