Some Basic Concepts in Islam (4/4)

14. Concept of Family

The family is a human social group whose members are bound together by blood ties or marital relationship. The family bond needs mutual expectations of rights and obligations that are observed by the members. Islam sees the family on solid grounds that are capable of providing reasonable continuity, true security, and mature intimacy. Islam recognizes that there is no more natural relationship than that of blood. The normal course of behavior for the Muslim individual is to be family-oriented and to seek a family of his own. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him) has said that the best Muslim is one who is best to his family, and the greatest, most blessed joy in life is a good, righteous wife.

To take good care of children is one of the most commendable deeds in Islam. It is charity of a higher order to attend to their spiritual welfare, educational needs, and general well-being. Similarly, it is a divine injunction that no child may become the cause of harm to the parents. It is also the absolute religious duty of children to provide for aged parents and help them to make their lives as comfortable as possible. A Muslim should extend his utmost help and kindness to other family members and relations, to show them true feelings of love and care. Earning a livelihood for one’s family is considered as an act that deserves reward in the Hereafter. It is also a sacred duty to be good to the kin even though they may not respond in a similar way.

“Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous.” [The Qur’an Ch: 25, Al-Furqan, V: 74]

15. Concept of Community

The purest form of monotheism of Islam, as well as the Islamic teaching that all Muslims are equal before God, provides the basis for a collective sense of loyalty to Allah that transcends class, race, and nationality. Islamic community does not take its name after the name of a leader, a founder, or an event. It transcends national borders and political boundaries. All Muslims belong to one community, the umma, irrespective of their ethnic or national background. The foundation of the community in Islam is the submission to the Will of Allah. An Islamic community is present only when it is nourished and fostered by Islam. A truly Islamic community is the alert guardian of virtue and the bitter enemy of vice. What is required of the community at large is likewise required of every individual member. This is because every individual is accountable to Allah and the whole community is a single organic entity. This does not imply that Islam prefers the individual to the group. What it means is that the individual has different sets of roles to play. He must play them in such a way as to guard his moral integrity, preserve his identity, observe the rights of Allah, and fulfill his social obligations.

“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 3, Ali Imran, V: 104]

16. Concept of Brotherhood

In the Islamic perspective, human brotherhood is based on the unshakable belief in the Oneness of Allah. God is One, Eternal, and Universal. He is the Creator of all men, the Provider for all men, the Judge of all men, and the Lord over all men. The original common parentage of all men is that of Adam and Eve. Allah does not confine His favors to any particular nation, race, or period. All human beings irrespective of their color, language, race, or faith enjoy the innumerable blessings of Allah. Before Him, all human beings are equal and are brothers and sisters of one another. So the basis of human brotherhood, according to Islam, is based on the Oneness of God. Islam sees Allah as the Only One True God, Who is worshipped and envisages entire humankind as the worshippers of Allah.

“And verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other).” [The Qur’an Ch: 23, Al-Mu’minoon, V: 52-53]

17. Concept of War

As long as there exist injustice, oppression, whimsical ambitions, and illogical claims in the world, wars will continue to be waged. Islam has recognized war as a lawful and justifiable course for self-defense and restoration of justice, freedom and peace. Islam permits war but keeps it within the limits of mercy at which the twenty-first century civilization has not yet been able to arrive, not even to come near to. War is not an objective of Islam nor is it the normal course for Muslims. It is only the last resort and should be used under the most extraordinary circumstances when all other measures fail. Islam has set down certain rules, the most merciful and considerate to people, and required people to observe them. Muslims are commanded by Allah not to begin hostilities, embark on any act of aggression, or violate any rights of others. During the course of a war, Muslims are forbidden to destroy any homes, crops, supplies, etc., or kill civilians, children, women, elders, and disabled people.

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for God, 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 God. For God is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 5, Al-Ma’idah, V: 8]

Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him):

• The first thing created by God was the intellect.

• One learned man is harder on the devil than a thousand ignorant worshippers.

• Riches are not from an abundance of worldly goods, but from a contented mind.

• A man of wealth has many enemies, while a man of knowledge has many friends. Hence knowledge is better

• Do not cut down trees that provide shade to travelers and animals.

• When the bier of anyone passes by you, whether Christian, Jew, or Muslim, rise to your feet.

• Actions will be judged according to intentions.

• That which is lawful is clear, and that which is unlawful likewise, but there are certain doubtful things between the two from which it is well to abstain.

• No man is a true believer unless he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.

• That person is nearest to God, who pardons the one who would have injured him.

• The creation is as God’s family; the most beloved unto God is the person who does good to God’s family.

• Assist any person oppressed, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.

• Modesty and chastity are parts of the Faith.

• Monopoly is unlawful in Islam.

• Cursed are the ones who take or give bribes.