Some Basic Concepts in Islam (2/4)

5. Concept of Equality

Mankind was created by the One True Eternal God, the Supreme Lord of all. The entire human race has the common parentage of Adam and Eve. So, all men are equal in the sight of God; but they are not necessarily identical. Men have differences of abilities, potentials, ambitions, wealth, and so on. Yet none of these establishes a status of superiority of one man or race over another. Lineage, color, region, or language does not give individuals any special status in Islamic society and no discrimination of any type is allowed in Islam. These teachings of Islam are intended to remove all the impositions of barriers and classes among people in order to enable them to enjoy and practice their legitimate rights.

Islam considers all people as equal in matters of worship; all individuals are seen as equal in the Islamic Code of Law; all members of the nation have the right to benefit from the national resources; and Islam declares all people equal in terms of human values. Along with the rights that man enjoys, he also has certain obligations and responsibilities that he is expected to fulfill. Every individual is judged by Allah on the basis of his own merits and according to his own deeds. The only distinction which Allah recognizes is the distinction in piety, and the only criterion which He applies is the criterion of goodness and spiritual excellence.

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 49, Al-Hujurat, V: 13]

6. Concept of Freedom

Freedom is often denied to many individuals, groups, and nations. The fact is that in no human society can man be free in the absolute sense of the word. There must be some limitations of one sort or another, if the society is to function at all. Anarchy would prevail in lands where people have the freedom to live as they like. Freedom without restraints leads to corruption and immorality since they are not tied to higher moral values or self-control. The freedom that Islam grants is based on commitment and responsibility without which there can be no true freedom. Islam does not believe in giving man unbridled freedom to do whatever he likes. The right of freedom that man has been endowed with is sacred as long as he does not violate the Commandments of Allah. Islam insists that man has freewill because that is the way that Allah created him. It allows him to express this freedom and to practice it within the limits of commitment, responsibility, and self-control. Moreover, man has an obligation to choose the path of righteousness and to safeguard his freedom and that of others. One of the main objectives of Islam is to free humanity from superstitions, the soul from sin, and the conscience from fear. Every man has the right to freedom of belief, conscience, and worship.

Islam expects man to think, ponder, affirm faith, and do good deeds. Every human being is personally responsible for his deeds and he is accountable for the consequences of all his actions. Man should therefore, practice his personal freedom without encroaching upon the rights of others and deviating from a correct moral conduct. In an atmosphere which respects the rights and freedoms of others, mankind can grow and prosper.

“The truth is from your Lord: Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it).” [The Qur’an, Ch: 18, Al-Kahf, V: 29]

7. Concept of Peace

Allah created the heavens and the earth in such a way that they might perform their functions peacefully. For billions of years, the entire universe has been functioning in total harmony with His divine plan. Hence, peace is no external commodity to be artificially imposed upon man. Peace is inherent in nature itself. The system of nature set up by Allah already rests on the basis of peace. If this system is not disrupted, it will continue to stay in the course set for it by Allah.

In order to preserve the peace established by nature from disruption, two important injunctions have been laid down by Islam - one at the individual level, which stresses the exercise of patience, and the other at the social level, which forbids taking the offensive. ‘Peace’ and ‘Islam’ are two words that are derived from the same root and may be considered synonymous. One of the names of Allah is ‘Peace’. The concluding words of the daily prayers of Muslims are words of peace. The daily salutations among the Muslims are expressions of peace. Heaven in Islam is the abode of peace. These are just a few of the facts that show how fundamental and dominant is the theme of peace in Islam. An individual who follows Islam attains peace with God, with himself, and with his fellow men. There cannot be any ‘Islamic terrorist’ or ‘Islamic terrorism’ because ‘Islamic’ can only mean ‘peaceful’. The aim of Islam is to build a peaceful society because higher human objectives can be achieved only in an atmosphere of peace. The spiritual as well as moral progress of the individual is possible only in peaceful circumstances. Since an atmosphere of peace is essential for the building of a good society, Islam enjoins Muslims to establish peace even at the cost of unilateral sacrifice and patience.

“But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.” [The Qur’an Ch: 42, Al-Shura, V: 43]

8. Concept of Charity

Like the concept of worship in Islam, the definition of charity also embraces all aspects of life. Islam in no way restricts charitable deeds to the economic realm. Other than giving obligatory charity - Zakah, an individual may also give as much as he pleases as Sadaqah. Although this word means ‘voluntary charity’ it has a wider implication. It includes every imaginable act of kindness that one can possibly do to human beings or any other creatures. A kind word, a good deed, or even a noble intention can be a great act of charity meriting infinite rewards in the Hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him) taught that meeting someone with a cheerful face is an act of charity, helping a person to load his animal is a charity, and pouring some water in your neighbor’s bucket is a charity. Working to earn a living for oneself and one’s family, providing education to children, and placing a morsel of food unto the spouse’s mouth are all acts of charity. Refraining from doing evil and enjoining others to do good are acts of charity.

“Those who spend their substance in the cause of God, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, - for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 2, Al-Baqarah, V: 262-263]

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