Moral Obligations and Recommendations to Promote Peace (1/2)

Islam enjoins truth

Allah the Exalted and Almighty said:

 “O you who believe! Fear God and be with those who are truthful.”  (Surah At-Taubah, 9:119)

Allah the Exalted and Almighty said:

 “And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms and supports it - such are the men who are god fearing.”  (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:33)

Islam enjoins justice

Allah, the Exalted and Almighty said:

 “Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and generosity to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.”  (Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)

Justice and fairness are commanded and required in all situations, when one is happy and satisfied, and when one is upset and unsatisfied, with Muslims and with non-Muslims alike. Allah the Exalted and Almighty said:

 “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: that is next to Piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-aware with all that you do.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:8)

And He, the Exalted, says:

 “O you who believe! Stand out for justice, as witnesses to Allah, and even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor…” (Surah An-Nisa', 4:134)

Islam enjoins altruism

Philanthropy and benevolence are the results of sincere altruism, and the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him were especially noteworthy of this trait, offering their help and assistance to others solely for the Pleasure of Allah.

Allah the Exalted and Almighty says:

“And do good. Truly Allah loves those who do good.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:195)

Allah, the Exalted, said:

 “But those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith, show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls; they are the ones that achieve prosperity.”   (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:9)

Allah's Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 

 “Do favors for those who deserve to have them done for them and also for those who do not deserve to have them done for them. If the doer did the favor for those who deserve it, it is fine and good, and if not, the doer himself is one of those who are worthy for favors.” (Reported by Tirmidhi)

Islam enjoins brotherhood

Allah, the Exalted, says:

 “Verily the believers are but brothers…”   (Surah Al-Hujuraat, 49:10)

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

 “Do not envy one another; do not inflate prices by overbidding against one another; do not hate one another; do not harbor malice against one another; and do not enter into commercial transaction when others have entered into that (transaction); but be you, O slaves of Allah, as brothers. A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he neither oppresses him nor does he look down upon him, nor does he humiliate him. Piety is here, (and he pointed to his chest three times). It is enough evil for a Muslim to hold his brother Muslim in contempt. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother-in-faith: his blood, his property and his honor.” (Reported by Muslim)

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

"A Muslim is a brother to a Muslim. He should neither deceive him nor lie to him, nor leave him without assistance. Everything belonging to a Muslim is inviolable for a Muslim; his honor, his blood and property. Piety is here (and he pointed out to his chest thrice). It is enough for a Muslim to commit evil by despising his Muslim brother." (Reported by Tirmidhi)

Islam enjoins the maintenance of righteous company

Muslims are advised to gain good company and avoid bad company. The Prophet of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“The example of good and evil companions is like that of a person who is carrying musk and the blacksmith who is blowing the fire of his furnace. The carrier of musk would either give you some of it or you may buy some from him or at least you would receive the smell of perfume from him. As for the blacksmith who is blowing fire, you may either burn your clothes, be disturbed with the sparks of his fire, or the least you would receive is bad odor coming from him and his place of work.” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

Islam enjoins reconciliation and peace making

Reconciliation is enjoined at all times and especially when there is a serious rift in relationship that may lead to increased conflict.

Allah the Almighty and Exalted said:

 “The Believers are but brothers so make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear God, that you may receive Mercy.” (Surah Al-Hujuraat, 49:10)

Allah, the Almighty and Exalted, says:

“In most of their secret talks there is no good; but if one exhorts to a deed of charity or justice or reconciliation between men, (then secrecy is permissible): to him who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall soon give a reward of the highest value.” (Surah An-Nisa', 4:114)