The Good Or The Moral Element (2)

The things that God “has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawâhish, whether committed openly or secretly; sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression”, (ibid, 33).

It suffices to note that the reference to this universal moral conscience, to this innate feeling of good and evil, is repeated in the Qur’an in more than 45 verses[1].

Nevertheless, this natural sentiment, upon which the Qur’an is always calling, is not always sufficiently ardent in all men for determining their submission to the rule, it was necessary to prescribe a complete method of education relying on intelligence and reason as well as on this innate moral sense. If this permanent feeling of good and evil was lacking, the idea of universal duty would always remain. The best way for animating this idea and for making it transcend our actual sentiments is to invoke for its support the witness of competent: i.e. the sages and the saints of all times.

That is why the last Revelation is attached solidly to the Revelation which proceeded it. All the Messengers of God had maintained Justice, “Indeed We have sent our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice that mankind may keep up justice. And We brought forth iron wherein is mighty power (in matters of war), as well as many benefits for mankind that Allâh may test who it is that will help Him (His religion) and His Messengers in the unseen.” (LVII, 25).

All had been ordered to work honestly for their living, to worship God and to practice virtue

“O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibât [all kinds of Halâl (lawful) foods (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.] and do righteous deeds. Verily I am Well-Acquainted with what you do. * And verily this your religion (of Islâmic Monotheism) is one religion, and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to Me.” (XXIII, 51-2).

Prayer and alms had been instituted by Abraham, Isaak, Jacob, “And We made them leaders, guiding (mankind) by Our Command, and We revealed to them the doing of good deeds performing Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and the giving of Zakât and of Us (Alone) they were the worshippers.” (XXI, 73), Ishmael, “And he used to enjoin on his family and his people As-Salât (the prayers) and the Zakât and his Lord was pleased with him.” (XIX, 55), Moses, “Verily! I am Allâh! Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and per-form As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) for My Remembrance.” (XX, 14), and Jesus “And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salât (prayer), and Zakât as long as I live.” (XIX, 31).