IPP (Part-2 Ch-4) Social Management in Islam-pl

Chapter I

SOCIAL MANAGEMENT IN ISLAM

Muhammad, in the light of the holy Qurän, established a social system on the principle of democracy and equality. German Scholars first discovered the principles of communism in the holy Qurän and Islamic history. To learn more about Islam, Berlin University began to teach Arabic. Consequently, books written on socialism by the renowned Companion, Abujor Gifari were translated into German. Many German Scholars, including Karl Marks were greatly influenced by the writings of Abujor Gifari. Karl Marks, the progenitor of Russian Communism, and his colleagues on basis of the Islamic ideals of equality, expounded his own kind of socialism in the twenties. However, atheism mingling with the basic Islamic idea caused the beginning of the decline of socialism after 70/75 years of its introduction.

Fourteen hundred years ago, Muhammad said, “Whatever exists on this earth belongs to Allah, the Almighty. In his creation and in the wealth therein, everybody, irrespective of caste, creed, gender and status, has equal rights.” He is the first to denounce Feudalism and Capitalism. He has discouraged excessive accumulation of wealth. The advanced world today all over the world follows the system that he started to help the poor, destitute, orphan, old, disabled and ailing. Muhammad is the first temporal and spiritual leader who has taken measures to abolish slavery. He has done land reforms and land management properly. Under these reforms, land was provided to the land-less. The way he has managed and implemented the land reforms could not be done by the Soviets even in the present day. Their socialist system has crumbled down. However, Qurän will keep on announcing:

1. THEN SUCH IS THE (MAN) WHO REPULSES THE ORPHAN (WITH HARSHNESS), AND ENCOURAGES NOT THE FEEDING OF THE INDIGENT. SO WOE TO THE WORSHIPPERS, WHO ARE NEGLECTFUL OF THEIR PRAYERS, THOSE WHO (WANT BUT) TO BE SEEN (OF MEN), BUT REFUSE (TO SUPPLY EVEN) NEIGHBOURLY NEEDS (AL-QURÄN - 107:2-7).

Al-Quränul Karim (the holy Qurän) is the treasury of Canons of Allah, the Provider and Sustainer of the Worlds. In this monumental divine Book, the Creator has narrated the mystery of his Creation. In this holy Book is enshrined the principles of proper conduct and behaviour: to enrich life with simplicity, beauty and piety and to attain Peace from birth to death: expounded are the norms, the duties and responsibilities for God’s greatest Creation, the Homo sapiens. Also clearly mentioned are the Permissions and Prohibitions and the Rewards and Punishments for good and bad deeds. This is the divine constitution, which states the right way to follow for temporal and spiritual activities. Therein it is also said that totally following these instructions peace, well being and prosperity can be achieved.

Allah the Most Gracious and Most Merciful has said,

2. AMONG YOU WHO BELIEVE AND WORK RIGHTEOUS DEEDS, THAT HE WILL, OF A SURETY GRANT THEM IN THE LAND, INHERITANCE (OF POWER), AS HE GRANTED IT TO THOSE BEFORE THEM; THAT HE WILL ESTABLISH IN AUTHORITY THEIR RELIGION-THE ONE WHICH HE HAS CHOSEN FOR THEM; AND THAT HE WILL CHANGE (THEIR STATE), AFTER THE FEAR IN WHICH THEY (LIVED), TO ONE OF SECURITY AND PEACE (AL-QURÄN - 24:55).

Allah the Most Merciful further said,

3. BEFORE THIS WE WROTE IN THE PSALMS, AFTER THE MESSAGE (GIVEN TO MOSES): ‘MY SERVANTS, THE RIGHTEOUS, SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH’ (AL-QURÄN - 21:105).

Allah the Almighty has again said,

4. YE ARE THE BEST OF PEOPLES, EVOLVED FOR MANKIND, ENJOINING WHAT IS RIGHT, FORBIDDING WHAT IS WRONG, AND BELIEVING IN GOD (AL-QURÄN - 3:110).

In this way, the Most gracious, Most Merciful God, to ensure peace, security, well-being of the people, Has given rules, regulations and mandates in the Qurän. Muhammad was the very first to establish these Quränic laws, exercising them word by word. For each of the Muslim individuals, peace, prosperity and social security are ensured in the obedience of the Quränic canons. Every individual Muslim is been instructed to follow the laws; that are the key to happiness and prosperity in this life and hereafter. As long as the Muslims followed Allah’s Quränic instructions and emulated Prophet’s (PBUH) ideals, they ruled the world. Irrespective of caste, creed, gender and status, everybody lived in peace and security in an Islamic state. The light of the multi-talented faithful illuminated the world. History bears witness to that, and testifies to the fulfilment of God’s promise.

The Most Merciful Allah Has said in the Holy Qurän:

5. WE HAVE, WITHOUT DOUBT, SENT DOWN THE MESSAGE; AND WE WILL ASSUREDLY GUARD IT (FROM CORRUPTION) (AL-QURÄN - 15:9).

6. (GOD) MOST GRACIOUS! IT IS HE WHO HAS TAUGHT THE QURÄN (AL-QURÄN - 55:1-2).

7. THIS IS THE BOOK; IN IT IS GUIDANCE SURE, WITHOUT DOUBT, TO THOSE WHO FEAR GOD (AL-QURÄN - 2:3);

8. THESE ARE CLEAR EVIDENCES TO MEN, AND A GUIDANCE AND MERCY TO THOSE OF ASSURED FAITH (AL-QURÄN - 45:20).

9. THIS IS (TRUE) GUIDANCE: AND FOR THOSE WHO REJECT THE SIGNS OF THEIR LORD. IS A GRIEVOUS PENALTY OF ABOMINATION (AL-QURÄN - 45:11).

The Holy Qurän is a treasury of fathomless knowledge; every verse of this divine book guides to the ‘True Path’. The Qurän abounds with very important guidance and directions for the humankind. A few of them that are necessary in this life are quoted below one after another:

Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious, to regulate and guide the lives of His most intelligent Creation, has sent the holy book, the Qurän. This is the sacred constitution for the Islamic state, created by the great Prophet. The Prophet, to set examples for his followers for all the time, assiduously followed every instruction of the holy Qurän. Only the Islamic code of life, which is a complete code for all human activities, is acceptable to God. In the holy Qurän, the Islamic nation is called the best nation in the world. This nation is entrusted with the task to perpetuate justice and prevent injustices on this earth. With this, the responsibility, to sustain, maintain and educate the population, is given to the state. The state is also entrusted with task of implementing of land reforms, ensuring employment, creating a neutral and judicial system, and directing economic activities for the advancement of the nation. In all the activities of the world, human dignity and humane qualities are not to be compromised at any cost. As the responsibility of sustaining and maintaining the population, irrespective of caste, creed and status, are given to the Islamic state, according to the ideal of Prophet Muhammad, so it is made compulsory for each and every Muslim to abide by the Quränic canons.

Accordingly, all Muslims must:

Have faith in ‘Oneness’ of God, His Angels, Al-Qurän and other divine Books (the Torah and the Bible), in His Messengers, in the Day of Judgement and the Hereafter. Abide by the Quränic injunctions, completely and totally surrendering to God depend on Him; praise Him all the time in every place in every circumstances. Strictly adhere to the five pillars of Islam: a) Kalema Tayyeba (the Declaration of Faith), b) Salat (Prayers five times a day), c) Siam (Fasting for a month in Ramadhan every year) d) Zakat (Payment of regular charity) and e) Hajj, Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those who can. Abstain from all illegal sexual activities, i.e., adultery, fornication, etc., refrain from illegal income, i.e., money earned by improper means and eat from hard earned legal income and refrain from prohibited food and drinks and all other illegal activities. Be humble, avoid vain talks, faithfully observe trusts and covenants, enjoin good forbid evil, forsake untruth and calumny and proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers (Al-Qurän - 9:112, Al-Qurän - 96:1-5, Al-Qurän - 23:1-11, Al-Qurän - 33:35).

God has created all the things required by humankind. He has scattered immeasurable riches on the earth and the human can enjoy them provided they live by the rules of God. Allah in the Qurän, addressing humankind, has said,

10. DO YOU NOT SEE THAT GOD HAS SUBJECTED TO YOUR (USE) ALL THINGS IN THE HEAVENS AND ON EARTH, AND HAS MADE HIS BOUNTIES FLOW TO YOU IN EXCEEDING MEASURE, (BOTH) SEEN AND UNSEEN? (AL-QURÄN - 31:20).

11. WE CREATED NOT THE HEAVENS, THE EARTH, AND ALL BETWEEN THEM, MERELY IN (IDLE) SPORT: WE CREATED THEM NOT EXCEPT FOR JUST ENDS: BUT MOST OF THEM DO NOT UNDERSTAND (AL-QURÄN - 44:38-39).

God has again said,

12. BEHOLD! IN THE CREATION OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH; IN THE ALTERATION OF THE NIGHT AND THE DAY; IN THE SAILING OF THE SHIPS THROUGH THE OCEAN FOR THE PROFIT OF MANKIND; IN THE RAIN WHICH GOD SENDS DOWN FROM THE SKIES, AND THE LIFE WHICH HE GIVES THEREWITH TO AN EARTH THAT IS DEAD; IN THE BEASTS OF ALL KINDS THAT HE SCATTERS THROUGH THE EARTH; IN THE CHANGE OF THE WINDS, AND THE CLOUDS WHICH THEY TRAIL LIKE THEIR SLAVES BETWEEN THE SKY AND THE EARTH; - (HERE) INDEED ARE SIGNS FOR A PEOPLE THAT ARE WISE (AL-QURÄN - 2:164).

13. AND WE SENT DOWN IRON, IN WHICH (MATERIAL FOR) MIGHTY WAR, AS WELL AS MANY BENEFITS FOR MANKIND (AL-QURÄN - 57:25).

14. THAT WHICH IS ON EARTH WE HAVE MADE BUT AS A GLITTERING SHOW FOR THE EARTH, IN ORDER THAT WE MAY TEST THEM -AS TO WHICH OF THEM ARE BEST IN CONDUCT. VERILY WHAT IS ON EARTH WE SHALL MAKE BUT AS DUST AND DRY SOIL (WITHOUT GROWTH OR HERBAGE). OR DOST THOU REFLECT THAT THE COMPANIONS OF THE CAVE AND OF THE INSCRIPTION WERE WONDERS AMONG OUR SIGNS? BEHOLD, THE YOUTHS BETOOK THEMSELVES TO THE CAVE: THEY SAID, ‘OUR LORD! BESTOW ON US MERCY FROM THYSELF, AND DISPOSE OF OUR AFFAIR FOR US IN THE RIGHT WAY!’ THEN WE DRAW (A VEIL) OVER THEIR EARS, FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, IN THE CAVE, (SO THAT THEY HEARD NOT) (AL-QURÄN - 18:7-11).

Reference is made in the holy Qurän about cattle, animals, plants that produce eatables (Al-Qurän - 16:66-69), the powers of birds to fly (Al-Qurän - 1:79), the developmental stages of the human foetus into a complete human being (Al-Qurän - 22:5, Al-Qurän - 23:14). Reference is also made of rain and reproduction for the information of the humankind, so that they can take proper actions. For the welfare and benefit of humankind God, the Merciful has sent those sacred messages. To understand and benefit from those we must educate ourselves and do intense research in a scientific and disciplined manner. God has said,

15. AND THERE NOT A THING BUT ITS (SOURCES AND) TREASURES (INEXHAUSTIBLE) ARE WITH US; BUT WE ONLY SEND DOWN THEREOF IN DUE AND ASCERTAINABLE MEASURES. (AL-QURÄN - 15:21).

For this work, God has set two limitations: (1) things that will be used by men must be used properly and (2) the injunctions of the holy Qurän as detailed below must be followed fully in their true spirit as had been done by the Prophet.

CREATION OF MAN: THE BIRTH:

The Qurän says:

16. HE IS CREATED FROM A DROP EMITTED- PROCEEDING FROM BETWEEN THE BACKBONE AND THE RIBS (AL-QURÄN - 86:6-7):

17. FROM A SPERM-DROP: HE HATH CREATED HIM, AND THEN MOULDETH HIM IN DUE PROPORTIONS; THEN DOTH HE MAKE HIS PATH SMOOTH FOR HIM; THEN HE CAUSETH HIM TO DIE, AND PUTTETH HIM IN HIS GRAVE; THEN, WHEN IT IS HIS WILL, HE WILL RAISE HIM UP (AGAIN) (AL-QURÄN - 80:19-22).

18. MAN WE DID CREATE FROM QUINTESSENCE (OF CLAY); THEN WE PLACED HIM AS (A DROP OF) SPERM IN A PLACE OF REST, FIRMLY FIXED; THEN WE MADE THE SPERM INTO A CLOT OF CONGEALED BLOOD; THEN OF THAT CLOT WE MADE A (FOETUS) LUMP; THEN WE MADE OUT OF THAT LUMP BONES AND CLOTHED THE BONES WITH FLESH, THEN WE DEVELOPED OUT OF IT ANOTHER CREATURE. SO BLESSED BE GOD, THE BEST TO CREATE! AFTER THAT, AT LENGTH YE WILL DIE. AGAIN, ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT, WILL YE BE RAISED UP (AL-QURÄN - 23:12-16).

THE DEATH:

On death, the Qurän says:

19. EVERY SOUL SHALL HAVE A TASTE OF DEATH (AL-QURÄN - 3:185):

20. AND THE STUPOR OF DEATH WILL BRING TRUTH (BEFORE HIS EYES): THIS WAS THE THING WHICH THOU WAST TRYING TO ESCAPE (AL-QURÄN - 50:19)!

21. WHEREVER YE ARE, DEATH WILL FIND YOU OUT, EVEN IF YE ARE IN TOWERS BUILT UP STRONG AND HIGH (AL-QURÄN - 4:78)!

22. NOR CAN A SOUL DIE EXCEPT BY GOD’S LEAVE, (AL-QURÄN - 3:145).

FATHERS - MOTHERS:

23. WE HAVE ENJOINED ON MAN KINDNESS TO PARENTS: (AL-QURÄN - 29:8).

24. THY LORD HATH DECREED THAT YE WORSHIP NONE BUT HIM, AND THAT YE BE KIND TO PARENTS. WHETHER ONE OR BOTH OF THEM ATTAIN OLD AGE IN THY LIFE, SAY NOT TO THEM A WORD OF CONTEMPT, NOR REPEL THEM, BUT ADDRESS THEM IN TERMS OF HONOUR. AND, OUT OF KINDNESS, LOWER TO THEM THE WING OF HUMILITY, AND SAY: ‘MY LORD! BESTOW ON THEM THY MERCY EVEN AS THEY CHERISHED ME IN CHILDHOOD (AL-QURÄN - 17:23-24).’

25. O YE WHO BELIEVE! TAKE NOT FOR PROTECTORS YOUR FATHERS AND YOUR BROTHERS IF THEY LOVE INFIDELITY ABOVE FAITH (AL-QURÄN - 9:23):

FAMILY AND RELATIVES:

26. AND RENDER TO KINDRED THEIR DUE RIGHTS, (AL-QURÄN - 17:26).

27. REVERENCE GOD, THROUGH WHOM YE DEMAND YOUR MUTUAL (RIGHTS), AND (REVERENCE) THE WOMBS (THAT BORE YOU): FOR GOD EVER WATCHES OVER YOU (AL-QURÄN - 4:1).

28. GOD COMMANDS JUSTICE, THE DOING OF GOOD, AND LIBERALITY TO KITH AND KIN, (AL-QURÄN - 16:90).

29. BUT IF AT THE TIME OF DIVISION OTHER RELATIVES, OR ORPHANS, OR POOR, ARE PRESENT, FEED THEM OUT OF THE (PROPERTY), AND SPEAK TO THEM WORDS OF KINDNESS AND JUSTICE (AL-QURÄN - 4:8).

THIS LIFE AND HEREAFTER:

30. SHORT IS THE ENJOYMENT OF THIS WORLD: THE HEREAFTER IS THE BEST FOR THOSE WHO DO RIGHT (AL-QURÄN - 4:77):

31. FOR THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD IS BUT GOODS AND CHATTELS OF DECEPTION (AL-QURÄN - 3:185).

32. WHAT IS THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD BUT PLAY AND AMUSEMENT? BUT BEST IS THE HOME IN THE HEREAFTER, FOR THOSE WHO ARE RIGHTEOUS (AL-QURÄN - 6:32).

33. KNOW YE (ALL) THAT THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD IS BUT PLAY AND AMUSEMENT, POMP AND MUTUAL BOASTING AND MULTIPLYING, (IN RIVALRY) AMONG YOURSELVES, RICHES AND CHILDREN. HERE IS A SIMILITUDE: HOW RAIN AND THE GROWTH WHICH IT BRINGS FORTH, DELIGHT (THE HEARTS OF) THE TILLERS; SOON IT WITHERS; THOU WILT SEE IT GROW YELLOW; THEN IT BECOMES DRY AND CRUMBLES AWAY (AL-QURÄN - 57:20).

34. BUT IN THE HEREAFTER IS A PENALTY SEVERE (FOR THE DEVOTEES OF WRONG). AND FORGIVENESS FROM GOD AND HIS GOOD PLEASURE (FOR THE DEVOTEES OF GOD). AND WHAT IS LIFE OF THIS WORLD, BUT GOODS AND CHATTELS OF DECEPTION? (AL-QURÄN - 57:20).

35. AND WHATEVER GOOD YE DO, (BE SURE) GOD KNOWETH IT. AND TAKE A PROVISION (WITH YOU) FOR THE JOURNEY, BUT BEST PROVISIONS IS RIGHT CONDUCT (AL-QURÄN - 2:197).

36. WHATEVER YE ARE GIVEN (HERE) IS (BUT A CONVENIENCE OF THIS LIFE: BUT THAT WHICH IS WITH GOD IS BETTER AND MORE LASTING (AL-QURÄN - 42:36):

RIGHTEOUS DEEDS:

37. ENJOINING WHAT IS RIGHT, FORBIDDING WHAT IS WRONG, AND BELIEVING IN GOD (AL-QURÄN - 3:110).

38. THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND WORK RIGHTEOUS DEEDS, -FROM THEM SHALL WE BLOT OUT ALL EVIL (THAT MAY BE) IN THEM, AND WE SHALL REWARD THEM ACCORDING TO THE BEST OF THEIR DEEDS (AL-QURÄN - 29:7).

39. NAY, -WHOEVER SUBMITS HIS WHOLE SELF TO GOD AND IS A DOER OF GOOD, - HE WILL GET HIS REWARD WITH HIS LORD; ON SUCH SHALL BE NO FEAR, NOR SHALL THEY GRIEVE (AL-QURÄN - 2:112).

40. 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. (AL-QURÄN - 3:104).

41. IF ONE DOES A RIGHTEOUS DEED, IT ENSURES TO THE BENEFIT OF HIS OWN SOUL; IF HE DOES EVIL, IT WORKS AGAINST (HIS OWN SOUL) IN THE YE (ALL) WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO YOUR LORD. (AL-QURÄN - 45:15).

42. DO NOT MISCHIEF ON THE EARTH, AFTER IT HATH BEEN SET IN ORDER, BUT CALL ON HIM WITH FEAR AND LONGING (IN YOUR HEARTS): FOR THE MERCY OF GOD IS (ALWAYS) NEAR TO THOSE WHO DO GOOD. (AL-QURÄN - 7:56).

THE TRUTH AND THE FALSEHOOD:

43. O YE WHO BELIEVE! FEAR GOD AND BE WITH THOSE WHO ARE TRUE (IN WORD AND DEED). (AL-QURÄN - 9:119).

44. WE SENT DOWN THE (QURÄN) IN TRUTH, AND IN TRUTH HAS IT DESCENDED: (AL-QURÄN - 17:105).

45. AND SAY: ‘TRUTH HAS (NOW) ARRIVED, AND FALSEHOOD PERISHED: FOR FALSEHOOD IS (BY ITS NATURE) BOUND TO PERISH’. (AL-QURÄN - 17:81).

46. WHO DOTH MORE WRONG THAN SUCH AS INVENT A FALSEHOOD AGAINST GOD? (AL-QURÄN - 18:15).

47. FROM THAT (ORE) WHICH THEY HEAT IN THE FIRE, TO MAKE ORNAMENTS OR UTENSILS THEREWITH, THERE IS A SCUM LIKEWISE. THUS DOTH GOD (BY PARABLES) SHOW FORTH TRUTH AND VANITY. (AL-QURÄN - 13:17).

48. WOE TO THE FALSEHOOD-MONGERS. - (AL-QURÄN - 51:10).

49. AND COVER NOT TRUTH WITH FALSEHOOD, NOR CONCEAL THE TRUTH WHEN YE KNOW (WHAT IT IS). (AL-QURÄN - 2:42).

TRUSTS AND CUSTODY OF WEALTH:

50. GOD DOTH COMMAND YOU TO RENDER BACK YOUR TRUSTS TO THOSE TO WHOM THEY ARE DUE; (AL-QURÄN - 4:58).

51. LET THE TRUSTEE (FAITHFULLY) DISCHARGE HIS TRUST, AND LET HIM FEAR HIS LORD. (AL-QURÄN - 2:283).

52. AND THOSE WHO RESPECT THEIR TRUSTS AND COVENANTS; AND THOSE WHO STAND FIRM IN THEIR TESTIMONIES; AND THOSE WHO GUARD (THE SACREDNESS) OF THEIR WORSHIP; - SUCH WILL BE THE HONOURED ONES IN THE GARDENS (OF BLISS). (AL-QURÄN - 70:32-35).

KINDNESS: RESTRAINT: FORGIVENESS: SELF-CONTROL AND PATIENCE:

The real believer is he who could control his temper. Allah in the Qurän said,

53. ...WHO RESTRAIN ANGER, AND PARDON (ALL) MEN; - FOR GOD LOVES THOSE WHO DO GOOD; - (AL-QURÄN - 3:134).

“Anger is a satanic emotion” (Abu-Dawood). “That who controls anger is strong” (Bukhari & Muslim). Muhammad said, “None has drunk more bitter water than that that controlled anger for God” (Ahmad & Masnad). The Prophet again said, “The devil stimulates rancour in man, who is made of fire. Fire can be put off by water, therefore, whenever you are in rage wash your feet, hand and face with cold water (Abu-Dawood). Once a man requested the Prophet, to give him a task, Muhammad instructed him to forsake anger (Bukhari & Muslim).

God loves the kind and the dutiful, since they are able to bring peace, discipline and well-being in the society. Control is a noble quality of man and kindness is the robe. People who can keep their desires under control are the ideal human beings. Overcoming lust, anger, greed, fancy, pride and malice, the six enemies of humankind, makes a human perfect. Getting rid of these six enemies clears the way for love, adoration and devotion. He, who can control his desires, can win over anger and transform his ill desires into benevolent desires. Love fills the man’s heart that wins over anger and is glorified and blessed. This elevates him to the top of the society.

God, the Almighty said,

54. …WHO RESTRAIN ANGER, AND PARDON (ALL) MEN; - FOR GOD LOVES THOSE WHO DO GOOD; - (AL-QURÄN - 3:134).

Allah says,

55. NAY SEEK (GOD’S) HELP WITH PATIENTS PERSEVERANCE AND PRAYER (AL-QURÄN - 2:45).

Containment is perseverance. God again says,

56. O YE WHO BELIEVE! SEEK HELP WITH PATIENT PERSEVERANCE AND PRAYER: FOR GOD IS WITH THOSE WHO PATIENTLY PERSEVERE . . . BUT GIVE GLAD TIDINGS TO THOSE WHO PATIENTLY PERSEVERE, - WHO SAY WHEN AFFLICTED WITH CALAMITY: TO GOD WE BELONG AND TO HIM IS OUR RETURN: (AL-QURÄN - 2:153:156).

Allah says again:

57. ... AND GIVE THOU THE GOOD NEWS TO THOSE WHO HUMBLE THEMSELVES, - TO THOSE WHOSE HEARTS, WHEN GOD IS MENTIONED, ARE FILLED WITH FEAR, WHO SHOW PATIENT PERSEVERANCE OVER AFFLICTIONS, KEEP UP REGULAR PRAYER, AND SPEND (IN CHARITY) OUT OF WHAT WE HAVE BESTOWED UPON THEM (AL-QURÄN - 22:34-35).

58. NOR CAN GOODNESS AND EVIL BE EQUAL. REPEL (EVIL) WITH WHAT IS BETTER: THEN WILL HE BETWEEN WHOM AND THEE WAS HATRED BECOME AS IT WERE THY FRIEND AND INTIMATE! AND NO ONE WILL BE GRANTED SUCH GOODNESS EXCEPT THOSE WHO EXERCISE PATIENTS AND SELF-RESTRAINT, - (AL-QURÄN - 41:34-35).

Once Moses asked God, “O my exalted Sustainer, whom you honour most among your servants?” God replied, “That who forgives in spite of being able to take revenge” (Baihakki). Addressing a tribal leader, the Prophet said, “God loves two qualities in you, your sense of self-restraint and the absence of impetuosity.” (Hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas, RA).

Mercy was among the many attributes of the Prophet. He always had shown clemency to the heathens, though they tormented him relentlessly. He never took revenge on anybody. Muhammad said, “Clemency is beneficial to Revenge.” Whatever sermons he gave, for compassion, magnanimity and mercy, to fellow humankind, he set example by practicing them all.

RETURN OF TRUST DEPOSIT:

“God doth command you to render back your Trusts To those to whom they are due;” (Al-Qurän - 4:58). Islam has sternly warned those who embezzle deposit kept in trust with them. “Abusers of trust have no faith in Allah” (Baihakki). “If any wealth or property is deposited in trust with any Muslim man or woman, it must be returned to the owner,” instructed the Prophet. With this, the Prophet urged his followers repeatedly to fulfil the right of frail women and orphans.

INTEGRITY IN BUSINESS AND TRADE:

It is a great sin to hoard goods to sell in the black market. “That man is cursed who hoards goods to increase the price. And then if God decreases price, he is disappointed and if the price increases he becomes happy” (Mishkat): said the Prophet. He said, “, God would penalize them that hoard food for the purpose of selling later at higher price to Muslims, with poverty and disease called Zuam” (Ibn Maza & Baihakki). The Prophet again said, “The truthful depositary and businessman will abide with the prophets, sages, the righteous and the martyrs, in the Day of Judgement” (Tirmizi). Islam has forbidden false swearing by businesspersons and strictly prohibited manipulations in measurment or weight.

God says:

59. WOE TO THOSE THAT DEAL IN FRAUD, - THOSE WHO, WHEN THEY HAVE TO RECEIVE BY MEASURE FROM MEN, EXACT FULL MEASURE, BUT WHEN THEY HAVE TO GIVE BY MEASURE OR WEIGHT TO MEN, GIVE LESS THAN DUE (AL-QURÄN - 83:1-3).

60. AND THE FIRMAMENT HAS HE RAISED HIGH, AND HE HAS SET UP THE BALANCE (OF JUSTICE), IN ORDER THAT YE MAY NOT TRANSGRESS (DUE) BALANCE. SO ESTABLISH WEIGHT WITH JUSTICE AND FALL NOT SHORT IN BALANCE (AL-QURÄN - 55:7-9).

61. GIVE FULL MEASURE WHEN YE MEASURE, AND WEIGH WITH BALANCE THAT IS STRAIGHT: THAT IS THE MOST FITTING AND MOST ADVANTAGEOUS IN THE FINAL DETERMINATION (AL-QURÄN - 17:35).

62. NOW HATH COME UNTO YOU CLEAR (SIGN) FROM YOUR LORD! GIVE JUST MEASURE AND WEIGHT, NOR WITHHOLD FROM THE PEOPLE THE THINGS THAT ARE DUE; AND DO NO MISCHIEF ON THE EARTH AFTER IT HAS BEEN SET IN ORDER: THAT WILL BE BEST FOR YOU, IF YE HAVE FAITH (AL-QURÄN - 7:85).

63. GIVE FULL MEASURE, AND CAUSE NO LOSS (TO OTHERS BY FRAUD). AND WEIGH WITH SCALES TRUE AND UPRIGHT. AND WITHHOLD NOT THINGS JUSTLY DUE TO MEN, NOR DO EVIL IN LAND, WORKING MISCHIEF (AL-QURÄN - 26:181-183).

64. WOE TO THOSE THAT DEAL IN FRAUD, - THOSE WHO, WHEN THEY HAVE TO RECEIVE BY MEASURE FROM MEN, EXACT FULL MEASURE, BUT WHEN THEY HAVE TO GIVE BY MEASURE OR WEIGHT TO MEN, GIVE LESS THAN DUE. DO THEY NOT THINK THAT THEY WILL BE CALLED TO ACCOUNT? - ON A MIGHTY DAY, A DAY WHEN (ALL) MANKIND WILL STAND BEFORE THE LORD OF THE WORLDS? NAY! SURELY THE RECORD OF THE WICKED IS (PRESERVED IN SIJJIN1 (AL-QURÄN - 83:1-7).

ACCOUNTING:

Accounting is a branch in many management courses and itself is a fully developed discipline, studied, separately. For all monetary transactions, the Islamic government of Muhammad had long ago established the accounting system. God the Almighty said,

65. O YE WHO BELIEVE! WHEN YE DEAL WITH EACH OTHER, IN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING FUTURE OBLIGATIONS IN FIXED PERIOD OF TIME REDUCE THEM TO WRITING LET A SCRIBE WRITE DOWN FAITHFULLY AS BETWEEN THE PARTIES: LET NOT THE SCRIBE REFUSE TO WRITE: (AL-QURÄN - 2:282).

In all sphere of life, keeping account of transaction is necessary. As education is compulsory in Islam, so is recording all transactions is emphasied.

CHARITY AND DOLE:

Allah said,

66. 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, (AL-QURÄN - 4:114).

God and His Prophet have asked the well to do Muslims to donate and contribute, for helping the poor and for the sake of religion, until death” (Bukhari & Muslim).

Allah has said,

67. IN ORDER THAT IT MAY NOT (MERELY) MAKE A CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE WEALTHY AMONG YOU (AL-QURÄN - 59:7).

68. AND WHAT CAUSE HAVE YE WHY YE SHOULD NOT SPEND IN THE CAUSE OF GOD? - FOR TO GOD BELONGS THE HERITAGE OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH (AL-QURÄN - 57:10).

The Prophet said quoting Allah: “O the sons of Adam! You donate in charity, I will give you more” (Bukhari & Muslim). He again said, “Wealth does not decrease due to charity and God through forgiving bestows more honour on the charitable.” To give charity to the poor is the best deed” (Muslim). “Give food to the poor and salute him loudly” (Tirmizi & Ibn Maza). About feeding the hungry, God says in the holy Qurän:

69. AND THEY FEED, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, THE INDIGENT, THE ORPHAN, AND THE CAPTIVE, - (SAYING) ‘WE FEED YOU FOR THE SAKE OF GOD ALONE: NO REWARD DO WE DESIRE FROM YOU, NOR THANKS. WE ONLY FEAR A DAY OF DISTRESSFUL WRATH FROM THE SIDE OF OUR LORD.’ BUT GOD WILL DELIVER THEM FROM THE EVIL OF THAT DAY, AND WILL SHED OVER THEM A LIGHT OF BEAUTY AND A (BLISSFUL) JOY (AL-QURÄN - 76:8-11).

God has warned and said:

70. CANCEL NOT YOUR CHARITY BY REMINDERS OF YOUR GENEROSITY OR BY INJURY, - (AL-QURÄN - 2:264).

71. KIND WORDS AND THE COVERING OF FAULTS ARE BETTER THAN CHARITY FOLLOWED BY INJURY. (AL-QURÄN - 2:263).

72. THOSE WHO SPEND (FREELY), WHETHER IN PROSPERITY, OR ADVERSITY; WHO RESTRAIN ANGER, AND PARDON (ALL) MEN; - FOR GOD LOVES THOSE WHO DO GOOD; - (AL-QURÄN - 3:134).

73. BY NO MEANS SHALL YE ATTAIN RIGHTEOUSNESS UNLESS YE GIVE (FREELY) OF THAT WHICH YE LOVE; (AL-QURÄN - 3:92).

74. THOSE WHO SPEND THEIR WEALTH FOR INCREASE IN SELF-PURIFICATION, AND HAVE IN THEIR MINDS NO FAVOUR FROM ANYONE FOR WHICH REWARD IS EXPECTED IN RETURN, BUT ONLY THE DESIRE TO SEEK FOR THE COUNTENANCE OF THEIR LORD MOST HIGH; AND SOON WILL THEY ATTAIN (COMPLETE) SATISFACTION. (AL-QURÄN - 92:18-21).

75. MAKE NOT THY HAND TIED (LIKE NIGGARD’S) TO THY NECK, NOR STRETCH IT FORTH TO ITS UTMOST REACH, SO THAT THOU BECOME BLAMEWORTHY AND DESTITUTE. (AL-QURÄN - 17:29).

76. AND EVEN IF THOU HAST TO TURN AWAY FROM THEM IN PURSUIT OF THE MERCY FROM THY LORD WHICH THOU DOST EXPECT, YE SPEAK TO THEM A WORD OF EASY KINDNESS. (AL-QURÄN - 17:28).

77. FOR THOSE WHO GIVE IN CHARITY, MEN AND WOMEN, AND LOAN TO GOD A BEAUTIFUL LOAN, IT SHALL BE INCREASED MANIFOLD (TO THEIR CREDIT), AND THEY SHALL HAVE (BESIDES) A LIBERAL REWARD. (AL-QURÄN - 57:18).

Muhammad in his sayings has clearly indicated that Zakat, both at the state and individual levels, is to help the poor to stand on their own feet. From this, it is easily understandable why Islam has made Zakat mandatory for rich man and woman. The holy Qurän describes who are eligible to receive Zakat and how to give Zakat and charity. God says:

78. IF YE DISCLOSE (ACTS OF) CHARITY, EVEN SO IT IS WELL, BUT IF YE CONCEAL THEM, AND MAKE THEM REACH THOSE (REALLY) IN NEED, THAT IS BEST FOR YOU: IT WILL REMOVE FROM YOU SOME OF YOUR (STAINS OF) EVIL. AND GOD IS WELL ACQUAINTED WITH WHAT YE DO (AL-QURÄN - 2:271).

79. (CHARITY IS) FOR THOSE IN NEED, WHO, IN GOD’S CAUSE ARE RESTRICTED (FROM TRAVEL), AND CANNOT MOVE ABOUT IN THE LAND, SEEKING (FOR TRADE OR WORK): THE IGNORANT MAN THINKS, BECAUSE OF THEIR MODESTY, THAT THEY ARE FREE FROM WANT. THOU SHALT KNOW THEM BY THEIR (UNFAILING) MARK: THEY BEG NOT IMPORTUNATELY FROM ALL AND SUNDRY. AND WHATEVER OF GOOD YE GIVE, BE ASSURED GOD KNOWETH IT WELL (AL-QURÄN - 2:273).

80. THOSE WHO (IN CHARITY) SPEND OF THEIR GOODS BY NIGHT AND DAY, IN SECRET AND IN PUBLIC, HAVE THEIR REWARD WITH THEIR LORD: ON THEM SHALL BE NO FEAR, NOR SHALL THEY GRIEVE (AL-QURÄN - 2:274).

If the rich Muslims living in any country give Zakat, and the fund thus raised is distributed properly among the poor and the needy, than there would be no poor and starving population in a society. This is the one of the main pillars of Islamic social system.

BEGGING AN ABOMINABLE ACT:

Muhammad was matchless in charity but he abhorred begging. He helped beggars in becoming self-reliant by establishing in a profession. He (PBUH) said, “It is better to gather wood than to beg.” Muhammad said, “If anybody prays to God to be freed from beggary, God grants him, his prayer and protects him from that demeaning job. If anybody prays to be self-reliant, God grants him his wish; and that who keeps patients in adversity, God grants him endurance.”

PROHIBITION OF USURY:

From the beginning of the civilization, money lending has been in vogue in all societies. Due to this custom, the rich ruined innumerable man in need. None of the great reformers, preachers or sages before Muhammad, has even registered their protest against this ill practice. Fourteen hundred years ago, Muhammad not only condemned this practice but also prohibited it. Unfortunately, today the financial institutions with the sanction of the state do financial transactions with interest. Allah says,

81. THOSE WHO DEVOUR USURY WILL NOT STAND EXCEPT AS STANDS ONE WHOM THE EVIL ONE BY HIS TOUCH HATH DRIVEN TO MADNESS. THAT IS BECAUSE THEY SAY: ‘TRADE IS LIKE USURY,’ BUT GOD HATH PERMITTED TRADE AND FORBIDDEN USURY. (AL-QURÄN - 2:275).

82. GOD WILL DEPRIVE USURY OF ALL BLESSING, BUT WILL GIVE INCREASE FOR DEEDS OF CHARITY: (AL-QURÄN - 2:276).

83. O YE WHO BELIEVE! FEAR GOD, AND GIVE UP WHAT REMAINS OF YOUR DEMAND FOR USURY, IF YE ARE INDEED BELIEVERS. IF YE DO NOT, TAKE NOTICE OF WAR FROM GOD AND HIS APOSTLE: (AL-QURÄN - 2:278-79).

84. O YE WHO BELIEVE! DEVOUR NOT USURY, DOUBLED AND MULTIPLIED; (AL-QURÄN - 3:130).

Usury has been prohibited by the above injunctions. In the course of daily life, people may need loan from time to time, and it has been made legal to borrow from friends or relatives, without any interest payable. This is called humane-loan (Karz-e-Hsanah). Unfortunately, non-availability of such loans pushes one to the door of unscrupulous moneylenders. These loans with compound interests, ultimately, prove to be eternal shackles. The borrower being poor never is able to liquidate the loan, as it keeps on multiplying at a meteoric rate. He loses all his belongings just to pay the interest. Such is the curse of usury. For this, just to save the poor from the shackles of the moneylenders, Islam invented Baitul Mal (Treasury), wherefrom loan was advanced without any interest.

DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAT (REGULAR CHARITY): COMPULSORY:

Zakat is mandatory in Islam and in the holy Qurän regular payment of Zakat (poor tax) has been accorded the same importance with prayers (salat). Allah in the holy Qurän says:

85. THOSE WHO BELIEVE, AND DO DEEDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ESTABLISH REGULAR PRAYERS AND REGULAR CHARITY, WILL HAVE THEIR REWARD WITH THEIR LORD: (AL-QURÄN - 2:277).

Regular prayers are mandatory without any alternative to that. In all the religious rituals of Islam, saying prayers regularly is the best method of worshipping God. Eighty-two times the holy Qurän mentions regular prayers (salat) and as many times Zakat (poor tax) is mentioned. Zakat is only mandatory for those with a certain amount of excess money, gold or other valuables, after meeting all expenses at the end of a year. From that surplus, they are instructed to distribute a certain portion among the poor or deposit in the Baitul Mal, if living in an Islamic country, for distribution among the poor and the needy. Poor family members and relatives take precedence over everybody else for Zakat. Besides that, the money that is deposited in the Baitul Mal as Zakat fund can be used to advance loans to people, willing to invest in businesses or other enterprises to earn a decent living. If all the moneyed people faithfully gave Zakat then a very large number of innocent poor people would have benefited by the interest free loans.

ZAKAT ACTS AS A SOCIAL SECURITY IN ISLAM:

God decreed zakat compulsory for the well to do, as is salat prescribed compulsory for all Muslims of age. It is notable that zakat is not charity. While, zakat is compulsory charity is optional.

In the holy Qurän wherever salat is mentioned zakat is also mentioned (Al-Qurän - 2:177), signifying its importance. Therefore, like regular prayers (salat) zakat must also be religiously dispensed with. Zakat is the principal pillar on which rests the Islamic social and financial system. Thus, it is one of the religious sacraments of Islam. The first Caliph of Islam declared holy war against defaulters, as Islam’s security and financial stability is built-in into this zakat system. Islam means peace and therefore, prohibits alcohol, gambling, adultery and obscenity breed chaos, confusion, instability and insecurity. Similarly, Islam has strongly recommended fulfilment of basic rights like, food, remedial treatment, clothe, shelter and union of eligible adults.

God has ordered:

86. PROCLAIM! (OR READ) IN THE NAME OF THY LORD AND CHERISHER, WHO CREATED . . . ‘…CREATED MAN, OUT OF A (MERE) CLOT OF CONGEALED BLOOD PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD IS MOST BOUNTIFUL, … HE WHO TAUGHT (THE USE OF THE PEN,…) TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE KNEW NOT’ (AL-QURÄN - 96: 1-5).

The Prophet directs, “education is compulsory for males and females. To learn go even to China (Hadith)”, by this, all Muslim are urged to gather knowledge so that they can earn their own living. God said:

87. BUT GOD HATH PERMITTED TRADE AND FORBIDDEN USURY. (AL-QURÄN - 2:275).

God told people to record all trading transaction:

88. O YE WHO BELIEVE! WHEN YOU DEAL WITH EACH OTHER, IN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING FUTURE OBLIGATION IN A FIXED PERIOD OF TIME REDUCE THEM TO WRITING LET A SCRIBE WRITE DOWN FAITHFULLY AS BETWEEN THE PARTIES: (AL-QURÄN - 2:282).

The Qurän and Hadith encouraged people to work so that they can be self-reliant.

If for some reason, anybody is unable to earn his bread God has put the responsibility on relatives and the wealthy to feed him saying:

89. AND RENDER TO THE KINDRED THEIR DUE RIGHTS, (AL-QURÄN - 17:26).

Beyond individual efforts by the rich and relatives, others who would still need help due to unemployment or absence of livelihood are covered by zakat. God has asked us to help the destitute, sick, orphans, old and wretched, the indebted, new converts, and hungry and poor students, from zakat-money. God in Süra 9:60 said:

90. ALMS ARE FOR THE POOR AND THE NEEDY, AND THOSE EMPLOYED TO ADMINISTER THE (FUNDS); FOR THOSE WHOSE HEARTS HAVE BEEN (RECENTLY) RECONCILED (TO TRUTH); FOR THOSE IN BONDAGE AN IN DEBT; IN THE CAUSE OF GOD; AND FOR THE WAYFARER; (THUS IS IT) ORDAINED BY GOD, AND GOD IS FULL OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM (AL-QURÄN).

In this way if zakat is utilized in the way God has ordained, poverty could be eradicated as was done in the time of the Prophet and the first four Caliphs.

Now those who follow the Islamic law should know the rules, such as, on what wealth and at what rate zakat should be paid as is stated below.

ASSETS (CATEGORIES): ZAKAT IS DUE ON:

Zakat is due on cash, gold, silver, silver or gold jewellery, other precious metals in hand or in the bank, crops in the field, commercial commodities, industrial raw materials and finished products, cattle and mineral resources. Besides, that zakat called oshor2 is due on the harvest of lands owned by Muslims.

NISAB (AMOUNT AT WHICH ZAKAT IS DUE):

Not everybody knows of Nisab, the amount of wealth at which zakat becomes due. To make the system of zakat a success, it is necessary to know the nisab. In case of silver, cash, commercial commodities, raw industrial materials and finished product, the nisab equals the price of 52½ totals (820.21 gm) of silver. According to present market rate, it is about Taka ten thousand ($ 210). If this amount of money remains with anybody after a year’s expenditure, etc. zakat becomes mandatory. Zakat must be paid on the total amount of wealth after deduction of one year’s expenses. For gold and gold Jewellery, the amount is 7½ (117.19 gm) totals. If the wealth consists of silver, gold, jewellery and other precious stones then the nisab is the price of 52½ (820.21 gm) totals of silver. For crops, the nisab is five wasak (1 ton) or 27 maunds. Similarly, nisab is also levied cattle at a certain fixed rate. Most of the jurists hold the opinion that there is no fixed nisab for mineral resources.

RATE OF ZAKAT:

For cash, shares, bonds, gold, silver, silver or gold jewellery, other precious metals in hand or in the bank, crops in the field, commercial commodities, industrial raw materials and finished products, the rate is 2½ percent. The rate is 20% for mineral resources. Similarly, on different types of animals the Prophet fixed the rate, in fact all rates.

COUNTING ZAKAT-YEAR:

All jurists are unanimous that zakat need not be paid more than once in a year on any asset. However, in case of crops, mineral resources, resources from the seas and fishes, it is not necessary for them to last a year. Zakat is to be paid after just harvesting, for crops. In other cases a time has to be determined, counting a year from one season to another, for example a year may be counted starting from first Ramadhan to the last day of Shaban. In this matter, Imam Malik and Shafei hold that the only amount at end of the year is to be taken cognizance of, for zakat, meaning that if nisab is fulfilled at the last day of the year zakat is mandatory. Wealth equalling nisab at the middle or beginning of the year is not a requirement for zakat to be due. Imam Abu Hanifa and his associates Imam Muhammad and Imam Abu Yusuf said that if at the beginning and the end of the year wealth fulfils nisab then zakat is due, status at the middle of the year is immaterial. Most of the jurists share this interpretation. People should be made aware of the rules regarding zakat, so that they might easily pay their zakats.

QUANTITY OF ZAKAT TO BE GIVEN:

Zakat must be paid to the needy in such a measure that they become solvent. Most jurists opine that the receiver’s need for a whole year should be met by zakat. Some preach about fulfilling whole life’s need. It means that the recipient should be given enough to start a livelihood, so that he does not need zakat every year. The second Caliph Omar said, “If you give, give to make self-sufficient.”3

In the light of the traditions of the Prophet and the practice of the Khulafa-e-Rashedins (the Rightly Guided first four Caliphs), zakat, either from the individuals or the state, must endeavour to rehabilitate recipients so that they can earn their own bread for the future. Therefore, it is undersatanable why payment of zakat is mandatory in Islam for the rich.

If Muslims abiding by God and His Prophet dispense zakat accordingly then there would be no poverty and people would not die of starvation. Zakat is an integral and important part of Islamic social infrastructure and a security.

CHARITY AND ZAKAT:

91. NOR EXPECT, IN GIVING, ANY INCREASE (FOR THYSELF)! (AL-QURÄN - 78:6).

92. IF YOU DISCLOSE (ACTS OF) CHARITY, EVEN SO IT IS WELL, BUT IF YE CONCEAL THEM, AND MAKE THEM REACH THOSE REALLY IN NEED, THAT IS BEST FOR YOU: (AL-QURÄN - 2:271).

93. THOSE WHO (IN CHARITY) SPEND OF THEIR GOODS BY NIGHT AND BY DAY, IN SECRET AND IN PUBLIC, HAVE THEIR REWARD WITH THEIR LORD: (AL-QURÄN - 2:274).

94. KIND WORDS AND THE COVERING OF FAULTS ARE BETTER THAN CHARITY FOLLOWED BY INJURY. (AL-QURÄN - 2:263).

95. CANCEL NOT YOUR CHARITY BY REMINDERS OF YOUR GENEROSITY OR BY INJURY, - (AL-QURÄN - 2:264).

96. THOSE WHO SPEND (FREELY), WHETHER IN PROSPERITY, OR ADVERSITY; WHO RESTRAIN ANGER, AND PARDON (ALL) MEN; - FOR GOD LOVES THOSE WHO DO GOOD; - (AL-QURÄN - 3:134).

97. BY NO MEANS SHALL YE ATTAIN RIGHTEOUSNESS UNLESS YE GIVE (FREELY) OF THAT WHICH YE LOVE; (AL-QURÄN - 3:92).

98. GIVE OF THE GOOD THINGS WHICH YE HAVE (HONOURABLY) EARNED, AND OF THE FRUITS OF THE EARTH WHICH WE HAVE PRODUCED FOR YOU, AND DO NOT EVEN AIM AT GETTING ANYTHING WHICH IS BAD, IN ORDER THAT OUT OF IT YE MAY GIVE AWAY SOMETHING, WHEN YE YOURSELVES WOULD NOT RECEIVE IT EXCEPT WITH CLOSED EYES. (AL-QURÄN - 2:267).

99. WHO SPEND THEIR SUBSTANCE IN THE WAY OF GOD IS THAT OF GRAIN OF CORN: IT GROWETH SEVEN EARS, AND EACH EAR HATH A HUNDRED GRAINS. GOD GIVETH MANIFOLD INCREASE TO WHOM HE PLEASETH: AND GOD CARETH FOR ALL AND HE KNOWETH ALL THINGS (AL-QURÄN - 2:261).

100. MAKE NOT THY HAND TIED (LIKE NIGGARD’S) TO THY NECK, NOR STRETCH IT FORTH TO ITS UTMOST REACH, SO THAT THOU BECOME BLAMEWORTHY AND DESTITUTE. (AL-QURÄN - 17:29).

101. AND EVEN IF THOU HAST TO TURN AWAY FROM THEM IN PURSUIT OF THE MERCY FROM THY LORD WHICH THOU DOST EXPECT, YE SPEAK TO THEM A WORD OF EASY KINDNESS. (AL-QURÄN - 17:28).

102. THOSE WHO SPEND THEIR WEALTH FOR INCREASE IN SELF-PURIFICATION, AND HAVE IN THEIR MINDS NO FAVOUR FROM ANYONE FOR WHICH REWARD IS EXPECTED IN RETURN, BUT ONLY THE DESIRE TO SEEK FOR THE COUNTENANCE OF THEIR LORD MOST HIGH; AND SOON WILL THEY ATTAIN (COMPLETE) SATISFACTION. (AL-QURÄN - 92:18-21).

103. FOR THOSE WHO GIVE IN CHARITY, MEN AND WOMEN, AND LOAN TO GOD A BEAUTIFUL LOAN, IT SHALL BE INCREASED MANIFOLD (TO THEIR CREDIT), AND THEY SHALL HAVE (BESIDES) A LIBERAL REWARD. (AL-QURÄN - 57:18).

MISERLINESS:

104. AND THOSE SAVED FROM THE COVETOUSNESS OF THEIR OWN SOULS, -THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ACHIEVE PROSPERITY. (AL-QURÄN - 64:16).

105. BUT ANY WHO ARE NIGGARDLY ARE SO AT THE EXPENSE OF THEIR OWN SOULS. (AL-QURÄN - 47:38).

106. SUCH PERSONS AS ARE COVETOUS AND COMMAND COVETOUSNESS TO MEN. AND IF ANY TURN BACK (FROM GOD’S WAY), VERILY GOD IS FREE FROM ALL NEEDS, WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE (AL-QURÄN - 57:24).

107. WOE TO EVERY (KIND OF) SCANDALMONGER AND BACKBITER, WHO PLIETH UP WEALTH AND LAYETH IT BY, THINKING THAT HIS WEALTH WOULD MAKE HIM LAST FOREVER! BY NO MEANS! HE WILL BE SURE TO BE THROWN INTO THAT WHICH BREAKS TO PIECES. AND WHAT WILL EXPLAIN TO THEE THAT WHICH BREAKS TO PIECES? (IT IS) THE FIRE OF (THE WRATH OF) GOD KINDLED (TO A BLAZE), THE WHICH DOTH MOUNT (RIGHT) TO THE HEARTS: IT SHALL BE MADE INTO A VAULT OVER THEM, IN COLUMNS OUTSTRETCHED (AL-QURÄN - 104:1-9).

108. (NOR) THOSE WHO ARE NIGGARDLY OR ENJOIN NIGGARDLINESS ON OTHERS, OR HIDE THE BOUNTIES WHICH GOD HATH BESTOWED ON THEM; FOR WE HAVE PREPARED, FOR THOSE WHO RESIST FAITH A PUNISHMENT THAT STEEPS THEM IN CONTEMPT; - (AL-QURÄN - 4:37).

109. AND WHAT BURDEN WERE IT ON THEM IF THEY HAD FAITH IN GOD AND IN THE LAST DAY, AND THEY SPENT OUT OF WHAT GOD HATH GIVEN THEM FOR SUSTENANCE? (AL-QURÄN - 4:39).

USURY:

110. GOD WILL DEPRIVE USURY OF ALL BLESSING, BUT WILL GIVE INCREASE FOR DEEDS OF CHARITY: (AL-QURÄN - 2:276).

111. DEVOUR NOT USURY DOUBLED AND MULTIPLIED; BUT FEAR GOD; (AL-QURÄN - 3:130).

112. FEAR GOD, AND GIVE UP WHAT REMAINS OF YOUR DEMAND FOR USURY, (AL-QURÄN - 2:278).

113. IF DEBTOR IS IN A DIFFICULTY, GRANT HIM TIME TILL IT IS EASY FOR HIM TO REPAY. BUT IF YE REMIT IT BY WAY OF CHARITY, THAT IS BEST FOR YOU IF YOU ONLY KNEW. (AL-QURÄN - 2:280).

114. THAT WHICH YOU LAY OUT FOR INCREASE THROUGH THE PROPERTY OF (OTHER) PEOPLE, WILL HAVE NO INCREASE WITH GOD: BUT THAT WHICH YE LAY OUT FOR CHARITY, SEEKING THE COUNTENANCE OF GOD, (WILL INCREASE: IT IS THESE WHO WILL GET A RECOMPENSE MULTIPLIED. (AL-QURÄN - 30:39).

RENOUNCING MISERLINESS:

God has warned people of stinginess. He says in the holy Qurän,

115. AND LET NOT THOSE WHO COVETOUSLY WITHHOLD OF GIFTS WHICH GOD HATH GIVEN THEM OF HIS GRACE, THINK THAT IT IS GOOD FOR THEM: NAY, IT WILL BE THE WORSE FOR THEM: SOON SHALL THINGS WHICH THEY COVETOUSLY WITHHELD BE TIED TO THEIR NECKS LIKE A TWISTED COLLAR, ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT (AL-QURÄN - 3:180).

116. IN ORDER THAT YE MAY NOT DESPAIR OVER MATTERS THAT PASS YOU BY, NOR EXULT OVER FAVOURS BESTOWED UPON YOU. FOR GOD LOVETH NOT ANY VAINGLORIOUS BOASTER, - SUCH PERSONS AS ARE COVETOUS AND COMMEND COVETOUSNESS TO MEN (AL-QURÄN - 57:23-24).

Niggardliness and covetousness lead men to evil. Remember the proverb: “Avarice begets sin and sin begets death.” The Prophet said, Avarice, penury and faith do not reside in the same breast” (Nesai & Abu-Dawood). “A Gambler, a miser and he who curses at good deeds will not enter the Paradise” (Tirmizi). “The salat (prayer) of an ignorant benevolent man is better than a miser, since, though, regular in prayers, he would want more, even if he had immeasurable wealth” (Bukhari & Muslim). But warning the spendthrift God said,

117. VERILY SPENDTHRIFTS ARE BROTHERS OF EVIL ONES; AND THE EVIL ONE IS TO HIS LORD (HIMSELF) UNGRATEFUL (AL-QURÄN - 17:27).

It is clear that in one hand lavishness and on the other penury make men unethical. Therefore, the Islamic social management system preaches economy, where there is no room for niggardliness.

PUNISHMENT FOR THEFT AND MISAPPROPRIATION:

To lift anything in the absence of its owner is stealing. In Islam, stealing is a grave sin. Islam sanctions amputation of the hand for stealing. In the holy Qurän God says,

118. AS TO THE THIEF MALE OR FEMALE, CUT OFF HIS OR HER HANDS: (AL-QURÄN - 5:41).

The reason that people steal is poverty, covetousness or just habit. To eliminate theft, God the Almighty ordains the provision of cutting off hands. Stealing is considered as very loathsome and base and the Quränic verses quoted earlier bear testimony to that. Even to covet wealth and receive wealth, from people without putting in labour, is considered undesirable by the shariat (Islamic laws) (Muslim & Bukhari).

Punishment of Adultery:

Adultery is a very grave sin in the eyes of Islam, which is punishable by death.

Allah the Great warns in the holy Qurän:

119. NOR COME NIGH TO ADULTERY: FOR IT IS A SHAMEFUL (DEED) AND AN EVIL, OPENING THE ROAD (TO OTHER EVILS). (AL-QURÄN - 17:32).

He again says in the Qurän:

120. BUT FORCE NOT YOUR MAIDS TO PROSTITUTION WHEN THEY DESIRE CHASTITY, IN ORDER THAT YE MAY MAKE A GAIN IN THE GOODS OF THIS LIFE. (AL-QURÄN - 24:33).

The Prophet said, “Adultery with a female neighbour is an abominable sin” (Bukhari & Muslim). Muhammad further said, “That who misleads or seduces the women of others is not my follower” (Abu-Dawood). The market place is a ground of temptation. Do not spend much time in the market place and protect thyself from looking at others seductively (Hakim). The great Prophet said, “When any place is hit by calamities, be sure that shamelessness abounds there.” Many a nation was destroyed because of adultery. The ruins of those nations still tell the tale.

Charity and Zakat:

121. NOR EXPECT, IN GIVING, ANY INCREASE (FOR THYSELF)! (AL-QURÄN - 78:6).

122. IF YOU DISCLOSE (ACTS OF) CHARITY, EVEN SO IT IS WELL, BUT IF YE CONCEAL THEM, AND MAKE THEM REACH THOSE REALLY IN NEED, THAT IS BEST FOR YOU: (AL-QURÄN - 2:271).

123. THOSE WHO (IN CHARITY) SPEND OF THEIR GOODS BY NIGHT AND BY DAY, IN SECRET AND IN PUBLIC, HAVE THEIR REWARD WITH THEIR LORD: (AL-QURÄN - 2:274).

124. KIND WORDS AND THE COVERING OF FAULTS ARE BETTER THAN CHARITY FOLLOWED BY INJURY. (AL-QURÄN - 2:263).

125. CANCEL NOT YOUR CHARITY BY REMINDERS OF YOUR GENEROSITY OR BY INJURY, - (AL-QURÄN - 2:264).

126. THOSE WHO SPEND (FREELY), WHETHER IN PROSPERITY, OR ADVERSITY; WHO RESTRAIN ANGER, AND PARDON (ALL) MEN; - FOR GOD LOVES THOSE WHO DO GOOD; - (AL-QURÄN - 3:134).

127. BY NO MEANS SHALL YE ATTAIN RIGHTEOUSNESS UNLESS YE GIVE (FREELY) OF THAT WHICH YE LOVE; (AL-QURÄN - 3:92).

128. GIVE OF THE GOOD THINGS WHICH YE HAVE (HONOURABLY) EARNED, AND OF THE FRUITS OF THE EARTH WHICH WE HAVE PRODUCED FOR YOU, AND DO NOT EVEN AIM AT GETTING ANYTHING WHICH IS BAD, IN ORDER THAT OUT OF IT YE MAY GIVE AWAY SOMETHING, WHEN YE YOURSELVES WOULD NOT RECEIVE IT EXCEPT WITH CLOSED EYES. (AL-QURÄN - 2:267).

129. WHO SPEND THEIR SUBSTANCE IN THE WAY OF GOD IS THAT OF GRAIN OF CORN: IT GROWETH SEVEN EARS, AND EACH EAR HATH A HUNDRED GRAINS. GOD GIVETH MANIFOLD INCREASE TO WHOM HE PLEASETH: AND GOD CARETH FOR ALL AND HE KNOWETH ALL THINGS (AL-QURÄN - 2:261).

130. MAKE NOT THY HAND TIED (LIKE NIGGARD’S) TO THY NECK, NOR STRETCH IT FORTH TO ITS UTMOST REACH, SO THAT THOU BECOME BLAMEWORTHY AND DESTITUTE. (AL-QURÄN - 17:29).

131. AND EVEN IF THOU HAST TO TURN AWAY FROM THEM IN PURSUIT OF THE MERCY FROM THY LORD WHICH THOU DOST EXPECT, YE SPEAK TO THEM A WORD OF EASY KINDNESS. (AL-QURÄN - 17:28).

132. THOSE WHO SPEND THEIR WEALTH FOR INCREASE IN SELF-PURIFICATION, AND HAVE IN THEIR MINDS NO FAVOUR FROM ANYONE FOR WHICH REWARD IS EXPECTED IN RETURN, BUT ONLY THE DESIRE TO SEEK FOR THE COUNTENANCE OF THEIR LORD MOST HIGH; AND SOON WILL THEY ATTAIN (COMPLETE) SATISFACTION. (AL-QURÄN - 92:18-21).

133. FOR THOSE WHO GIVE IN CHARITY, MEN AND WOMEN, AND LOAN TO GOD A BEAUTIFUL LOAN, IT SHALL BE INCREASED MANIFOLD (TO THEIR CREDIT), AND THEY SHALL HAVE (BESIDES) A LIBERAL REWARD. (AL-QURÄN - 57:18).

JUSTICE AND NEUTRAL TESTIMONY:

Allah has said,

134. AND WHEN YE JUDGE BETWEEN MAN AND MAN, THAT YE JUDGE WITH JUSTICE: (AL-QURÄN - 4:58).

With this instruction, God has made it mandatory for the Judges to judge cases on their merits, irrespective of the status, caste and creed, of the disputing parties. He again has said,

135. O YE WHO BELIEVE! STAND FIRMLY FOR JUSTICE, AS WITNESSES TO GOD, EVEN AS AGAINST YOURSELVES, OR YOUR PARENTS, OR YOUR KIN, AND WHETHER IT BE (AGAINST) RICH OR POOR: FOR GOD CAN BEST PROTECT BOTH. FOLLOW NOT THE LUSTS (OF YOUR HEARTS, LEST YE SWERVE, AND IF YE DISTORT (JUSTICE) OR DECLINE TO DO JUSTICE, VERILY GOD IS WELL-ACQUAINTED WITH ALL THAT YE DO (AL-QURÄN - 4:135).

God has said in Al-Qurän:

136. O YE WHO BELIEVE! STAND 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: (AL-QURÄN - 5:9).

It is narrated in the Ahadith that if anybody, who speaks truth for the sake of righteousness, in the court of a tyrant, then that is the greatest Jihad (fight for Islam) (Tirmizi, Abu-Dawood and Ibn Maza). “On the Day of Judgement, the just judges would be the most nearest and dearest of God” (Tirmizi). “The tyrant that day would be the most cursed and removed from God” (Tirmizi).

God says,

137. O YE WHO BELIEVE! FEAR GOD AND BE WITH THOSE WHO ARE TRUE (IN WORD AND DEED). (AL-QURÄN - 9:119).

He again says,

138. WOE TO THE FALSEHOOD-MONGERS. - (AL-QURÄN - 51:10).

139. AND COVER NOT TRUTH WITH FALSEHOOD, NOR CONCEAL THE TRUTH WHEN YE KNOW (WHAT IT IS) (AL-QURÄN - 2:42).

To lie and to give false witness is hypocrisy and is a grave (Kabir) sin. Giving orders to favour the Truths in all circumstances and fight (Jihad) against falsehood God says in the Qurän:

140. BE JUST: THAT IS NEXT TO PIETY: AND FEAR GOD. (AL-QURÄN - 5:9).

God gave orders to “Stand firmly for God, as witnesses” and exercise neutrality which the Prophet propagated and practised.

The great Prophet of God himself adjudicated inter-tribal and intra-tribal disputes and disagreements of the Quraish and the other tribes. Even the Jewish came to him for Justice, according to Torah. In those days, the Arabs were accustomed to sanguinary family feuds for generations. They despised any judgements that went against. In those circumstances, he had to be very careful not to offend anybody. But, in spite of the constraints, never the judgements were tainted with partiality. Before him, normally, the rich were given lighter punishments for serious offences, while the poor suffered severe penalty for paltry violations. That was the case even in the Indian subcontinent, where the Brahmins were let off easily and the lower caste penalized heavily for minor misdeeds. All that changed in the Prophet’s (PBUH) time. The rich and the poor were treated alike, in a court of law. Justice was done on the merit of the case.

Once, a tribal leader accused of appropriating a spring defeated the Tayefians and conveyed the good news to the Prophet was ordered to return the spring. He was also asked to release a man wrongfully interned. Muhammad said, “Those who take shelter under Islam, their lives and property are protected.” His verdict was not influenced even for a hero who subjugated the Tayefians, his cruel persecutors. The Prophet did not entertain any request for leniency to anyone for his position. He admonished the petitioner by saying: “Remember the Banu-Israelis were destroyed for the sin of partiality to the influential.” The Harbinger of God took utmost care to administer justice and avoid punishing the innocent. He always tried to award lighter punishments, and in possible cases granted clemency.

COMMITMENT: LOYALTY AND HONESTY:

The great Prophet has said, “That who breaks promise has no religion” (Baihakki). To abide by promises, pacts and commitments are sacred duties of all males and females. Allah has said,

141. ... AND FULFIL (EVERY) ENGAGEMENT, FOR (EVERY) ENGAGEMENT WILL BE INQUIRED INTO (ON THE DAY OF RECKONING) (AL-QURÄN - 17:34).

God dislikes broken promises as it belittles people in the society. “Those who do not keep their pledge, dreadful would be their end:” said Muhammad. He further said, “If I know that you have six qualities namely: speak the truth, keep promises, return trust property, save thyself from obscenity, keep thy eyes downcast and withdraw from misdeeds, then I will give assurance of heaven to you” (Baihakki). The Meccans called the Prophet Al-Amin and As-Sadique, for his honesty and truthfulness. They would trust him with their property and wealth, though they were after his life.

PROSCRIPTION OF ILLEGAL INCOME:

Islam has not given its followers unlimited sanction to earn wealth. Keeping the national interest in the mind, incomes are made legal and illegal. Asked about the legal ways of earning, Muhammad replied, “That which is earned by one’s own labour and legal business” (Mishkat). As it is possible to earn legally by working and doing trade and commerce, it is also possible to earn by gambling, cheating, stealing and robbing. Honest business with personal labour is the best livelihood. The best perseverance is to try to earn an honest living.4 There are many ways of worshipping; the best way is to try to earn an honest living.5 God helps him who works hard and gets weary earning honestly.6 God’s grace descends on the person who decently earns and spends from only that as needed and saves a small amount for the future.7

EATING HALAL AND ESCHEWING HARAM FOOD:

HALAL (PERMITTED) FOOD:

God the Great has said,

142. O YE PEOPLE! EAT OF WHAT IS ON EARTH, LAWFUL AND GOOD: (AL-QURÄN - 2:168).

143. SO EAT AND DRINK OF THE SUSTENANCE PROVIDED BY GOD, (AL-QURÄN - 2:60).

144. THEN LET MAN LOOK AT THE FOOD, (AND HOW WE PROVIDE IT): FOR THAT WE POUR FORTH WATER IN ABUNDANCE, AND WE SPLIT THE EARTH IN FRAGMENTS, AND PRODUCE THEREIN CORN, AND GRAPES AND NUTRITIOUS PLANTS, AND OLIVES AND DATES, AND ENCLOSED GARDENS, DENSE WITH LOFTY TREES, AND FRUITS AND FODDER, - FOR USE AND CONVENIENCE TO YOU AND YOUR CATTLE. (AL-QURÄN - 80:24-32).

Grow, buy or procure halal foods honestly according to the guidance of the Qurän and Traditions. Islam proscribes all foods illegally procured or prepared. Besides that,

145. FORBIDDEN TO YOU (FOR FOOD) ARE: DEAD MEAT, BLOOD, THE FLESH OF SWINE, AND THAT ON WHICH HATH BEEN INVOKED THE NAME OF OTHER THAN GOD; THAT WHICH HATH BEEN KILLED BY STRANGLING, OR BY A VIOLENT BLOW, OR BY A HEADLONG FALL, OR BY BEING GORED TO DEATH; THAT WHICH HATH BEEN (PARTLY) EATEN BY A WILD ANIMAL; UNLESS YE ARE ABLE TO SLAUGHTER IT (IN DUE FORM); THAT WHICH IS SACRIFICED ON STONE (ALTARS); (FORBIDDEN) ALSO IS THE DIVISION (OF MEAT) BY RAFFLING WITH ARROWS: (AL-QURÄN - 5:4).

146. BUT IF ANY IS FORCED BY HUNGER, WITH NO INCLINATION TO TRANSGRESSION, GOD IS INDEED OFT-FORGIVING, MOST MERCIFUL (AL-QURÄN - 5:4).

147. BUT (EVEN SO), IF A PERSON IS FORCED BY NECESSITY, WITHOUT WILFUL DISOBEDIENCE, NOR TRANSGRESSING DUE LIMITS, - THY LORD IS OFT-FORGIVING, MOST MERCIFUL. (AL-QURÄN - 5:145).

In another verse of the Qurän it is said,

148. LAWFUL TO YOU IS THE PURSUIT OF WATER-GAME AND ITS USE FOR FOOD- (AL-QURÄN - 5:99).

The Prophet has said, “Lawful unto you dead fish and dead locust as food.”

HARAM (PROSCRIBED) FOOD:

Islam prohibits any food procured illegally or bought with illegally earned money. Besides that, dead animals, blood, pork and that animal slaughtered without invoking Allah’s name are unlawful in Islam. Meats of animals strangulated, beaten to death, fallen to death, gored to death, eaten by ferocious animals or sacrificed at the altar are all forbidden (Al-Qurän - 5:3). Allah has also said:

149. BUT IF ANY IS FORCED BY HUNGER, WITH NO INCLINATION TO TRANSGRESSION, GOD IS INDEED OFT-FORGIVING, MOST MERCIFUL (AL-QURÄN - 5:4).

In the Holy Qurän in Süra 6:145 God has forbidden eating dead animals and flowing blood, because those are injurious to human health. Details below will show how injurious it is for human to consume prohibited food.

MEAT OF DEAD ANIMALS:

Those animals that are halal (permitted) in Islam must be killed invoking Allah’s name. These animals would become haram (forbidden) if killed otherwise. This prohibition is perfectly scientific and healthy. It may not be easy to ascertain the cause of death of animals killed otherwise. Poisons or diseases may kill them that are harmful to human. Anthrax is a deadly chemical that may infect human body through meats of dead animals and may prove fatal.

BLOOD:

Blood here refers to the blood flowing out from the body of the animals killed. This blood may contain metabolic toxic substances and pathogenic microorganisms. If the meat is cleaned of oozing blood, it becomes more hygienically clean. Remaining blood in the meat is not prohibited in Islam.

PORK:

The Holy Qurän (Süra 6:145) made pork unlawful. God said, “Meat of the swine is unholy and impure.” The following scientific explanations would attest to the assertion above.

A parasitic cell called Trichinella Spiralis resides in the meat of the swine. Half-cooked or ill cooked pork transfers these parasites to the human body. Multiplying in the intestine in normal biological process carried by the blood plants itself in the flesh anywhere in the body.

Trichinella Spiralis: It is found in the flesh of rats, pigs and man. The host is infected eating encysted larva in raw or undercooked pork. The larva is forced from the cyst in the stomach or the small intestine, which burrows the mucous membrane of the small intestine. Ultimately, after several malting it attains adulthood. Forty hours after being swallowed the larva reach maturity and the male mates with the female. After fertilization the males die and are expelled from the body with the excretion. The female further burrows in the mucosa and during the next ten days releases larva in batches.

Liberated larva then enters blood or lymph channels in the intestinal wall and reaches different parts of the body, via the general circulation. In the skeletal muscle i.e., diaphragm, orbit, rib, tongue and larynx further development takes place. After growing, about ten times its original size the larva is sexually differentiated. After 17-18 days larva becomes infective. The enclosing fibre degenerates resulting in the formation of a cyst around the larva, which remains in the form of a spiral. After 7-8 weeks, it is fully developed and it calcifies after 78 months.

In the early stages, there are abdominal symptoms due to burrowing of the intestinal wall by the female adults, including nausea, vomiting, colicky pain, diarrhoea, etc., also Eosinophilia of severe degree.

During the second week when the larva migrates to the muscle, puffiness under the eyes, headache, intense muscular pain and weakness of the affected muscles are manifested. Later, larvae failing to reach striated muscle may produce myocarditis, pneumonia, peripheral and cranial nerve disorders, meningitis and encephalitis. Severe dyspnoea occurs if the respiratory muscles are affected and dysphasia occurs if the muscles of deglutition are affected.

Six weeks after the infection the symptoms found in the second stage aggravates and in the third stage, eruption of the skin may appear.

Pork also propagates Taenia Solium or Tapeworms.

Pigs love dirty things and live in filthy places, but modern swine-farms are clean and nice, though that do not make their meats lawful.

MEAT OF ANIMALS THAT DIE OF ASPHYXIA PROHIBITED:

In Süra, 2:173 of the Holy Qurän importance of removing flowing blood is urged. Death by asphyxia leaves carbon dioxide in the blood that reacting with other substances in the blood produces toxic compounds. Bacteria and other microorganisms trapped inside may cause harm. This kind of meat of animals cannot be called healthy food. Blood from any animal that die of strangulation cannot be expelled as it congeals.

ANIMAL BEATEN OR CLUBBED TO DEATH:

To kill an animal by beating, clubbing, axing, with bullet, or by electric current is very cruel. For the sudden death caused by all these above-mentioned ways blood cannot flow out from the dead-body of the animals thus killed. Consequently, carbon dioxide reacting with other substances in the blood produces toxic materials injurious for human health. If even the animal’s brain stops working, due to anoxia, the heart keeps beating and blood keeps flowing. In that condition, the body of the slaughtered animal shakes with involuntary spasm because of which blood from inside the body flows out. Moreover, as the animal looses consciousness, it does not feel pain. Therefore, if an animal is killed by cutting the throat it dies a painless death and bloods flow out from the body easily, making its meat healthy and delicious.

The involuntary spasm all over the body is healthy and good for meat’s quality and taste. But falling into the hands unscrupulous butchers who do not allow the animals’ body to have these spasms and skin them before they are dead to gratify their business interests the meat loses its quality and taste. Therefore, Islam recommends free and involuntary movement of the slaughtered animals. The great Prophet therefore, has given clear instructions to let the animal die and only then skins it.

Blood could not flow out of the corpse if the animal is made unconscious by hitting it with an axe or a hammer. If the modern electrical shock method for making the animal unconscious is discussed then the report of the Meat Inspection Branch of the Agriculture Department of the USA, should be kept in the mind. In 1953 the department disallowed electric shock method at its plant where animals were stunned by that method before the meat were processed due to adverse findings of a research study the department conducted a few years earlier. It found out that muscles of the animals stunned by the electric shock method undergo changes. These changes cannot be distinguished from similar changes due to diseases.

The justice department of Denmark in 1955 gave a notification. In that notification it was mentioned that electric shock method of stunning animals cause Extravasations, also because bleeding in the intestine, and breaks the pelvis, backbone and the shoulder blades. Bleeding from these wounds quickens decomposition of the meat and alters the taste. Amending the British regulation in 1958 electric shock method was banned. The reason was injurious affect on the swine meat. Quick decomposition was another reason. It therefore, proves that banning the electric shock method is scientific and logical.

All accidental deaths where fall, drowning, beating, clubbing and sudden blow etc., are involved show the previously mentioned results and thus are naturally not desirable.

Animals dead by fighting and goring are also forbidden because the above apply to them as well. If an animal is killed by any other animal and is eaten partially, that animal is also forbidden in Islam. There are three reasons for that:

The animal might have died of the poison from biting of the attacking animal,

The defending animal’s fight to survive might have produced large quantity of lactic acid harmful for human consumption.

Enough blood did not flow out of the remaining meats.

Nevertheless, meats of attacked and injured animals that are found alive and then slaughtered in the name of Allah are permitted in Islam. A living animal clearly indicates a recent attack or the injured animal must have died of starvation or by the impact of the attack. In such cases, it is better to kill the animal in the name of Allah and eat the flesh.

Comments of Medical Scientists on Jewish slaughtering method called `Hecht’ which is similar to Muslim method called ‘Zane’ is given below:

Lord Hoarder a medical doctor says: “I have thoroughly examined the system called `Hecht’. Under the method, all the major and minor arteries and veins of the throat and neck including the trachea and oesophagus down to the soft tissues are severed completely. Animals killed thus are immediately made unconscious making the death much less painful than other methods. In a few moments, the animal stops moving and then within minutes the muscle spasm ceases.

The above explanation is very clear. Animals slaughtered by sharp weapons die within seconds and the involuntary convulsions of the body stops minutes later. As blood flow to the brain stops almost immediately the animal looses consciousness and the convulsion occurs due to low blood pressure. Dr. Leonard Hill8 analyzing all the available methods of slaying animals said: “Animals body moves even if the animal is dead giving wrong impression of life to the ignorant who do not know the cause.

I have proven that with the dismemberment of the Carotid artery, blood supply to the brain stops in both cows and goats. Blood pressure falls within seconds of severing the peripheral end of the carotid artery signalling cessation of blood supply to the brain. It is argued that even if the carotid artery is disconnected vertebral artery carries blood to the brain. In cows and goats vertebral artery carries blood to the muscles of the skull not to the brain unlike in human.”

Openshaw, the consulting surgeon of the London Hospital proven by post-mortem that slaying the animal by cutting the throat do not allow blood clotting like clubbing or beating.

Generally, people at the sight of the convulsion think the animal to be alive. Contrary to general belief the Jewish and Islamic method is the most humane and scientific method of slaying the animals. From the above discussion, it is also established that whatever is said in the Holy Qurän regarding eating meats of dead and slaughtered animals that is scientific and hygienic, and is prescribed for the wellbeing of the people.9

GAMBLING AND DRINKING PROHIBITED:

God the Creator of the Worlds says in the holy Qurän:

150. THEY ASK THEE CONCERNING WINE AND GAMBLING. ‘ SAY: IN THEM IS GREAT SIN, AND SOME PROFIT, FOR MEN; BUT THE SIN IS GREATER THAN THE PROFIT’. (AL-QURÄN - 2:219).

151. O YE WHO BELIEVE! APPROACH NOT PRAYERS WITH A MIND BEFOGGED, UNTIL YE CAN UNDERSTAND ALL THAT YE SAY, - . . . (AL-QURÄN - 4:43).

152. O YE WHO BELIEVE! MAKE NOT UNLAWFUL THE GOOD THINGS WHICH GOD HATH MADE LAWFUL FOR YOU, BUT COMMIT NO EXCESS: FOR GOD LOVETH NOT THOSE GIVEN TO EXCESS. EAT OF THINGS WHICH GOD HATH PROVIDED FOR YOU LAWFUL AND GOOD; (AL-QURÄN - 5:90-91).

153. O YE WHO BELIEVE! INTOXICANTS AND GAMBLING, (DEDICATION OF) STONES, AND (DIVINATION BY) ARROWS, ARE AN ABOMINATION, - OF SATAN’S HANDIWORK: ESCHEW SUCH (ABOMINATION), THAT YE MAY PROSPER. (AL-QURÄN - 5:93).

The great Prophet had said, “Do not take any intoxicants, because that is the worst among the filthy things, and be cautious about sinful deeds, because with that descends God’s wrath” (Ahmad: Masnad). “To sell liqueur and the earnings from that both are proscribed” (Dailami). He said, “Eating and drinking of all kinds of intoxicants are forbidden” (Bukhari & Muslim).

THE HOLY QURÄN ABOUT INTOXICANTS:

Everybody knows that drinking and gambling are inseparably related to all kinds of crimes and social injustices. However, a very few know that that it has also been probed by science, and proved right. Ethyl alcohol has many beneficial uses besides being a hard drink. Allah the Merciful has mentioned that in the Holy Qurän (Süra 2:219).

BENEFITS OF ALCOHOL:

1. DISTILLED WATER MIXED WITH 70% ALCOHOL IS A VERY GOOD ANTISEPTIC. IT IS USED TO CLEANSE THE SKIN BEFORE GIVING INJECTIONS, TRANSFUSION AND SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

2. LIKE TINCTURE-IODINE, ALCOHOL-TINCTURE IS AN ANTISEPTIC. GENERALLY BEFORE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, IT IS USED TO CLEAN THE SKIN.

3. ALCOHOL IS USED TO EXTRACT CHEMICAL FROM ALCOHOLIC SOLUTIONS AND TO MAKE PERFUMERY.

4. IN CHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL LABORATORIES, ALCOHOL IS USED AS REAGENTS AND SOMETIMES TO PREPARE REAGENTS.

5. IT IS A GOOD PRESERVATIVE.

6. ALCOHOL IS USED IN SOME ALLOPATHIC AND AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS AND IN MOST OF THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES.

7. IT SUPPLIES CALORIES TO PROVIDE STRENGTH, EXCITES RESPIRATION, AND HELPS IN EXPANSION OF THE BLOOD VASSALS BUT THE PROFIT IS TRANSIENT AND NOMINAL.

DISADVANTAGES OF ALCOHOL:

Intoxicants have injurious effects on the human body. Usage of alcohol as drinks has the following disastrous effects:

8. ALCOHOL MOSTLY ACTS MAINLY ON THE HUMAN BRAIN AND ITS DAMAGING EFFECTS ARE GENERALLY FELT THERE. IT IS NEVER BENEFICIAL FOR THE INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES AS IT BLUNTS RATHER THAN SHARPENING.

9. THIS IS GENERALLY ADMITTED THAT ALCOHOL IS AN INTOXICANT THAT BY DEPRESSING BRAIN ACTIVITY DEADENS HUMAN REFLEXES RATHER THAN ACTING AS A REJUVENATING AGENT. ACTING ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IT PRODUCES UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND LETHARGY.

10. ALCOHOL BLURS HUMAN PERCEPTION AND ALERTNESS, BLUNTS JUDGEMENT, AND THUS SENDS THE MIND INTO AN UNSTABLE CONDITION. HUMAN MIND AND THE BODY UNDER ITS INFLUENCE TOTALLY GO HAYWIRE AND LOSE ALL COORDINATION, HARMONY AND SYNCHRONIZING CAPACITIES. A BLUNT THINKING FACULTY REMAINS INCAPACITATED TO JUDGE APPROPRIATENESS OF ACTIONS AND THUS ANY MISDEEDS CAN BE PERPETUATED IN A STATE OF INTOXICATION. NORMALLY AN EVIL DEED THAT WOULD BE SHUNNED BECOMES EASY TO CARRY OUT WITHOUT ANY HESITATION. HUMANS TURN INTO ANIMALS AND DO SINFUL THINGS THAT THEY MIGHT REGRET LATER. BUT BY THAN HE IS WELL PAST ANY REPENTANCE AND THE DAMAGE IS IRREPARABLE.

The Prophet warning against hard drinks said: “Alcohol gives birth to all crimes and vulgarity. Drinking this people may get involved in most horrible sins.”

The comment of a German physician is almost proverbial: He said, “If half the bars were closed then I can assure you that half the hospitals and prisons automatically would become redundant.”10

A French Scholar Henry in his book, ‘Khawatir and Sawanih fil-Islam’ wrote: “The most terrifying weapon to annihilate the Easterners and the Muslims was alcoholism. We used this against Algeria. But for the Islamic prohibitions, we could not influence those Muslims that were firmly imbibed with the spirit of Islam. We could have brought the other too under our hegemony if the faithful part took to drinking, like the betrayers of faith. Those that accepted our ways are today most hated and demoralized and cannot even dare raise their head.”

Bentam, a British legal expert wrote: “Among many distinguishing features of Islam prohibition of alcohol as drinks is one. We have seen when the Africans started using this they became diseased with insane excitement. Those Europeans began to sip alcoholic beverages their intellect and wisdom started degrading. Therefore, as banning the use of alcoholic beverages is necessary for the Africans, so it is important that the Europeans are penalized dearly for this.”

GAMBLING IS ILLEGAL:

In the Holy Qurän (Süra 2: 219) gambling is prohibited along with drinking. It also has the same influence as that of drinking on human welfare. Gambling is one of the vices that initiate people into other sinful activities. Generally gambling is very dependent on luck and is highly uncertain. Gambling involves small investment and promises high return. Philosophers and psychologists hold that gambling appeals to two desires in humans namely to attain and the excitement of uncertainty. There is some benefit in gambling like drinking, but the damages far outweigh the advantages.

ADVANTAGES OF GAMBLING:

11. A GAMBLER CAN EARN A LOT BY INVESTING VERY LITTLE AND WITHOUT MUCH LABOUR.

12. HE DEPENDS COMPLETELY ON HIS LUCK.

13. GAMBLING WITH LITTLE STAKES IS CONSIDERED ENTERTAINMENT.

From ancient days, gambling has been in vogue in human society. People gamble to gain quickly. In spite of the popularity of gambling people at different times had built up movements to ban gambling. Even in the modern Free states, rules and regulations are enacted to control gambling. Because, most of the gamblers lose heavily through gambling, from the olden days the history of gambling has been one of fights, murder, theft suicide etc.

DISADVANTAGES:

The Holy Qurän says, “They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. ‘Say: In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; But the sin is greater than the profit’.” (Al-Qurän - 2:219).

14. GAMBLING MAY PROVE GAINFUL A FEW TIMES BUT GENERALLY, IT CAUSES GREAT FINANCIAL LOSS.

15. LIKE DRINKING, GAMBLING IS ALSO A SOCIAL EVIL AND IS A BAD HABIT.

16. A GAMBLER’S HEART FILLS WITH REMORSE LIKE THE DRUNKARD REGAINING SENSES.

17. LOSING MONEY THE GAMBLER MAY BRING IN POVERTY IN HIS LIFE AND SUFFER THE INDIGNITY OF A POOR MAN.

18. FINANCIAL TROUBLES INVITE UNHAPPINESS IN THE FAMILY AND PARTNERS MAY DRIFT APART RESULTING INTO DIVORCES.

19. BROKEN FAMILIES MAKE THE LIVES OF OFFSPRING MISERABLE.

20. TO SUPPORT GAMBLING GAMBLERS STEAL, ROB, CHEAT AND INDULGE IN ALL SORTS OF ANTI SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. EVEN A WINNER IS A BAD EXAMPLE FOR THE SOCIETY, SINCE HE GETS RICHER WITHOUT LABOURING HARD.

21. THROUGH LOTTERY, PEOPLE ARE CHEATED VERY SUBTLY.

22. STATE SPONSORED OR SPONSORED BY ANY ORGANIZATIONS, OBVIOUSLY FOR SOME NOBLE CAUSE, BUT THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS NEVER EMPHASIZE THE CAUSE; IT RATHER EXCITES INTEREST PLAYING ON THE GREED OF THE PEOPLE. THOUGH, CHANCES ARE RARE THAT A CLIENT WOULD WIN, BUT THE SPONSORS MAKE IT SOUND VERY PROBABLE. THUS, THESE LOTTERIES CHEAT THE PEOPLE SUBTLY BY PROVOKING THEIR GREED – A HUMAN FRAILTY.

RESTRAINING ARROGANCE AND PRIDE:

Almighty God is the Lord of all things in the Worlds. He says:

154. NEITHER THE COVETOUS NOR THE BOASTERS HAVE ANY PLACE IN GOOD PLEASURE OF GOD. FOR GOD LOVETH NOT ANY VAINGLORIOUS BOASTER, - SUCH PERSONS AS ARE COVETOUS AND COMMEND COVETOUSNESS TO MEN (AL-QURÄN - 57:23-24).

155. NOR WALK THE EARTH WITH INSOLENCE: FOR THOU CANST NOT REND THE EARTH ASUNDER, NOR REACH THE MOUNTAINS IN HEIGHT. OF ALL SUCH THINGS THE EVIL IS HATEFUL IN THE SIGHT OF THY LORD (AL-QURÄN - 17:37-38).

156. THY SWELL NOT THY CHEEK (FOR PRIDE) AT MEN, NOR WALK IN INSOLENCE THROUGH THE EARTH; FOR GOD LOVETH NOT ANY ARROGANT BOASTER (AL-QURÄN - 31:18).

On the issue of Insolence and Pride, Muhammad said,

1. THAT WHO WALKS WITH INSOLENCE WILL NOT ENTER THE HEAVEN AND WILL NOT ENTER ALSO THE VAINGLORIOUS (ABU-DAWOOD, BAIHAKKI).

2. IF ANYBODY ARROGANTLY WEARS LONG ROBES, GOD SHALL NOT GLANCE AT HIM ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT (BUKHARI & MUSLIM).

3. THAT WHO IS A GRAIN HAUGHTY AT HEART SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER THE HEAVEN (MUSLIM, TIRMIZI & ABU-DAWOOD).

4. YOUR FAMILY STATUS SHOULD NOT ENCOURAGE YOU TO HATE OTHERS. YOU ARE THE OFF SPRINGS OF THE SAME ADAM. YOU ARE NOT SUPERIOR TO EACH OTHER, SAVE ON THE BASIS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (BAIHAKKI).

5. ALLAH IS DIVINE AND HE LOVES EXCELLENCE. INDIFFERENCE TO TRUTH AND HATRED OF MAN IS AUDACIOUS (MUSLIM, TIRMIZI & ABU-DAWOOD).

That 'God does not like the insolent' is described in the holy Qurän:

157. THY SWELL NOT THY CHEEK (FOR PRIDE) AT MEN, NOR WALK IN INSOLENCE THROUGH THE EARTH; FOR GOD LOVETH NOT ANY ARROGANT BOASTER (AL-QURÄN - 31:18).

Muhammad said, “You should save yourselves from jealousy: As fire consumes wood, so does Covetousness destroy all virtuous deeds of man. There are some people in the societies who are envious of the success, status, wealth, influence and efficiency of others. Consumed by the envy, they wish their destruction. This is a hideous condemnable emotion. However, it is permitted by Islam to try to acquire wealth and influence like others, inspired by their example” (Abu-Dawood).

TOLERANCE:

158. AND GOD LOVES THOSE WHO ARE FIRM AND STEADFAST. (AL-QURÄN - 3:146).

159. NAY, SEEK (GOD’S) HELP WITH PATIENTS PERSEVERANCE AND PRAYER: (AL-QURÄN - 2:45).

160. O YE WHO BELIEVE! PERSEVERE IN PATIENCE AND CONSTANCY; VIE IN SUCH PERSEVERANCE; (AL-QURÄN - 3:200).

161. WHO SAY, WHEN AFFLICTED WITH CALAMITY: ‘TO GOD WE BELONG, AND TO HIM IS OUR RETURN: -’ (AL-QURÄN - 2:156).

162. BE SURE WE SHALL TEST YOU WITH SOMETHING OF FEAR AND HUNGER, SOME LOSS IN GOODS OR LIVES OR THE FRUITS (OF YOUR TOIL), BUT GIVE GLAD TIDINGS TO THOSE WHO PATIENTLY PERSEVERE, - (AL-QURÄN - 2:155).

163. WE HAVE MADE SOME OF YOU AS A TRIAL FOR OTHERS: WILL YE HAVE PATIENCE? FOR GOD IS ONE WHO SEES (ALL THINGS). (AL-QURÄN - 25:20).

164. NOR CAN GOODNESS AND EVIL BE EQUAL. REPEL (EVIL) WITH WHAT IS BETTER: THEN WILL HE BETWEEN WHOM AND THEE WAS HATRED BECOME AS IT WERE THY FRIEND AND INTIMATE! AND NO ONE WILL BE GRANTED SUCH GOODNESS EXCEPT THOSE WHO EXERCISE PATIENTS AND SELF-RESTRAINT, - (AL-QURÄN - 41:34-35).

BENEVOLENCE (SERVICE TO OTHERS):

165. FOR GOD LOVETH THOSE WHO DO GOOD. (AL-QURÄN - 3:148).

166. AND BE STEADFAST IN PATIENCE; FOR VERILY GOD WILL NOT SUFFER THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS TO PERISH. (AL-QURÄN - 11:115).

MODESTY, HUMILITY, POLITENESS, AND SHIRKING CALUMNY:

Instructions are there in the Qurän to inculcate habit to be gentle, humble and well mannered in dealings with others. Muhammad was the brightest example of a humble, gentle and amiable person. His Companions and Savants for ages have diligently followed him. He was the embodiment of humility, politeness and good manners. None was ever maltreated by him and none had any cause to complain. Even his sworn enemies were captivated by his extraordinarily humble manners. Muhammad talked and mixed with people with an unpretentious smiling face, radiating love and warmth. He showed respect to all and maintained decorum of assemblies and congregations. The Prophet said, “That who is humble because he loves God, God elevates him” (Muslim).

The Prophet neither maligned, nor abused anybody. He only spoke against those who opposed God. It is advised in the holy Qurän that one should restrain one’s tongue. Hypocrisy, slander, intrigue, sabotage, destruction, back biting, cursing, maltreatment and all other bad habits are strictly forbidden by the Qurän and Traditions.

167. O YE WHO BELIEVE! WHY SAY YE THAT WHICH YE DO NOT? GRIEVOUSLY ODIOUS IS IT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD THAT YE SAY THAT WHICH YE DO NOT (AL-QURÄN - 61:2-3).

168. TRULY GOD GUIDES NOT ONE WHO TRANSGRESSES AND LIES! (AL-QURÄN - 40:28).

Muhammad said, “That who remembers God at meetings with others are the best among you. And those who backbite, create animosity between friends, spread slander and cause disharmony are the worst among you” (Ahmad, Masnad and Baihakki). “That who believes in God, never uses his tongue against anybody, never curses, abuses or taunts anybody” (Tirmizi).

“Keep your tongue under control, because many repented unrestrained use later. If anybody accuses somebody of misdeeds falsely that rebounds on him later” (Bukhari). “No slanderer enters the heaven” (Bukhari). “A firm believer do not spread slander, do not curse, do not fulfil carnal desire illegally and do not behave audaciously with others” (Tirmizi). “The pious never cohabit with the liars or support them” (Malik & Baihakki). “If anybody curses others, voluntarily, that rebounds on the cursor” (Tirmizi & Abu-Dawood). “That who is used to unrestrained language and immodesty in behaviour will never enter the paradise” (Abu-Dawood).

169. O YE WHO BELIEVE! LET NOT SOME MEN AMONG YOU LAUGH AT OTHERS: IT MAY BE THAT THE (LATTER) ARE BETTER THAN THE (FORMER): NOR LET SOME WOMEN LAUGH AT OTHERS: IT MAY BE THAT THE (LATTER) ARE BETTER THAN THE (FORMER): NOR DEFAME NOR BE SARCASTIC TO EACH OTHER, NOR CALL EACH OTHER BY (OFFENSIVE) NICKNAMES: ILL-SEEMING IS A NAME CONNOTING WICKEDNESS, (TO BE USED OF ONE) AFTER HE HAS BELIEVED: AND THOSE WHO DO NOT DESIST ARE (INDEED) DOING WRONG (AL-QURÄN - 49:11).

The Prophet said, “If anybody pledges to restrain his Tongue and Private parts, I will guarantee him Paradise” (Bukhari). Muhammad said, “When people rise in the morning from sleep all the parts of their body request the tongue: “please fear God for us, because, we are all, inseparably blended with you. If you behave appropriately, we would be able to work properly. And if you behave improperly we would follow you involuntarily and suffer the bad consequences” (Tirmizi).

ORPHANS OR FATHERLESS CHILDREN:

170. TO ORPHANS RESTORE THEIR PROPERTY (WHEN THEY REACH THEIR AGE), NOR SUBSTITUTE (YOUR) WORTHLESS THINGS FOR (THEIR) GOOD ONES; DEVOUR NOT THEIR SUBSTANCE (BY MIXING UP) WITH YOUR OWN. FOR THIS IS INDEED A GREAT SIN. (AL-QURÄN - 4:2).

171. MAKE TRIAL OF ORPHANS UNTIL THEY REACH THE AGE OF MARRIAGE; IF THEN YOU FIND SOUND JUDGEMENT IN THEM, RELEASE THEIR PROPERTY TO THEM; BUT CONSUME IT NOT WASTEFULLY, NOR IN HASTE AGAINST THEIR GROWING UP. (AL-QURÄN - 4:6).

172. THOSE WHO UNJUSTLY EAT UP THE PROPERTY OF ORPHANS, EAT UP A FIRE INTO THEIR OWN BODIES: THEY WILL SOON BE ENDURING A BLAZING FIRE! (AL-QURÄN - 4:10).

173. CONCERNING ORPHANS. SAY: THE BEST THING TO DO IS WHAT IS FOR THEIR GOOD; IF YE MIX THEIR AFFAIRS WITH YOURS, THEY ARE YOUR BRETHREN;’ (AL-QURÄN - 2:220).

174. COMETH NOT NIGH TO THE ORPHAN’S PROPERTY EXCEPT TO IMPROVE IT, UNTIL HE ATTAINS THE AGE OF FULL STRENGTH; (AL-QURÄN - 17:34).

175. THEREFORE, TREAT NOT THE ORPHANS WITH HARSHNESS, NOR REPULSE THE PETITIONER (UNHEARD); (AL-QURÄN - 9:9-10).

WASTEFULNESS AND EXTRAVAGANCE:

176. .EAT AND DRINK: BUT WASTE NOT BY EXCESS, FOR GOD LOVETH NOT THE WASTERS. (AL-QURÄN - 7:31).

177. AND RENDER TO THE KINDRED THEIR DUE RIGHTS, AS (ALSO) TO THOSE IN WANT, AND TO THE WAYFARER: BUT SQUANDER NOT (YOUR WEALTH) IN THE MANNER OF A SPENDTHRIFT. VERILY SPENDTHRIFTS ARE BROTHERS OF EVIL ONES; AND THE EVIL ONE IS TO HIS LORD (HIMSELF) UNGRATEFUL. (AL-QURÄN - 17:26-27).

178. EAT OF THEIR FRUIT IN THEIR SEASON, BUT RENDER THE DUES THAT ARE PROPER ON THE DAY THAT THE HARVEST IS GATHERED. BUT WASTE NOT BY EXCESS: FOR GOD LOVETH NOT WASTERS. (AL-QURÄN - 6:141).

SLANDER, CALUMNY:

179. THUS WE DO RECOMPENSE THOSE WHO INVENT (FALSEHOOD). (AL-QURÄN - 7:152).

180. GOD LOVETH NOT THAT EVIL SHOULD BE NOISED ABROAD IN PUBLIC SPEECH, (AL-QURÄN - 4:148).

181. BUT IF ANY ONE EARNS A FAULT OR SIN AND THROWS IT ON TO ONE THAT IS INNOCENT, HE CARRIES (ON HIMSELF BOTH) A FALSEHOOD AND A FLAGRANT SIN.’ (AL-QURÄN - 4:112).

182. NOR DEFAME NOR BE SARCASTIC TO EACH OTHER, NOR CALL EACH OTHER BY (OFFENSIVE) NICKNAMES: (AL-QURÄN - 49:11).

183. AND SPY NOT ON EACH OTHER, (AL-QURÄN - 49:112).

184. NOR SPEAK ILL OF EACH OTHER BEHIND THEIR BACKS. (AL-QURÄN - 49:120).

185. HEED NOT THE TYPE OF DESPICABLE MAN, - READY WITH OATHS, A SLANDERER, GOING ABOUT WITH CALUMNIES, (HABITUALLY) HINDERING (ALL) GOOD, TRANSGRESSING BEYOND BOUNDS, DEEP IN SIN, (AL-QURÄN - 68:10-12).

186. THOSE WHO SLANDER CHASTE WOMEN, INDISCREET BUT BELIEVING, AND CURSED IN THIS LIFE AND IN THE HEREAFTER: FOR THEM IS A GRIEVOUS PENALTY. - (AL-QURÄN - 24:23).

187. AND THOSE WHO LAUNCH A CHARGE AGAINST CHASTE WOMEN, AND PRODUCE NOT FOUR WITNESSES (TO SUPPORT THEIR ALLEGATIONS), - FLOG THEM WITH EIGHTY STRIPES; AND REJECT THEIR EVIDENCE EVEN AFTER: FOR SUCH MEN ARE WICKED TRANSGRESSORS; - (AL-QURÄN - 24:4).

188. WOE TO EVERY (KIND OF) SCANDALMONGER AND BACKBITER, (AL-QURÄN - 104:1).

PRIDE:

189. GOD LOVETH NOT ANY VAINGLORIOUS BOASTER, - (AL-QURÄN - 57:23).

190. NOT DESPAIR OVER MATTERS THAT PASS YOU BY, NOT EXULT OVER FAVOURS BESTOWED UPON YOU. FOR GOD LOVETH NOT ANY VAINGLORIOUS BOASTER, - (AL-QURÄN - 57:23).

191. NOR WALK ON THE EARTH WITH INSOLENCE: FOR THOU CANST NOT REND THE EARTH ASUNDER, NOR REACH THE MOUNTAINS IN HEIGHT. (AL-QURÄN - 17:37).

192. AND SWELL NOT THY CHEEK (FOR PRIDE) AT MEN, NOR WALK INSOLENCE THROUGH THE EARTH; FOR GOD LOVETH NOT ANY ARROGANT BOASTER. (AL-QURÄN - 31:18).

193. SO ENTER THE GATE OF HELL, TO DWELL THEREIN. THUS, EVIL INDEED IS THE ABODE OF THE ARROGANT. (AL-QURÄN - 17:29).

TYRANNY:

194. AND GOD LOVETH NOT THOSE THAT DO WRONG. (AL-QURÄN - 3:140).

195. FOR WRONGDOERS THERE MUST BE A GRIEVOUS PENALTY. (AL-QURÄN - 14:22).

196. EXCEPT FOR THOSE WHO REPENT BEFORE THEY FALL INTO YOUR POWER: IN THAT CASE, KNOW THAT GOD IS OFT-FORGIVING, MOST MERCIFUL. (AL-QURÄN - 5:37).

197. FOR (GOD) LOVETH NOT THOSE WHO DO WRONG. (AL-QURÄN - 42:40).

198. THE BLAME IS ONLY AGAINST THOSE WHO OPPRESS MEN WITH WRONGDOING AND INSOLENTLY TRANSGRESS BEYOND BOUNDS THROUGH THE LAND, DEFYING RIGHT AND JUSTICE: (AL-QURÄN - 42:42).

ASSETS:

199. THAT YOUR POSSESSIONS AND YOUR PROGENY ARE BUT A TRIAL; AND THAT IT IS GOD WITH WHOM LIES YOUR HIGHEST REWARD. (AL-QURÄN - 8:28).

200. THE UNBELIEVERS SPEND THEIR WEALTH TO HINDER (MEN) FROM THE PATH OF GOD, AND SO WILL THEY CONTINUE TO SPEND; BUT IN THE END THEY WILL HAVE (ONLY) REGRETS SIGHS; (AL-QURÄN - 8:36).

201. IT IS NOT YOUR NOR YOUR SONS, THAT WILL BRING YOU NEARER TO US IN DEGREE: BUT ONLY THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND WORK RIGHTEOUSNESS- (AL-QURÄN - 34:37).

202. LET NOT YOUR RICHES OR YOUR CHILDREN DIVERT YOU FROM THE REMEMBRANCE OF GOD. (AL-QURÄN - 63:9).

203. WHAT GOD HAS BESTOWED ON HIS APOSTLE (AND TAKEN AWAY) FROM THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWNSHIPS, -BELONGS TO GOD, -TO HIS APOSTLE AND TO KINDRED AND ORPHANS, THE NEEDY AND THE WAYFARER; IN ORDER THAT IT MAY NOT (MERELY) MAKE A CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE WEALTHY AMONG YOU. (AL-QURÄN - 59:7).

CLEMENCY:

204. THOSE WHO SPEND (FREELY), WHETHER IN PROSPERITY, OR IN ADVERSITY; WHO RESTRAIN ANGER AND PARDON (ALL) MEN; - FOR GOD LOVES THOSE WHO DO GOOD; - (AL-QURÄN - 3:134).

205. KIND WORDS AND COVERING FAULTS ARE BETTER THAN CHARITY, (AL-QURÄN - 2:263).

206. THE RECOMPENSE FOR AN INJURY IS AN INJURY EQUAL THERETO (IN DEGREE): BUT IF A PERSON FORGIVES AND MAKES RECONCILIATION, HIS REWARD IS DUE FROM GOD: (AL-QURÄN - 42:40).

207. BUT INDEED IF ANY SHOW PATIENCE AND FORGIVE, THAT WOULD TRULY BE AN EXERCISE OF COURAGEOUS WILL (AL-QURÄN - 40:43).

INDECENCY:

208. (GOD) KNOWS OF (THE TRICKS) THAT DECEIVE WITH THE EYES, AND ALL THAT THE HEARTS (OF MEN) CONCEAL. (AL-QURÄN - 40:19

209. .... AND HE FORBIDS ALL SHAMEFUL DEEDS, AND INJUSTICE AND REBELLION: HE INSTRUCTS YOU THAT YE MAY RECEIVE ADMONITION. (AL-QURÄN - 16:90).

210. NOR COME NIGH TO ADULTERY: FOR IT IS A SHAMEFUL (DEED) AND AN EVIL, OPENING THE ROAD (TO OTHER EVILS). (AL-QURÄN - 17:32).

211. SAY TO THE BELIEVING MEN THAT THEY SHOULD LOWER THEIR GAZE AND GUARD THEIR MODESTY: THAT WILL MAKE FOR GREATER PURITY FOR THEM: (AL-QURÄN - 24:30).

212. AND SAY TO THE WOMEN THAT THEY SHOULD LOWER THEIR GAZE AND GUARD THEIR MODESTY; (AL-QURÄN - 24:31).

213. WHO ABSTAIN FROM SEX, EXCEPT WITH THOSE JOINED TO THEM IN MARRIAGE BOND, OR (THE CAPTIVES) WHOM THEIR RIGHT HANDS POSSESS, - FOR (IN THEIR CASE) THEY ARE FREE FROM BLAME, BUT THOSE WHOSE DESIRES EXCEED THOSE LIMITS ARE TRANSGRESSORS; - THOSE WHO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THEIR TRUSTS AND THEIR COVENANTS; AND WHO (STRICTLY) GUARD THEIR PRAYERS; - THESE WILL BE THE HEIRS, WHO WILL INHERIT PARADISE: THEY WILL DWELL THEREIN (FOR EVER). (AL-QURÄN - 23:5-11).

214. LET THOSE FIGHT IN THE CAUSE OF GOD WHO SELL THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD FOR THE HEREAFTER. (AL-QURÄN - 4:74).

215. THE WOMAN AND MAN GUILTY OF ADULTERY AND FORNICATION, -FLOG EACH OF THEM WITH A HUNDRED STRIPES: LET NO COMPASSION MOVE YOU IN THEIR CASE, IN A MATTER PRESCRIBED BY GOD, (AL-QURÄN - 24:2).

216. GOD DOTH WISH TO LIGHTEN YOUR (DIFFICULTIES): FOR MAN WAS CREATED WEAK (IN FLESH). (AL-QURÄN - 4:28).

217. THOSE WHO AVOID THE GREATER CRIMES AND SHAMEFUL DEEDS, AND WHEN THEY ARE ANGRY EVEN THEN FORGIVE; THOSE WHO HEARKEN TO THEIR LORD, AND ESTABLISH REGULAR PRAYER; ... HIS REWARD IS DUE FROM GOD: (AL-QURÄN - 42:37-40).

WEIGHT AND MEASURE:

218. GIVE FULL MEASURE WHEN YE MEASURE, AND WEIGH WITH A BALANCE THAT IS STRAIGHT: THAT IS THE MOST FITTING AND THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS IN THE FINAL DETERMINATION. (AL-QURÄN - 17:35).

219. .... GIVE JUST MEASURE AND WEIGHT, NOR WITHHOLD FROM THE PEOPLE THE THINGS THAT ARE THEIR DUE; AND DO NO MISCHIEF ON THE EARTH AFTER IT HAS BEEN SET IN ORDER: THAT WILL BE BEST FOR YOU, IF YE HAVE FAITH: (AL-QURÄN - 7:85).

220. SO ESTABLISH WEIGHT WITH JUSTICE AND FALL NOT SHORT IN THE BALANCE. (AL-QURÄN - 55:9).

221. WOE TO THOSE THAT DEAL IN FRAUD, - THOSE WHO, WHEN THEY HAVE TO RECEIVE BY MEASURE FROM MEN, EXACT FULL MEASURE, BUT WHEN THEY HAVE TO GIVE BY MEASURE OR WEIGHT TO MEN, GIVE LESS THAN DUE. DO THEY NOT THINK THAT THEY WILL BE CALLED TO ACCOUNT? - ON A MIGHTY DAY, A DAY WHEN (ALL) MANKIND WILL STAND BEFORE THE LORD OF THE WORLDS? NAY! SURELY THE RECORD OF THE WICKED IS (PRESERVED) IN SIJJIN. (AL-QURÄN - 83:1-7).

222. GIVE JUST MEASURE, AND CAUSE NO LOSS (TO OTHERS BY FRAUD). AND WEIGH WITH SCALES TRUE AND UPRIGHT. AND WITHHOLD NOT THINGS JUSTLY DUE TO MEN, (AL-QURÄN - 26:181-83).

FRAUD: PRETENDERS AND HYPOCRITES:

223. THE HYPOCRITES WILL BE IN THE LOWEST DEPTHS OF THE FIRE: (AL-QURÄN - 4:145).

224. FOR GOD WILL COLLECT THE HYPOCRITES AND THOSE WHO DEFY FAITH-ALL IN HELL: - (AL-QURÄN - 4:140).

225. OF THE PEOPLE THERE ARE SOME WHO SAY: ‘WE BELIEVE IN GOD AND THE LAST DAY;’ BUT THEY DO NOT (REALLY) BELIEVE. (AL-QURÄN - 2:8).

226. WHEN THEY MEET THOSE WHO BELIEVE, THEY SAY: ‘WE BELIEVE;’ BUT WHEN THEY ARE ALONE WITH THEIR EVIL ONES, THEY SAY: ‘WE ARE REALLY WITH YOU: WE (WERE) ONLY JESTING.’ GOD WILL THROW BACK THEIR MOCKERY ON THEM, AND GIVE THEM ROPE IN THEIR TRESPASSES; SO THEY WILL WANDER LIKE BLIND ONES (TO AND FRO). (AL-QURÄN - 2:14-15).

ACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES:

227. THEN SHALL EVERY SOUL BE PAID WHAT IT EARNED, AND NONE SHALL BE DEALT WITH UNJUSTLY. (AL-QURÄN - 2:281).

228. WHOEVER WORKS EVIL, WILL BE REQUITED ACCORDINGLY. (AL-QURÄN - 4:123).

229. IF ANY DO DEEDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, - BE THEY MALE OR FEMALE- AND HAVE FAITH, THEY WILL ENTER HEAVEN, (AL-QURÄN - 4:124).

230. TO THOSE WHO DO GOOD, THERE IS GOOD IN THIS WORLD, AND THE HOME OF HEREAFTER IS EVEN BETTER (AL-QURÄN - 16:30).

231. HE THAT DOETH GOOD SHALL HAVE TEN TIMES AS MUCH TO HIS CREDIT: HE THAT DOETH EVIL SHALL ONLY BE RECOMPENSED ACCORDING TO HIS EVIL: (AL-QURÄN - 6:160).

232. EVERY SOUL DRAWS THE MEED OF ITS ACTS ON NONE BUT ITSELF: NO BEARER OF BURDENS CAN BEAR THE BURDEN OF ANOTHER. (AL-QURÄN - 6:164).

233. THAT WHICH IS ON THE EARTH WE HAVE MADE BUT AS A GLITTERING SHOW FOR THE EARTH, IN ORDER THAT WE MAY TEST THEM-AS TO WHICH OF THEM ARE BEST IN CONDUCT. (AL-QURÄN - 18:7).

234. AND TO ALL ARE (ASSIGNED) DEGREES ACCORDING TO THE DEEDS WHICH THEY (HAVE DONE), AND IN ORDER THAT (GOD) MAY RECOMPENSE THEIR DEEDS, AND NO INJUSTICE BE DONE TO THEM. AND ON THE DAY THAT THE UNBELIEVERS WILL BE PLACED BEFORE THE FIRE, (IT WILL BE SAID TO THEM): ‘YE RECEIVED YOUR GOOD THINGS IN THE LIFE OF THE WORLD, AND YE TOOK YOUR PLEASURE OUT OF THEM: BUT TO-DAY SHALL YE BE RECOMPENSED WITH A PENALTY OF HUMILIATION: FOR THAT YE WERE ARROGANT ON EARTH WITHOUT JUST CAUSE, AND THAT YE (EVER) TRANSGRESSED.’ (AL-QURÄN - 46:19-20).

235. NAMELY, THAT NO BEARER OF BURDENS CAN BEAR THE BURDEN OF ANOTHER; THAT MAN CAN HAVE NOTHING BUT WHAT HE STRIVES FOR; (AL-QURÄN - 53:38-39).

236. HE WHO CREATED DEATH AND LIFE, THAT HE MAY TRY WHICH OF YOU IS BEST IN DEED: (AL-QURÄN - 67:2).

237. VERILY MAN IS IN LOSS, EXCEPT SUCH AS HAVE FAITH, AND DO RIGHTEOUS DEEDS, AND (JOIN TOGETHER) IN THE MUTUAL TEACHING OF TRUTH, AND OF PATIENCE AND CONSTANCY. (AL-QURÄN - 103:2-3).

238. ON THAT DAY WILL MEN PROCEED IN COMPANIES SORTED OUT, TO BE SHOWN THE DEEDS THAT THEY (HAD DONE). THEN SHALL ANYONE WHO HAS DONE AN ATOM’S WEIGHT OF GOOD, SEE IT! AND ANYONE WHO HAS DONE AN ATOM’S WEIGHT OF EVIL, SHALL SEE IT. (AL-QURÄN - 99:6-8).

REPENTANCE AND PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS:

239. EXCEPT FOR THOSE WHO REPENT, MEND (THEIR LIFE), HOLD FAST TO GOD, AND PURIFY THEIR RELIGION AND IN GOD’S SIGHT: IF SO THEY WILL BE (NUMBERED) WITH BELIEVERS. AND SOON WILL GOD GRANT TO BELIEVERS A REWARD OF IMMENSE VALUE. (AL-QURÄN - 4:146).

240. AS FOR THOSE WHO FEAR THEIR LORD UNSEEN, FOR THEM IS FORGIVENESS AND GREAT REWARD. (AL-QURÄN - 67:12).

SAYINGS AND IDEALS OF THE PROPHET (PBUH):

The Prophet said, “That, by whom the humanity is benefited, is the best among man (Ahadith).” From his childhood, Muhammad was deeply devoted to the Creator. Muhammad, the handsome, kind, young man had endless and genuine love and affection for everybody, irrespective of caste and creed. He was responsive and sympathetic to peoples’ happiness and sorrow. His simple, gracious, amicable manners, righteousness and truthfulness greatly fascinated the Meccans. They loved and respected him and called him Al-Amin and As-Sadique. However, Muhammad could not live in peace and happiness, as he had been greatly perturbed and pained by the injustices, prevailing in those days. Inequality among men, the progeny of Adam, greatly perturbed him. Incongruous social stratification was unacceptable to him. He meditated on how to cleanse the society of the ills that are indecent for human beings. In the meantime, he travelled to different lands for trade and commerce and got exposure to other cultures and peoples. Sufferings of the people greatly disturbed Muhammad and meditated deeply to reach a solution. In his meditations, he prayed for God’s Guidance.

To give a shape to his dreams, Muhammad wanted that there should not be any disparity, discord and enmity among men. They should live in great harmony, peace and accord. In an atmosphere of friendship and cordiality, they should enjoy an unperturbed happy life. None should cause any harm to anybody; and remain uncorrupted by any sins like theft, robbery, gambling, addiction, adultery and jealousy. The Prophet envisaged a society established on Faith, Truth and Justice, where there will be no oppressors and none tyrannized. Hunger, thirst, poverty and illness will not reign supreme, as it were in those days, in Arabia and other parts of the world.

NO CELIBACY IN ISLAM:

The mainstay of the Islamic social system is the submission to God’s commands and adherence to the instructions of Muhammad, His prophet. Every Muslim in accordance with the example of the Prophet must lead a normal family life. Like the other religions, Islam does not support celibacy. Regarding the followers of Jesus Christ, Allah says in the Qurän:

241. BUT THE MONASTICISM WHICH THEY INVENTED FOR THEMSELVES, WE DID NOT PRESCRIBE FOR THEM: (WE RECOMMENDED) ONLY THE SEEKING FOR GOOD PLEASURE OF GOD: BUT THAT THEY DID NOT FOSTER AS THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE. YET WE BESTOWED, ON THOSE AMONG THEM WHO BELIEVED, THEIR (DUE) REWARD, BUT MANY OF THEM ARE REBELLIOUS TRANSGRESSORS. (AL-QURÄN - 57:27).

Abdullah ibn Amr ibnul Äs narrates, “The Prophet said, ‘Oh, Abdullah do you think that I don’t know that you fast in the day and pray the whole night?’ I replied, ‘Oh! God’s Messenger, what you have heard is true.’ The Prophet then said, ‘No you will not do so. You will fast but not continuously, and pray but will also sleep, because, your body, your eyes, and your consorts have rights on you’ (Bukhari).” As God does not like undisciplined, unrestrained life style, so He also dislikes excessive devotion to prayers, ignoring the duties of this mundane life. A balanced life is the best way, as has been practiced by the Prophet. Hinting to that the Prophet said, “This is my way and he who does not follow my path is not my disciple” (Bukhari & Muslim).

Once, three Companions thinking that lavish supplication is necessary one said, “I will pray all night, the other declared: ‘I will fast all my life’ and the third vouched: ‘I will worship God remaining a bachelor all my life’.” At that moment, the Prophet arrived there and declared, “By God, remember that I fear God more than you do, and keep limits and sanctity more than you do, but still I fast and pass days without fasting. I pray in the middle of the night but still I am married and live with my wives. This is my way (Sunnah). That who does not follow my way shall not be counted as my disciples (Bukhari and Muslim).”

One day, Othman, the son of Majun, prayed to the Prophet for permission to lead the life of a celibate. To that, the Prophet of God replied, “No, for my people celibacy is not permitted and celibates are not included in my congregation. To fight for the cause of God is the best sacrifice for my people.” He said, “In my people who living as a family man, waits for prayer in the mosque are the best hermits.”

The life that Muhammad led and advocated for his disciples is not only beneficial for Muslims but is also good for all the people, for all the time. And this unambiguous life style is very necessary for the human society. There is no example of such a versatile ideal character, like the Prophet, in human history. The social system that is clearly depicted by the Prophet’s (PBUH) lifestyle is the key to the success in this life and hereafter. Any nation that followed the social system given by Muhammad climbed to the top.

As the Prophet lived his life according to the teaching of the holy Qurän, there is no scope for improvisation. Nobody has the right to alter, add, delete or change anything there. Therefore, in the Islamic system one has to live with spouses, offspring, relatives, friends and neighbours. Asceticism and monastic life is not permitted in Islam.

ISLAM IS NOT CONFINED TO MOSQUES: CLOISTERS OF SAINTS AND CONGREGATIONS:

Allah the Great has said in the Qurän:

242. O YEA WHO BELIEVE! ENTER INTO ISLAM WHOLE-HEARTEDLY; AND FOLLOW NOT THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE EVIL ONE; (AL-QURÄN - 2: 208).

Interpreting this verse experts opined that by saying ‘enter into Islam Whole-heartedly’, clearly indicates acceptance of Islam in its totality. Acceptance of some of the covenants and rejection of some is not permitted. The Qurän and the Sunnah (Traditions of the Prophet) are the unalterable guides to lead this mundane life. Therefore, be it trade, commerce, administration, socio-cultural or spiritual activity, perform them in the way as directed. According to this school of thought, dire punishments are awaiting them who think that only spiritual activities are guided by this covenant, and all other socio-cultural-economic activities are exempted. This disrespect for Quränic law and Sunnah are seen more in the so-called pious people. They do not think that these injunctions apply to all activities of a Muslim. We, therefore, should make a conscious effort to know these laws. Islam is not all rituals and blind allegiance. It demands complete acceptance of the Qurän and the Sunnah and their application in every sphere of life. Those who to gratify their own needs, defy these covenants are called Munafiques (hypocrites).

THE FIRST SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION OF THE WORLD:

HILFUL FUDHUL

Muhammad was an intense Humanist. He was the first to say, “He who loves people, God is kind to him.” He said, “To love people is my principle and my tradition.” Muhammad further said, “Pass Dawn and the Dusk in such a way that there remain no ill feelings or doubts about anybody in your mind (Tirmizi).” The Prophet was a great lover of the humankind and an ardent promoter of humanity. He behaved equally well with everybody, irrespective of social and financial standings. For that, everybody in Mecca loved and respected him. Acquainted with his versatile qualities, like righteousness, truthfulness and honesty, etc., they bestowed him with the title of ‘As-Sadique and Al-Amin,’ meaning the ‘Dependable’ and the ‘Truthful’, respectively.

Under the influence of the noble ideas of Muhammad, some young people of his age came forward to help him. With them, to ameliorate the sufferings of the downtrodden, wretched, poor and the destitute, Muhammad established a philanthropic organization. He named it ‘Hilful Fudhul’ the Organization of the Pious. The nature of the work of this organization created great enthusiasm among the people. They came forward willingly to help him, in this benevolent endeavour. Among them were Muhammad’s (PBUH) uncles, Zubair and Hashem, and the leaders of the Zohra and Tayeb tribes. To establish peace in the community, Muhammad with his young companions chalked out a grand strategy to implement the following principles through the Hilful Fudhul:

23. TO ENFORCE LAW AND ORDER AMONG TRIBES AT ANY COST,

24. TO ERADICATE VICES AND INJUSTICE FROM THE SOCIETY,

25. TO PROTECT THE WIDOWS, ORPHANS AND THE WEAK,

26. TO HELP THE POOR AND THE DESTITUTE,

27. TO NURSE THE SICK, OLD AND HELPLESS.

28. TO PROTECT LIFE, PROPERTY AND HONOUR OF THE PEOPLE IN A FOREIGN LAND AND,

29. TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT IN THE COUNTRY TO ENSURE PEACE IN SOCIAL AND IND-+IVIDUAL LIFE IN ALL THE CLAN, TRIBE AND FAMILY AND TO EVOLVE A PERMANENT SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM WHEREBY LIFE, PROPERTY AND HONOUR OF THE PEOPLE ARE PROTECTED.

They pledged to remain active all their lives, to ensure the following Rights of the neglected and oppressed masses:

30. THE RIGHT TO LIFE, PROPERTY, HONOUR, SECRECY AND SECURITY,

31. THE RIGHT TO OPPOSE PREJUDICE AND INJUSTICE,

32. THE RIGHT TO FAITH, THOUGHT AND INDEPENDENCE,

33. THE RIGHT TO PREVENT PROPAGANDA AGAINST ANY RELIGION,

34. THE RIGHT TO PROPER BEHAVIOUR AND THE RIGHT TO FORM INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATIONS AND,

35. THE RIGHT TO PREVENT IMPROPER PRACTICE AND SYCOPHANCY TO GAIN SOMETHING.

In Medïna, the Prophet on foot went around through the lanes and bye lanes, to enforce the objectives of his Organization. This unique endeavour of the Prophet is an inalienable part of the Islamic social system. Today the whole world benefits following his ideals. In the history of the human society, this is the first Organization truly devoted to uplifting the suffering masses. Hilful Fudhul is the first ‘Social Welfare’ organization of the world.

Fourteen hundred years ago, the Prophet has invented and established a ‘Social Welfare Organization’ in which he has organized, the otherwise, disorganized young people, and used the youthful energy to mitigate the sufferings of the people. All his life, the Prophet had been faithful to the ideals of Hilful Fudhul. He said, “If people call Oh the people of Hilful Fudhul! I respond to that because Islam has been sent to establish peace and to help the oppressed” (Ahadith).

THE FIRST NURSING CORPS IN THE WORLD:

To inspire the soldiers in the battlefield trumpeting is a common practice even today. In the days of the Prophet, the Arab women used to sing songs, to inspire their soldiers in the field. They evoked revenge in the hearts of the soldiers with their fiery songs. Excited by such martial tunes, soldiers sacrificed their lives without any hesitations. Keeping in line with this Arab tradition, the Prophet took one or two of his wives with him to the battlefield, other lady Companions accompanied him, as well. Contrary to the custom, the Prophet put them to other non-traditional jobs. These pious women took care of the wounded and carried them to safer places for treatment. They cooked and fed the soldiers and carried water for them in the field. One of the main duties of these women was to collect the arrows, thrown by the enemy for reusing them. Mainly, they formed the core of the nursing crops. Some of the leading members of this nursing crop were Ummul Muminin Ayesha, Hafsa Umme-Sulaiem, Umme-Sallit, Rubaiy, Fatima and Rafida. They worked as volunteers and there are instances of them taking active part in the battles. Later, these lady volunteers regularly helped the war efforts of the Muslims, and thus was established the first nursing crops of the world comprising women. Muhammad opened a treatment centre under the supervision of the noted Companion, Rafida, for treating soldiers wounded in the battles. In this way, the Prophet, along with the man, enlivened women and imbibed them with humanism.

Realizing that, generally, women are more tolerant, self-restrained and sensitive than are men, the Prophet instead of employing them to evoke revenge in the hearts of the soldiers, engaged them in the noble profession of nursing. Naturally, they are much more suited to the soothe sufferings of the wounded and injured and relieve their pain by their comforting kindness. On this principle of selflessly serving the humanity, all organizations like, the Red Cross, Red Crescent, Amnesty International, etc., are founded. In them are reflected the principles of the Prophet, in establishing the Hilful Fudhul and the nursing crops.

RIGHTS OF NEIGHBOURS IN ISLAM:

The Great Prophet established a welfare state, where people lived in peace and prosperity, with friends, neighbours, relatives and family members. Muhammad by example had shown people, how to behave with neighbours in that Islamic state. His ideals are still effective today, to usher in peace and prosperity, to any nation or state, irrespective of caste and creed. He advised everybody to respect, love, care and help neighbours. Those simple rules are still valid and respected by all nations of the world.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be on him) on the rights of neighbours said,

6. ALL NEIGHBOURS SHOULD COOPERATE AND LOVE EACH OTHER.

7. A NEIGHBOUR WILL SHARE HAPPINESS AND SORROW WITH THE OTHER IN SUCH A WAY THAT THEY COULD TRUST EACH OTHER WITH THEIR LIVES.

8. IF ANY GOOD FOOD ARE COOKED OR FRUITS ARE BOUGHT IN A HOUSE THAT SHOULD BE SHARED WITH THE NEAREST NEIGHBOURS. IF THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE THAN THE FOOD SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN IN FRONT OF THE NEIGHBOUR'S CHILDREN, BECAUSE, THE CHILDREN MAY PESTER THEIR PARENTS TO PROVIDE THEM THE SAME. AND THEIR INABILITY TO DO SO MAY CAUSE THEM PAIN.

9. IF A NEIGHBOUR ASKS FOR A LOAN THE OTHER SHOULD GIVE LOAN READILY AND HELP HIM IN NEED, ACCORDING TO HIS ABILITY. CONGRATULATE NEIGHBOURS FOR GOOD TIDINGS AND SHARE THEIR GRIEVES.

10. IF A NEIGHBOUR IS SICK OTHERS SHOULD ATTEND AND NURSE HIM, AND IF NECESSARY, ARRANGE FOR HIS TREATMENT.

Briefly, be good, kind, compassionate, cooperative, helpful and friendly with neighbours, so that all the members of community may live like a single family in complete harmony and peace, collectively. The Prophet urged the people of the world to live in ideally peaceful, well-knit communities.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE IN ISLAM

Islam is not confined only to urging its followers to be truthful, righteous, honest, just and principled but also teaches them health and hygiene. Not only personal health and hygiene, it also dealt with family and community health and hygiene. Good health signifies happiness and peace. God has asked people to look after their health and keep diseases away. That is why Muslims greet each other at home or outside with the word ‘Salaam’ meaning peace and inquire after health and well-being. This custom is in vogue everywhere in the civilized world. Among the blessings that God has bestowed on man, good health is the foremost. If the body and the mind are not free from sickness, it becomes difficult for people to abide by the teachings of God and worship Him properly. Ill health does not only affect individuals but also influences the family, community and consequently, the whole nation. Good health, therefore, is a prerequisite to better performance both spiritually and in earthly life. Both good physical and mental health are a requirement to be able to materialize God’s Commands effectively and properly. God, therefore, has ordered to maintain clean, healthy and diseases free environment, so that people may prosper in healthy, happy peaceful atmosphere. In the light of God’s Command the Prophet has said, “Good health will be the first about which God will ask His creations. That Day He will ask His servants, ‘Have not I given you good health?’ (Tirmizi).”

God further says,

243. O YE APOSTLES! ENJOY (ALL) THINGS GOOD AND PURE, AND WORK RIGHTEOUSNESS: FOR I AM WELL ACQUAINTED WITH (ALL) THAT YE DO. (AL-QURÄN - 23: 51).

The human body is dependent on ideal diets that can keep it disease free. To build and maintain the body and to replenish the spent energy, food is necessary. Food keeps hunger away and gives energy to work and that is the main purpose of eating.

On the one hand, God had instructed man to eat to keep fit, and on the other hand, warned them against any excess. God says,

244. TO WASTE NOT BY EXCESS, FOR GOD LOVETH NOT THE WASTERS. (AL-QURÄN - 7: 31).

About food, God has said in the holy Qurän:

245. IT IS HE WHO SENDETH DOWN RAIN FROM THE SKIES: WITH IT WE PRODUCE VEGETATION OF ALL KINDS: FROM SOME WE PRODUCE GREEN (CROPS), OUT OF WHICH WE PRODUCE GRAIN, (AL-QURÄN - 6: 99).

246. IT IS HE WHO SENDS DOWN RAIN FROM THE SKY: FROM IT YE DRINK, AND OUT OF IT (GROWS) THE VEGETATION ON WHICH YE FEED YOUR CATTLE. (AL-QURÄN - 16: 10).

247. A SIGN FOR THEM IS THE EARTH THAT IS DEAD: WE DO GIVE IT LIFE, AND PRODUCE GRAIN THERE FROM, OF WHICH YE DO EAT. AND WE PRODUCE THEREIN ORCHIDS WITH DATE PALMS AND VINES, AND WE CAUSE SPRINGS TO GUSH FORTH THEREIN: THAT THEY MAY ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THIS (ARTISTRY): (AL-QURÄN - 36: 33-35).

248. AND CATTLE HE HAS CREATED FOR YOU (MEN): FROM THEM YE DRIVE WARMTH, AND NUMEROUS BENEFITS, AND OF THEIR (MEAT) YE EAT. (AL-QURÄN - 16: 5).

249. IT IS HE WHO PRODUCETH GARDENS, WITH TRELLISES AND WITHOUT, AND DATES, AND TILTH WITH PRODUCE OF ALL KINDS, AND OLIVES AND POMEGRANATES, SIMILAR (IN KIND) AND DIFFERENT (IN VARIETY): EAT OF THEIR FRUIT IN THEIR SEASON, BUT RENDER THE DUES THAT ARE PROPER ON THE DAY THAT THE HARVEST IS GATHERED. BUT WASTE NOT BY EXCESS: FOR GOD LOVETH NOT THE WASTERS. (AL-QURÄN - 6: 141).

250. THEREIN FRUIT AND DATE-PALMS, PRODUCING SPATHES (ENCLOSING DATES); ALSO CORN, WITH (ITS) LEAVES AND STALK FOR FODDER, AND SWEET SMELLING PLANTS. (AL-QURÄN - 55: 11-12).

251. AND SHAKE TOWARDS THYSELF THE TRUNK OF THE PALM-TREE: IT WILL LET FALL FRESH RIPE DATES UPON THEE. SO EAT AND DRINK AND COOL (THINE) EYE. (AL-QURÄN - 19: 25-26).

252. AND THY LORD TAUGHT THE BEE TO BUILD ITS CELLS IN HILLS, ON TREES, AND IN (MEN’S) HABITATIONS; THEN TO EAT OF ALL THE PRODUCE (OF THE EARTH), AND FIND WITH SKILL THE SPACIOUS PATHS OF ITS LORD: THERE ISSUES FROM WITHIN THEIR BODIES A DRINK OF VARYING COLOURS, WHEREIN IS HEALING FOR MEN: (AL-QURÄN - 16: 68-69).

To replenish spent energy, to build the human body, and to keep hunger away God has named domestic and wild animals and birds in the holy Qurän. He mentioned trees, herbs and shrubs that are beneficial to man. These are made permissible for us to keep our body healthy and thus to lead a normal happy life. Domestic animals like: camel, cow, lamb and goat are created so that we can eat their meat and make apparels from their skin. Taking the lead from the Qurän, modern science has discovered in honey, date and pomegranate, ingredients very useful for us. Honey is used to prepare medicine for various diseases.

Bestowing these blessings, God has warned man:

253. EAT OF THINGS WHICH GOD HATH PROVIDED FOR YOU LAWFUL AND GOOD; (AL-QURÄN - 5: 91).

254. EAT OF THE GOOD THINGS WE HAVE PROVIDED FOR YOUR SUSTENANCE, BUT COMMIT NO EXCESS THEREIN, LEST MY WRATH SHOULD JUSTLY DESCEND ON YOU: (AL-QURÄN - 20: 81).

As God has made food permissible for us and allowed us to enjoy them freely, He has made unlawful all forbidden food unto us. All lawful foods become unlawful if acquired illegally or purchased with illegal earnings. That is why repeatedly, sages warned us against unlawful foods. These prohibited food items cause illness and due to that, people not only become ill, they are also belittled in the society. Taking unlawful things, particularly, alcohol, drugs and by smoking, they invite diseases, which is attested by the discoveries of modern science. Therefore, God has said,

255. AND MAKE NOT YOUR OWN HANDS CONTRIBUTE TO (YOUR) DESTRUCTION; (AL-QURÄN - 2: 195).

The great Prophet Muhammad said, “God has not given any diseases of which remedy is not given” (Bukhari). Meaning, as He has given diseases, so has He given cure. Man should know the treatments of diseases. People should take appropriate measure for treatment of diseases, to get well.

The great Apostle (PBUH) of God has given many treatments for diseases. These became known as the Tibbun Nabi (the treatments of the Prophet). From the above book the following naturally available fruits, pods herbs and shrubs, and treatments are described below under the head ‘Tibbun Nabi.’

TIBBUN NABI:11

Honey, Cumin seed, Henna, Dates, Olive, Mushroom, Fennel, Camel-milk, Goat- milk, Orange, Watermelon, Onion, Garlic, Mustard, Fenugreek-seed, Ginger, Kakrol (Momordica cochininesis), Barley, Wheat, Dried-date, Sandal, Fig, Bitter plum (Zizyphus Jujuba), Bottle Gourd, Senna, Vinegar, and Saffron, were suggested for treatment of various diseases.

HONEY:

From Time Immemorial, honey has been used as a medicament. This is very beneficial for the human body, a delicious food and an exterminator of all diseases. Honey has been described as a medicine in the holy Qurän.

256. AND THY LORD TAUGHT THE BEE TO BUILD ITS CELLS IN HILLS, ON TREES, AND IN (MEN’S) HABITATIONS; THEN EAT OF ALL THE PRODUCE (OF THE EARTH), AND FIND WITH SKILL THE SPACIOUS PATHS OF ITS LORD: THERE ISSUES FROM WITHIN THEIR BODIES A DRINK OF VARYING COLOURS, WHEREIN IS HEALING FOR MEN: VERILY IN THIS IS A SIGN FOR THOSE WHO GIVE THOUGHT. (AL-QURÄN - 16: 68-69).

About honey, the Prophet has said that anybody taking honey in the morning, four days a month, will not suffer from any serious diseases. Abu Sa'ad Al-Khadbi describes, “Once a man complained to the Prophet that his brother has loose motion. ‘Give him honey’, said the Prophet. Next day the man returned and complained that his brother is still having loose motion. The Prophet again told him to continue with honey, but he returned the third day with the same complains, and the Prophet again asked him to continue with honey. On the fourth day, the man said that he gave honey to his brother but loose motion had increased. At this the Prophet said, ‘God has said the truth in the Qurän, go and give honey again.’ This time news came of the patient’s recovery” (Bukhari & Muslim).

HENNA (LAW SONIA ALBA):

If the Prophet had boils or cuts, he would use henna. Salma a maid of the Prophet said, “Anybody coming with pain in the leg the Prophet would prescribe henna to be used as an ointment.” Patients with cuts and bruises were treated with henna according to Salma. Later the researchers found that henna-leaf its flower; seeds and roots can be used as medicine.

MUSTARD:

The Prophet as a medicine for many diseases has mentioned mustard. Later researchers found out that mustard is effective in treating leprosy, Filariasis, mental diseases, gout, dysentery, dental diseases, etc.

FENUGREEK (MELILOTUS INDICA):

The Prophet has said that Fenugreek is effective for treatment of many diseases. It is proved later that that fenugreek is effective in keeping diabetes in control. It is helpful in digestion and keeps the body healthy and strong. In the treatment of chronic dysentery, dyspepsia, rheumatism, loss of appetite, muscular spasm, burning sensation, blood pressure, palpitation, vertigo, menstruation, gout, constipation and frequent micturition, etc., it is very helpful. Unfortunately, in our country, use of fenugreek in food preparations has been declining. That the use of fenugreek in foods can prevent and even cure the diseases stated above is becoming known.

MUSHROOM:

The juice of mushroom is good for treating ophthalmic diseases. It is effective in constipation, dysentery and increases male potency and strength.

GINGER (OFFICINALE ROSE):

It is recorded that the Roman Emperor had presented a ball of dried ginger to the Prophet. Muhammad used to give a piece of ginger to everybody to eat. Ginger’s ameliorative and medicinal qualities defy descriptions. It is useful for treatment of weak digestive system, impotency, laryngitis, cough, headache, nausea, distension of the stomach and dysentery.

WHEAT (TITICUM VULGARE):

Muhammad prescribed broth of wheat to anybody suffering from fever. He said, “This strengthens the mind and the heart and removes pain.” Bread prepared from wheat was his favourite. In enlargement of the liver, dropsy (oedema), rheumatism and malnutrition, wheat is very useful.

BITTER PLUM (ZIZYPHUS JUJUBA):

About the bitter plum the Prophet said, “Adam after being expelled from the heaven and upon arrival on the earth, ate bitter plum.” Bitter plum is used as food and diet. This is used for treating: heart diseases, constipation, pox, leucorrhoea, blood dysentery, laryngitis, loss of appetite, craving for food, obesity, headache, enlargement of the spleen, haematoma, diarrhoea, insect bites, piles, boils and in the crop fields.

BOTTLE GOURD (LOGENARIA SICARARLA):

In the Bukhari and Muslim it is stated that Muhammad asked Ayesha to cook bottle gourds with other preparations, because, it gives strength and animates listless persons.

ONION (ALLIUM CEPA):

Muhammad used to eat onions and garlic. He took them cooked as it removed the bad smell from them, and advised eating them cooked. Onion is good for cold, diarrhoea, heamaturia, piles, bleeding-nose, hiccups, heat stroke, ear infection, boils, headache, acne, diseases of the mouth and other wounds.

GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM LINN):

Garlic has vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, Vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, iron and sodium. The father of medicine, Hippocrates has said, “In herbs garlic is the best medicine.” The following diseases are treatable by garlic:

Heart Diseases, Heart Attacks, Hypertension, Cough and Cold, Asthma, Bronchitis, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Enteric Diseases, Dislocation of Bones, Broken Bones, Diseases of the Bones, Leprosy, Helminthiasis, Skin Diseases, Eye-Diseases, Night-Blindness, Fever, Kalazaar, Dysmenorrhoea, Rheumatism, Back Pain, Wounds of the Mouth, Tongue and The Lips, Pyorrhoea, Obesity, and it Strengthens Human Immune System and removes toxins from foods.

OLIVE:

The Prophet used olive oils in foods and as a lotion rubbed it on the body. He told Abu and Said Al-Ansari, “Use olive oil as food and rub it on your bodies, because, it comes from a blessed plant.”

BARLEY:

Once, Muhammad was in a weak state of health, designated barley and water mixed with sugar as an appropriate diet for him. It is used as diet for patients suffering from fever, diarrhoea, piles, Helminthiasis and spleen disease. This is very useful for treating emerging boils.

FENNEL (NIGELLA SATIVA):

The Prophet has said, “Except for death fennel is great medicine for all diseases.”

SANDAL WOOD:

About sandalwood the Prophet has said, “This is a very good curative agent.”

DATES (PHOENIX SYLVESTRIS):

About dates the Prophet said, “Dried dates come from the heaven and it has anti- toxic properties.” Sa’ad has narrated, “I have heard the Prophet saying that that takes seven dates in the morning, he is immune from magic and poison for that day.” In the Qurän God says,

257. AND FROM THE FRUIT OF THE DATE PALM AND THE VINE, YE GET OUT WHOLESOME DRINK AND FOOD: BEHOLD, IN THIS ALSO IS A SIGN FOR THOSE WHO ARE WISE (AL-QURÄN - 16:67).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST INFECTIOUS DISEASES:

QUARANTINE

Islam has instructed its followers to keep away from contagious diseases. To all, other than the people engaged in looking after the patients, places plagued by contagious diseases like plague, cholera and pox are made off limits. Similarly, the great Prophet had asked the people not to leave the places afflicted with such communicable diseases. This system, evolved by the Prophet to combat epidemics, today is known as ‘Quarantine.’ Once, Muhammad, to keep a leper from mixing with others returned him saying: “Go back! I have accepted your Byaat (vow) (Muslim).” In another place it has been advised to run for life, from lepers, like, one would run from a lion (Hadith). To live in peace and without fear in the society, Islam has put emphasis on the practice mentioned earlier. This would ensure good health of the people.

CLEANLINESS IN ISLAM:

The Prophet said, “Unquestionably, Allah, the Great is Sublime and He likes purity. He likes absolute cleanliness. Keep your body and abode clean! Cleanliness is the symbol of civil life; and is irrevocably fused with our day to day life.” Here, cleanliness of body and the soul, household and approaches, surroundings and environment, foods and beverages, all are included.

God resides in the human body, therefore, it is absolutely, necessary to tend and keep that pure, so that our body does not weaken and age, untimely. It is enjoined upon us to keep it healthy, well and maintain a happy disposition. If the body is diseased, good deeds cannot be done properly. Infirmity weakens the mind as bereft of strength and self-confidence people get impatient and entangle in sins. Consequently, they lose both the Worlds, here and the hereafter. To save man from this pathetic consequence, the Prophet, advised them to keep clean and tidy. That is the basis of purity and beauty. Nobody is honoured in the society, be a man or a woman, until keeping clean and tidy would not be.

Cleanliness is a way of distinguishing a Muslim from others. It does not only make a person outwardly nice, but also enables him to do his duties appropriately; and helps in attaining purity of the soul. Therefore, a person should be clean, not only in his attire, but also eat and drink pure things. Both within and without the house that he lives in must be clean. In this way, Islam has urged everybody to ensure purity of the body and the mind. The Prophet commanded: “Keep the surroundings and facade of your house clean.” He further said, “Cleanliness is a component of Iman (faith). Purity is the prerequisite to prayers, without which prayers are not granted; and pureness is the essence of beauty. Cleanliness inspires Iman (faith), and it guides toward heaven.” In the holy Qurän, in several places, regarding cleanliness God says:

258. FOR GOD LOVES THOSE WHO TURN TO HIM CONSTANTLY AND HE LOVES THOSE WHO KEEP THEMSELVES PURE AND CLEAN. (AL-QURÄN - 2: 222).

259. O THOU WRAPPED UP (IN A MANTLE)! ARISE AND DELIVER BY WARNING! AND THY LORD DO THOU MAGNIFY! AND THY GARMENTS KEEP FREE FROM STAIN! (AL-QURÄN - 74: 1-4).

260. GOD DOTH NOT WISH TO PLACE YOU IN A DIFFICULTY, BUT TO MAKE YOU CLEAN, (AL-QURÄN - 5: 7).

261. O CHILDREN OF ADAM! WEAR YOUR BEAUTIFUL APPAREL AT EVERY TIME AND PLACE OF PRAYER: (AL-QURÄN - 7: 31).

God in the holy Qurän, urged cleanliness and purity, repeatedly, and so did the Prophet in his sayings.

Emphasis has been given on physical cleanliness in Islam, repeatedly; and it is a prerequisite for Prayers. No prayer shall be acceptable to God, unless done with absolute cleanness and purity of the body and the soul. Clean should be the place of prayers; and ablution is a part of prayers. Muhammad told his followers to do Waju (ablution) thoroughly, so that water reaches to all the parts specified, properly. Make yourselves pure and then stand before your Lord, in Prayers. In Arabic ‘waju’ is derived from the word ‘Bright’ that means clean. Therefore, Muslims are asked, particularly, to take great care about waju.

Some adherents used to spit on the wall and the floor of Masjidun Nabubi. Muhammad cleaned those with his own sacred hands, and commanded his followers to desist from such practices. He (PBUH) burned incense in the Mosque for its aroma. The floors were regularly wiped to keep it clean and tidy. To ensure purity and sanctity of the Mosque, people of infirm mind and innocent infants were debarred from entering the Mosque; and sale of goods was prohibited in side.

Once a man came to the Mosque with dishevelled hairs and untidy beard, Muhammad beckoned him to go out and organize himself. Accordingly, the man went out and did the Prophet’s (PBUH) bidding. At that, the Prophet commented: “Nobody among you should come with ruffled hairs and beard like Satan; it is better and beneficial to come with a tidy appearance.” Another day seeing a man in unclean attire, the Prophet remarked, “Does not the man get water to clean his robes?” On another occasion a man appeared before the Prophet in dirty clothes, he advised him to keep clean. Muhammad asked his followers to attend public prayers, like, Juma (Friday prayer) and on two Eids (Muslim celebrations), bathed, in clean clothes and well groomed. He (PBUH) also advised them: “Among you who are capable may keep clothes, particularly, marked for Juma prayers, apart from the clothes for everyday use.” Similarly, he asked every Muslim to keep clean each part of their body like, nails, hair, and beard, etc. He said, "Be clean and teach their children cleanliness.” He (PBUH) said, “Those who have hairs should honour them.” We must respect his advice. Today, in the civilized world, people use soap or shampoo to clean their hairs.

Eyes are very delicate parts of the human body. It is our duty to take care of the eyes. The Prophet took great care of the eyes, and ordered his followers to keep their eyes clean. Every night before going to bed the Prophet used surma.12 Similarly, he advised to clean nostrils and ears; and made that compulsory in bathing and ablution. According to Islam, to clean nose, rinse mouth and throat and to brush teeth, are sunnat13. Muhammad brushed14 his teeth every time before prayers. The Messenger of God said, “Mishawka is a mouth cleaner and it pleases God.”

Muhammad said, “Trim your nails and clean them, for bacteria (agents causing diseases) may reside hidden in them and may cause health hazards.” As, during waju, hands are washed, so the Prophet put emphasis on washing hands, thoroughly, before and after meals. He again said, “Anybody, waking up should first wash his hands.”

Allah, the Sustainer of the Worlds, in the holy Qurän said,

262. WE MADE FROM WATER EVERY LIVING THING. (AL-QURÄN - 21: 30).

The great Prophet urged to ensure purity of water and restraint in using it at the same time. He has even asked not to exhale into drinking water as in fact, it may cause complex diseases. Islam has directed not to urinate or defecate in usable water. Muhammad said, “Do not bathe in stagnant water after urinating in it; because, it makes the water unclean and impure and thus it loses its effectiveness.” Urine contaminates water with bacteria. Contaminated water propagates diseases. Muhammad advised everybody not to urinate in bathrooms. He told everybody to keep all places clean, including the toilets. He always urged people to keep clean and teach their children cleanliness.

The Prophet hated the loathsome practice of defecating and urinating indiscriminately, everywhere. “If one does not keep his body and clothe clean of sprinkles of urine, he would be punished in the grave,” the Prophet told people. To urinate on stone or hard soil and trees giving shade and fruit has been prohibited.

RAISING CHILDREN IN ISLAM:

In the eyes of Islam, on children who is the buds of flowers, hope of the future and humankind’s peace of heart depend the future of the human race. God, in the holy Qurän has sworn by the childhood (Al-Qurän - 90: 1-3). Children are good news (Al-Qurän - 19: 7). They are the comfort of our eyes (Al-Qurän - 25: 74). Offspring are the Zinat (beauty) of this life (Al-Qurän - 18: 46). In the language of the Prophet, children are ‘heavenly butterflies’.

In Islam, rearing of children is a sacred duty and is a means to earn God’s love and thus His proximity. The Prophet said, “In the absence of breastfeeding infant, praying old man and grazing animals, God’s curse would have descended on us.” Here Muhammad mentioned children as the protecting shield from God’s curse. His heart was filled with love for children. Crying children would cause him to shorten his prayers saying, “I dislike hurting mothers of small children.” His grandchildren, Hazard Hessian and Hussein, would climb on to his back, while he lay prostrated before God. He would not rise, lest they fall, and waited until they voluntarily got down. Hearing the children cry, he would call Fatima and admonish her: “Don’t you know that their cries hurt me?” During the historic migration to Medïna, at the gate of the city, scores of dancing little children welcomed him. He climbed down from his carrier, mingled with them and exchanged greetings, and asked them: “Do you love me?” They shouted back, “Of course, of course!” At this Muhammad replied, “I also do love you.”

Meeting any children, at the entrance of Medïna, returning from visits or expeditions, he would lift them on his carrier and caress them. Sometimes, he would pet and kiss the children who came along with the disciples. If people brought fruits, he would distribute them among the children. Muhammad was nice and kind to children. He would play with them, talk to them, kissed them lovingly, and smilingly exchanged greetings with them. Always alert to the needs of the children, he would stop by any ailing or starving child and took measures to ameliorate its sufferings. An orphan himself, he was very sensitive about them and tried his best to settle them. Occupied with the thoughts of suffering children, he would pass days at the bedside of a sick child, nursing him. Muhammad said, “If God tries anybody by bestowing him with a child and he does his duty properly toward the child, then he would be spared the tortures of the Hell.”

During a battle, the news of a youngster killed by the Muslim soldiers, troubled the Prophet immensely. Before any expedition, Muhammad would particularly, forbid his troops to kill any children. He would say, “Every child born to a Muslim or a non-Muslim comes to the world as a follower of the true religion and is innocent.” Later the Muslims conquered countries after countries, cities after cities, but never touched any women or wrested any child from his mother’s lap; so great was the force of the commands of the Prophet. Today, repeatedly, we see disregard of these commands, and thus the relegation of the Muslim nations to obscurity.

Islam has entrusted the rearing of children to both the parents, but the prime responsibility rests on the mother’s shoulders. Care should be taken from the conception of the child. Rigorously the nutritional need of the mother should be taken care of. Food that may be harmful, either to the mother or to the foetus must be avoided. Proper development of the foetus and the neonatal health depends greatly on the prenatal care. Therefore, Islam urged its followers to take appropriate care of the mother. The health and the development of the brain, body and intellect of the child depend absolutely on the care and nutrition of the infant. Any lapse may cause irreversible damage to the brain and retard the growth of the body and the mind. Mother’s milk for the first few months is absolutely, necessary for the development of the newborn. It is therefore, recommended that the inputs necessary for the mother to keep her breast flowing, supplied to her. Islam has not recommended foster mother, if the mother is strong and capable of feeding her child, which philosophy has gained popularity in this advanced age of science and technology. The Prophet has advised to avoid feeding a child by a loose woman and to keep the child away from all such influences that will misguide the child. Muhammad said, “Be careful about your child being breast-fed by a lax or deranged woman.” It is the duty of the parents to insure from the time of conception, all possible support to the child for its proper development. So that the child grows up into a strong, healthy human being who could take part in the development of the nation. When the child is not capable of looking after it and cannot distinguish between good and bad, it is the duty of the parents to watch it at every step, protect it from all dangers, ensure congenial environment for its mental development.

Islam encourages every Muslim to remain strong and agile both physically and mentally. Muhammad said, “A strong and healthy faithful is better loved by God than the weak.” He made it a duty for the parents to show admiration and adore their children. He said, “That who is not kind to the young and is not aware of the rights of the elders, is not included among us.” He again said, “Be kind to others than kindness will be bestowed on you.”

All children are born innocent. Gradually, their psyche is formed, shaped by the environment and influences. Therefore, in the developing stage, a child should only be exposed to the best possible influences. The parents or guardians should take extreme care to protect the young mind from all evil influences that may affect the child’s bearing. Children should be brought up in an atmosphere of love and care. Morality and ethics should be impressed on their mind by example. A child raised in a healthy, happy, congenial and pure setting grows into an able and worthy citizen. Good citizens are a prerequisite of a happy, just and strong nation. A full human being blooms to its utmost excellence only in an ideal situation.

The Prophet said, “Give your children beautiful names and pronounce Allah’s names to them. Caress them, love them and show kindness to them. Teach them etiquette, manners and good behaviour. Tutor them to respect elders and love youngsters. Keep words given to them, because, they consider you as their providers. Continuous watch over them helps in developing good qualities in their characters; and imprints on their minds qualities that help develop their mind and psyche properly.” Muhammad said, “Hold your children firm, otherwise, they will lose their integrity, consequently, various undesirable traits will develop in their character.”

Islam does not only give importance to children from their birth but from much before. For example, about marriage, Islam has urged the man to take pious wives. Wealth and beauty of the bride should not be the criteria for selection. Virtue in a woman added to only one, wealth or beauty, is enough to select a bride. The bride should be well behaved and belong to a good family, as children inherit mother's qualities. It is discouraged, in Islam, to marry a lady if she lacks virtue, and training and education had not moulded her character. The Prophet said, “Be away from lush greenery grown in the garbage: meaning to avoid beautiful damsels of ill reputation.” In the same way he (the Prophet: PBUH) has advised the parents of a girl to look for good qualities and virtues in a groom: so that he is able to look after his family and properly discharge his duties to his family. Muhammad said, “If you receive any proposal and find that the candidate is pious and virtuous than accept it.” If you were unable to abide by the injunctions, you would invite chaos and confusions in your life. The Prophet would bless the newlyweds saying, “May Allah Grant you increase! May He bestow you with happiness, bliss and enrich you with new life! May your union be propitious.”

Discouraging marriage with near relations, the Prophet said, “Look for distant relations so that your progeny does not get weakened.” According to the Qurän, children born of parents not related are more intelligent and stronger.

Islam has emphasized those unions between men and women are determined on a basis of good qualities, piety and subjugation to God. These qualities are essential to establish a faultless foundation to build a prosperous and happy society. Strong well-groomed individuals may withstand any eventuality. With such strong and virtuous individuals, a nation can run the affairs of the world with authority and capability, to ensure justice and equality among the citizens. In such a society, each of the individuals will live in peace and tranquillity and worship their Lord with undisturbed devotion. Purity, piety, equality and brotherhood would reign supreme, blessed by the Supreme Lord of the lords, Allah, the Most Gracious, and the Most Merciful.

For the curse of the dowry system, or for any other reasons, if the marital relationship is destroyed, the children suffer the most. Their lives become sad and wretched. Children born in a family distressed by schism between the parents are vulnerable to development of infirm psyche. Islam does not support the dowry system of Hinduism found in the Indian subcontinent, but under the influence of Hinduism, the Muslims, particularly, of this subcontinent, brought the curse into their society. Due to the discord in the marital life and separation and divorce, the children suffer the most. Their lives become unhappy and insecure. There is no deliverance from this unless we abide by the rules and ideals of Islam.

Love, affection, adoration of the children and devotion to them should not impede duties to bring up children as good human beings. The Prophet has warned his disciples about that. “Not to educate and mould the characters of children and leave them free without any restraint, due to apathy to religion, is murder.”15 Those who do not pay attention to the proper education and training of their children, in fact, are making them into a ‘Frankenstein’. Without their characters, built on the strong foundation of appropriate education, they naturally would indulge into self-aggrandizing activities without any respect for ethics, morality and justice they are a threat to the society. Apparently, the parents are in fact killing their children. Comparatively, it is much less a crime to kill someone, depriving him of life than permanently damaging his soul. That in turn would threaten the very existence of human society. A child apathetic to religion, because of improper upbringing, turns away from God and His Prophet; and therefore, easily involves himself, shamelessly, in evil deeds, for he is devoid of all moral and ethical bindings. If the world today adopts the ways of the Qurän and Hadith, it will tremendously benefit and may save its future generations from degenerating into monsters.

RIGHTS OF PARENTS IN ISLAM

In Islam to respect and honour parents is particularly enjoined. It is mandatory in Islam that parents should be taken care of specially, in sickness and in old age. The holy Qurän unequivocally enjoined offspring to nurse and comfort parents in sickness and infirmity. In Arabic ‘Waledain’ is used for parents. Nevertheless, Islam places the mother above all, because she suffers for the whole gestation period and the pangs of birth; later, she feeds and cares for the young without rest and respite. On the other hand, the father toils to earn bread for the family. In this way, both the parents provide food, clothing, and security to the newborn. The process continues until the wards are able to stand on their own.

The Qurän therefore says,

263. SERVE GOD, AND JOIN NOT ANY PARTNERS WITH HIM; AND DO GOOD- TO PARENTS. FOR GOD LOVETH NOT THE ARROGANT, THE VAINGLORIOUS; - (AL-QURÄN - 4: 36).

264. JOIN NOT ANYTHING AS EQUAL WITH HIM; BE GOOD TO YOUR PARENTS; (AL-QURÄN - 6: 151).

265. THY LORD HATH DECREED THAT YE WORSHIP NONE BUT HIM, AND THAT YE BE KIND TO PARENTS. WHETHER ONE OR BOTH OF THEM ATTAIN OLD AGE IN THY LIFE, SAY NOT TO THEM A WORD OF CONTEMPT, NOR REPEL THEM, BUT ADDRESS THEM IN TERMS OF HONOUR. AND, OUT OF KINDNESS, LOWER TO THEM THE WING OF HUMILITY, AND SAY: MY LORD! BESTOW ON THEM THY MERCY EVEN AS THEY CHERISHED ME IN CHILDHOOD. (AL-QURÄN - 17: 23-24).

266. WE HAVE ENJOINED ON MAN KINDNESS TO PARENTS: (AL-QURÄN - 29: 8).

267. AND WE HAVE ENJOINED ON MAN (TO BE GOOD) TO HIS PARENTS: IN TRAVAIL UPON TRAVAIL DID HIS MOTHER BEAR HIM, AND YEARS TWAIN WAS HIS WEANING: (HEAR THE COMMAND), SHOW GRATITUDE TO ME AND TO THY PARENTS: TO ME IS (THY FINAL) GOAL. BUT IF THEY SURVIVE TO MAKE THEE JOIN IN WORSHIP WITH ME THINGS OF WHICH THOU HAST NO KNOWLEDGE, OBEY THEM NOT: YET BEAR THEM COMPANY IN THIS LIFE WITH JUSTICE (AND CONSIDERATION), AND FOLLOW THE WAY OF THOSE WHO TURN TO ME (IN LOVE): IN THE END THE RETURN OF YOU ALL IS TO ME, AND I WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH (AND MEANING) OF ALL THAT YE DID. O MY SON! (SAID LUQMAN), IF THERE BE (BUT) THE WEIGHT OF A MUSTARD-SEED AND IT WERE (HIDDEN) IN A ROCK, OF (ANYWHERE) IN THE HEAVENS OR ON EARTH, GOD UNDERSTANDS THE FINEST MYSTERIES, (AND) IS WELL ACQUAINTED (WITH THEM) (AL-QURÄN - 31: 15-16).

Good behaviour with parents is dear to God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and then comes Jihad (fighting for religion) which is dear to Him (Bukhari & Muslim). Abu Huraira narrated that on being questioned by a person, the Prophet answered: ‘Mother has the right to good company, good conduct and untiring care’ and thrice repeated the same on being asked as many times and on the fourth time answered: ‘the Father’. The Rasul (PBUH) has repeatedly warned against misbehaving with parents. Between them, the mother takes precedence over the father. Even if the children suffer any loss at their hand, they must not hurt or misbehave with their parents. After ‘Sheerk’ (equating any other with God), misbehaviour is the most serious sin.

Allah, the Sustainer of the Worlds will forgive all the sins of His servants but the misconduct with parents. Disobedient children will suffer in this world. Therefore, to obey, to wait on them, to care for them and thus make them happy is the foremost duty of the children. No harsh words or abusive language can be uttered to them. The Prophet said, “Use of abusive language with parents and tormenting them, miserliness, grabbing other’s property and burying female child are among the gravest sins. As a precaution, it is a must to behave appropriately with parents and pray for them, fulfil their pledges and pay their debts, after their deaths.”

Children are instructed to show respect to friends and relatives of their parents. The great Prophet said, “You must behave with relatives and near ones of parents of the same age and show respect to their friends. You cannot hurt them even if they demand cessation of association with wives and children.” He again said, “That who get both or either of the parents in their old age and do not wait on them, there is nobody more unlucky than him and he does not earn the right to enter heaven (Muslim).” The Prophet said, “For children, heaven is at mother’s feet.” After God and His Prophet, the most revered person is the mother. That who wishes to enter heaven, there is no other way than to satisfy his parents. “Parents are the heaven and hell for the children,” said the Prophet. That who desires to enter heaven by the best door must keep his parents satisfied with him. God will award him with the reward of a granted Hajj for each loving look at the parents.” Stepmothers have the right to same kind of veneration.

It is narrated by Abdullah ibn Omar that a person came to the Prophet for permission to participate in a Jihad (religious war). The Prophet asked him if his parents were alive. The answer being in the affirmative, he told the man ‘go and serve your parents’ that will be your Jihad. To perform Hajj permission of the parents is necessary. Hazrat Waiz Karni, in spite of his love and devotion to the Prophet could not serve the Prophet because of his old ailing mother. For that, the Prophet liked Waiz Karni so much so that he (the Prophet) left his robe for Waiz Karni, before he left the world.

SLAVES (SERVANTS) IN ISLAM:

From the beginning of civilization, slavery has been in vogue. Traditionally, the conquerors enslaved the vanquished. The Egyptian civilization of Pharaohs was built on the labour of the slaves. All great ancient civilizations, Egyptians, Babylonian, Byzantine, Persian, Assyrian or the Indus Valley civilization founded and prospered on the toils of the slaves. Slaves gave their labour for the dazzling prosperity of civilizations after civilizations without enjoying any of the comforts themselves. They had no rights. Even the consorts and children of the slaves did not belong to them. Living in inhuman conditions, they worked for their masters day and night, eating whatever rubbish was thrown in their way. All menial works from tilling the land to cleaning the toilets were done by them. Animals led better lives than these slaves did. Slightest irritation of the master could cost them their lives. Inhuman torture and beating was very normal. It was so normal that none would protest or even the law would not be able to touch anybody for killing his slave at his sweet will. Slaves were the property of his masters, like other properties. He could buy and sell them at his will. Even a few decades ago, the United States America practiced slavery.

Slaves were sold openly in markets like cattle. In these slave markets, slaves were displayed for inspection and buyers scrutinized them like animals. They shackled and chained them around the neck. The Roots, a film made in The U.S.A. tells a lot about the pitiable conditions, these slaves suffered.

BEGINNING OF SLAVERY:

According to “The History of the World: Ancient Age” by Fyodor Korovkin, slavery began in ancient Egypt with the advent of civilization. Later it spread to the other parts of the world. In some countries, the state religion supported slavery.

In the beginning of civilization, people lived in-groups. Their main occupation was hunting to eat. For a person it was only possible to hunt for himself. The situation was so much individualist that even the old and the children were forced hunt for themselves. In such a condition, every individual enjoyed only the fruits of his own labour and had to remain satisfied with that. Later, they learnt to use water from the Nile, for irrigating land and began farming. They also learnt to tame and domesticate wild animals. Thus began a new era of civilization based on agriculture. At the beginning, in Egypt, people used the land around their homestead to produce grains and vegetables. Gradually, necessity made them until lands in the fields to meet the need for building materials. They grew meadow plants and that made building houses easier for them. Along with that need was felt the need to store excess grains and warehouses were built. Gradually, these people improved their standard of living and accumulated wealth. Naturally, some among them became more powerful and used others as slaves and labourers for taking care of their properties. Four thousand years before Christ the inhabitants of Egypt were divided into three classes. The tribal leaders and the nobles were at the top of the echelon, then the group farmers and at the bottom were the slaves. In fact, they were divided into two groups, the rulers and the ruled.

The powerful acquired land and wealth far more than they could manage and therefore, needed extra hands. With wealth came the need for security and protection. Therefore, the utility to maintain trained people arose. Thus was born the idea of soldiers. These soldiers, not only provided security, but also became instrumental in acquisition of new lands and properties for their employers. These employers gradually turned into rulers who would rule over others and their wishes were laws. Gradually, the human society was mainly divided into rulers and the ruled. Caste system came into force, where human beings got themselves categorized into classes according to their professions. At the bottom were the slaves who had no rights and were totally at the mercy of their owners. Their masters could also punish them with deaths.

Eventually, these powerful property owners crowned themselves kings and started ruling over a clan, then over a group of clans and then a people within a defined boundary, declared as their domains. They enacted laws according to their whims and executed those at their sweet wills. To hold on to the reins of power they would not hesitate to unleash inhuman torture on their subjects. The world was divided into those that held power and wealth and enjoyed the benefits of the advancement of human race, and those that were forced to work for others. The classification thus created, brought with it tyranny and exploitation of the powerless by the powerful.

The desire to acquire more and more wealth and power by individuals and then by groups of people led to intense competition among them. As a result, they engaged in battles and wars to ensure their supremacy over one another. The victor gained ascendancy over the vanquished and in most of the cases, the living members of the defeated tribes were made prisoners. These prisoners were ultimately made to work for their masters, toil their lands and do whatever their possessors wanted them to do, and thus began the long history of slavery. These slaves were condemned to inhuman lives, and siblings born to them were considered slaves. Consequently, they were condemned to slavery for generations. They did all sorts of manual work without any consideration. They were simply not treated as human beings. Besides, the slaves, there were the group farmers, who were forced to subjugation by the powerful by simply ensuring control of irrigation. These powerful wealthy landholders for their security and for expansion and Defence began maintaining trained soldiers. This ultimately gave rise to another class of people who depended on fighting for others.

Two thousand years before Christ, Aryans entered the Indian subcontinent through the northwestern border. They were mainly shepherds. Coming to the Indus valley, they settled on the plains permanently, and took up farming along with animal husbandry. The elected leader of a group of the Aryans was called the king. These kings like the tribal chiefs of Egypt trained and maintained soldiers to keep farmers and slaves under control. Kings gradually, gathered more and more strength and became emperors.

Like other places of the world, in the ancient times Idolatry was also practiced in the Indian subcontinent. Kings, nobles and the priests enjoyed life, at cost of the people. Majority of the people toiled and laboured hard for the benefit of the few. It was thought, in India, that Brahma is the creator and therefore, priests were called Brahmins. They publicized the idea that the Creator has created Brahmins form His Mouth, and thus only they can talk on His behalf. Soldiers who are called Khatrias, are made from His hands, and from His thighs are born the Vaishas, the traders. From His feet came forth, the lowest of the low, the slaves and the labourers, called the Shudras.

EMERGENCE OF SLAVERY IN ANCIENT INDIA:

According to the Hindu religion, the Creator himself divided people into four groups, namely, Brahmins, Khatrias, Vaishas and Shudras. This caste system is irrevocable and continues through generation after generation. Therefore, as long as the earth exists this system will live and people born into one caste would continue to do so. Shudras lived a very wretched life, but the untouchable lived a much more sordid life. They do not come under any of the categories stated above. It was thought that anybody touching them was desecrated. They were forced to do all the nasty works like, cleaning latrines, clearing garbage and other dirty jobs. Molten iron was poured into their mouths, if they uttered any disparaging word against any Brahmin. It was the law of the time, to pour boiling oil in the ears and mouths of a Shudra or an untouchable, arguing with a Brahmin. Their hands or legs were amputated, if they used those against an upper class individual. In other societies of the world, similar people were called slaves and they were subjected to exactly the same treatment. They had no rights.

The ancient Egyptian kings, Roman heathen emperors, Arab tribal chiefs, Jewish and Christian lords and later wealthy Europeans, Australians and Americans, all used slaves for manual works, but it is doubtful that this practice was sanctioned by their religions. Contrary to that, in India, slavery had the sanction of religion. In the Hindu scripture (Manusanghita), slave and Shudra (low-caste) are synonymous. Manu Says, “Shudras are to work as slaves irrespective of their status, because God has created them to serve the Brahmins.” As Shudras remain Shudras till death, so the slave remains a slave all his life, even if, he is set free by his master (verse: 413-414). Manu then states in an unequivocal term that all the earnings of a slave belong to the master. If the master wants, he even can take away all the earnings of a slave, at his will. As a Shudra is a slave, he does not have the right to wealth. All his wealth belongs to his master (verse: 416-417). Manu again says, “The king has to be alert so that the Shudra slaves keep on working (verse: 418).” In support of this unequal custom, it is stated in the Rigveda that Brahmins came forth from the mouth of the god, while the Shudras are created from the legs (Chapter 10: 99). Manu has repeated that in verse 1-31. Based on the previously mentioned sayings, the Brahmins forced the lower-caste Hindus and other slaves to live outside the villages. They were not allowed to keep domestic animals other than dogs and donkeys. Only broken utensils and crockery were allowed to them, and they were debarred from all religious rites. Slaves were only allowed Jewellery made of iron. Brahmins and the upper caste Hindus never directly gave food or other things to the untouchable but through servants. Shudras had to pay four times more interest on loans than the Brahmins (verse: 8-182).

Manu in chapter 379-380 said, “Punishment by death for crimes would be continued for the Shudras, but for the same crime a Brahmin would only get a punishment of shaven head.” A Brahmin cannot be punished by death, even if, he is guilty of grave sins. In India, even today, in the name of religion, Shudras and lower caste Hindus are tortured and forced to live inhuman lives devoid of all human rights. From time immemorial, this custom of slavery has been in practice and continues today, even in the democratic societies. In the biggest democratic country of the world, the situation is pitiable, although law has abolished slavery in 1976. In India still today, there are as many as 4,000,000 slaves in existence. Astonishingly, in that country a teacher of a university owns a hundred slaves (Sunday Statesman, Calcutta, May 30, 1993).

CONDITION OF SLAVES AT THE ADVENT OF ISLAM:

The critics of Islam questions: “If Islam has come to establish social justice then why did not it abolish slavery?” Answer to that is found in the life of the Prophet and in the Qurän. Forget about the freedom of the slaves, before Islam none shown the slightest compassion for the slaves. No savants, prophets, social reformers, philosophers or thinkers had shown the courage like Muhammad. On the other hand, Islam never supported the system of slavery. In the history of the world, Muhammad is the first man to fight for the abolishment of slavery. Declaring this loathsome system as illegal and sinful, he (PBUH) said, “Peoples who buy human beings are rogues” (Bukhari, Tirmizi). He led the movement to establish slaves in the society as free man and woman. God made it compulsory to use charity-money to free slaves (Al-Qurän - 9: 60). The Prophet evolved such a humane method to eradicate slavery that within a span of two hundred and fifty years, slavery vanished from the Islamic world without the enactment of any harsh laws. Before twelve hundred years of enactment of law to abolish slavery by the rest of the world, slavery was effectively abolished from the Muslim world. It was not within the control of Islam alone to abolish the worldwide trade in slavery. Slavery was in force in the non-Muslim world. Among them in the Indian subcontinent, slavery had the sanction of the Hindu religion. With the moral sanction of religion, slavery was a legal essential part of the society.

The humane problem of prisoners of war was another cause for which slavery could not be abolished, instantly. Hostile powers surrounded Islam in its initial days and it had to fight for its existence. Since, war produced prisoners of war; they had to be taken care of. Islam provided for killing them or enslaving them, or freed them on payment of ransom, as was the custom those days. Initially, they were set free on payment but that often did not deter them to join the enemy and fight against Islam. This was a problem to reckon with. The Prophet and his followers took the lenient course and made them slaves; but the Prophet gave instruction to treat them as equals. They were only politically subordinated but they were treated equals in all other aspects. The term ‘Gulam’ (slave) was used by the Companions to identify persons bereft of individual freedom but they were treated in society like all other free men. In the time of the Companions, the Qurän and Hadith was treated equally respectfully. They never deviated from the traditions of the Prophet, since they had watched the Prophet doing his duties and daily chores. About the behaviour with the slaves, Muhammad said, “Your slaves are your brothers. Allah has made them subordinate to you. Therefore, you must behave with him as your subordinated brother. Feed him the same food that you take and clothe him with the same material as you clothe yourself. Do not give him task beyond his capacity, if you do so help him with the job (Bukhari, Abu-Dawood).” After this Hadith, the Companions became conscious about the treatment of slaves. Some Companions incapable of providing the same food and cloth to the slaves, because of their poor financial condition, set them free. Some among them even tolerated misbehaviour of slaves and forgiven them for the sake of Allah. Learning about the previously mentioned Hadith, Hazrat Abujor Gifari went back to his house, dressed himself and his slave in similar dresses, and gifted the earlier dresses away. Another Companion seeing Abujor Gifari and his slave in similar attire asked him the reason. Hazrat Abujor Gifari replied, “Why have not you heard the Hadith that says that master and the slave should dress alike?”

ISLAMIC STATE’S DECLARATION ON SLAVES:

The great Prophet warning his Companions declared, “Human is the greatest creation of Almighty God. There is no distinction between blacks and whites, rich, poor, big, and small; all are equal. There is no service better liked by God than setting the slaves free.” Rasulullah’s (PBUH) orders, instructions, advise and directions are the ordinances of the Islamic state. He said, “O People! I am urging you to behave well with slaves. Do not cause them pain. Are not you aware that Slaves also have hearts? Which react to pain and happiness, as yours', don’t you know? What happened to you, that you do not care to ensure the satisfaction of their hearts? I observe that you think your slaves are inferior to you, and you do not respect their rights. What is this? Is it not the manifestation of pride like of the era of darkness? Undoubtedly, this is injustice and oppression. I know that in the age of ignorance, slaves had no status. They were thought to be worse than animals. Everywhere, the leaders and chieftains enjoyed honour and power. The servants of God forgot that as human, all are equal, and the servants are entitled to justice and fair play. In this era leaders and the rich thought, they were above ordinary people. They used to declare themselves sinless. To them slaves were to serve their masters and endure their punishments. Sitting along with masters was not allowed. For slaves, it was a sin to talk, in the presence of masters. Slightest opposition to masters was punishable by death. Islam has put an end to all these customs and destroyed the pride of the age of darkness.”

The Prophet declares:

11. O PEOPLE! I AM INFORMING YOU THAT YOUR MASTER’S DECLARATION SAYS THAT HE, WHO FEARS GOD MOST; GOD HONORS HIM THE MOST. YOU KNOW WE ALL ARE ADAM’S CHILDREN, AND ADAM WAS MADE OF EARTH. THEN WHAT IS THE REASON OF THIS HAUGHTINESS? REMEMBER, IN ISLAM, THERE IS NOTHING GREATER THAN HUMANITY; AND MASTERS AND SLAVES, LOW AND HIGH, AND RICH AND POOR ARE ALL EQUAL. ACCORDING TO ISLAM, MAN CAN CLAIM UNIQUENESS, FOR GOOD DEEDS AND STEADFAST FAITH IN GOD. WHEN THIS IS THE FACT THEN WHY DO YOU, THINK THAT YOUR SLAVES ARE INFERIOR TO YOU? I OBSERVE THAT IF A SLAVE WANTS TO TALK TO HIS MASTER, THE FACE OF THE MASTER REDDENS WITH UNCONTROLLABLE RAGE, LIKE A BLOODTHIRSTY FEROCIOUS ANIMAL. WHAT IS IT OTHER THAN SAVAGENESS? IT MAY BE THAT THE SLAVE IS BETTER THAN HIS MASTER, AND HIS DEEDS ARE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD.

12. O PEOPLE! WHEN IT WAS THE REIGN OF DARKNESS AND THE WORSHIPPING OF NAFS (PASSION) EFFECTIVELY SPREAD ITS INFLUENCE OVER PEOPLE, AND THEN IT CREATED A HEART ACHING STATE, WHICH CANNOT BE FORGOTTEN BY THE HUMANITY. I HAVE SEEN THAT AGE, WHEN SLAVES WERE SAVAGELY TREATED AND TORTURED AND THOUGHT TO BE INFERIOR TO ANIMALS. ALLAH HAS BESTOWED HIS MERCY ON THEM, AND ANNOUNCED THEIR RIGHTS OPENLY, AND URGED PEOPLE TO BEHAVE WELL WITH THEM. I, ACCORDING TO ALLAH’S ORDINANCE, AM TELLING YOU THAT TREAT THEM AS YOUR BROTHERS. GIVE THEM AS MUCH TASK AS THEY CAN MANAGE EASILY. LET THEM EAT WHAT YOU EAT. CLOTHE THEM AS YOU CLOTHE YOURSELF. TREAT THEM LIKE YOUR KITH AND KIN. DISLIKE THOSE THINGS FOR THEM THAT YOU DISLIKE FOR YOURSELF. DO NOT THINK THAT THEY ARE LOWLY AND SMALL.

13. WHILE TRAVELLING, IF SLAVES ARE ACCOMPANYING YOU, BE CAREFUL ABOUT THEIR COMFORT. IF YOU HAVE A TRANSPORT, SHARE THAT WITH THEM. AS HUMAN BEINGS, THEY ARE NOT INFERIOR TO YOU IN ANY WAY. THEY HAVE HEARTS AS YOU HAVE. HAVE NOT YOU OBSERVED THAT I HAVE FREED ZAID AND MARRIED HIM WITH MY COUSIN. APPOINTED BELLAL AS A MUEZZIN (CALLER OF PUBLIC PRAYERS), BECAUSE THEY ARE MY BROTHERS. THEY STAY WITH ME AND YOU HAVE WATCHED THAT I NEVER CONSIDER THEM INFERIOR. IF THEY DO NOT WORK, EVEN THEN I DO NOT ASK THEM WHY. IF BY CHANCE THEY CAUSE ME ANY LOSS, EVEN THEN, I DO NOT PUNISH THEM. I AM URGING YOU THAT WHEN SERVANTS BRING YOU FOOD, INVITE THEM TO EAT WITH YOU. IF THEY DO NOT LIKE TO SIT WITH YOU THEN GIVE THEM SOME FOOD. IF ANY OF YOUR SERVANTS DEFAULTS, FORGIVE HIM SEVENTY TIMES, BECAUSE, HE, OF WHOM YOU ARE A SERVANT, FORGIVES YOU THOUSANDS OF MISDEEDS. REMEMBER THAT IF ANY OF YOU FALSELY ACCUSE YOUR SERVANTS, ALLAH WILL PUNISH HIM SEVERELY, ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. I AM SAYING IT AGAIN, YOUR SERVANT IS YOUR BROTHER, HE IS OBLIGED TO WORK FOR YOU, IF YOUR BROTHER IS PLACED UNDER YOU, YOU SHOULD GIVE HIM SAME FOOD AND CLOTHE, AS YOU EAT AND USE; AND NEVER GIVE HIM SUCH TASK AS IS BEYOND HIS CAPACITY.

The Prophet felt the pain with his kind heart that the servants felt, if they were called slaves. Therefore, he advised his Companions to call them by name as they do call their sons and daughters. He (PBUH) also advised slaves and servants not to call their owners and employers, masters, because, only Allah is our Master.

Once Hazrat Abujor Gifari losing his temper scolded his slave for his inability to do his job, when that came to the knowledge of the Prophet, he called Hazrat Abujor Gifari and disciplined him saying, “You are still under the influences of the dark-age. Remember these slaves and servants are your brothers and sisters; God has subordinated them to you. If you do not like any of them release them from your employment. Do not torture God’s creation. Do not load them with work beyond them.” If at all you give them a burden beyond their limit, help them with it. Once the Prophet happened to pass one of his Companions, Hazrat Abu Masoud Ansari, while he was about to punish his slave. The Prophet warned Abu Masoud Ansari saying, “God holds more power over you than you hold over your slave.” Ashamed, Abu Masoud Ansari immediately set his slave free. At that, the Prophet remarked, “If you did not do so (set the slave free), the fire of inferno would have engulfed you.”

Once answering to a query of a man, the Prophet advised him, at least, to forgive seventy times, the failings of his slaves. A Companion had a slave woman for a family of seven members. Once, one of them angry at some lapses of slave woman hits her with a stone. Knowing about the matter the Prophet directed his Companions to set slaves free after making alternative arrangements. Another Companion had two slaves and punished them whenever they faulted. Informing the Prophet, he sought his advice. The Prophet told him that God’s justice would be very exacting, if the crime justifies the punishment than it is O.K., but the slightest excess would be dealt with severely. Hearing the Prophet, the Companion set both the slaves free.

In those days, slaves were married with each other and divorced according to the wishes of their owners. Knowing of an owner who forced slaves to marry and divorce as he wished, the Prophet made an announcement from pulpit of the Mosque. The announcement was, “Nobody should demand the separation of a slave couple after binding them into marriage; since in marital bond, only the husband is, specifically, given the right to divorce.” Attracted by such lenient and kind treatment of slaves, many slaves ran away from their non-Muslim owners seeking refuse under the Prophet. He arranged for their freedom.

LIBERTY: EDUCATION: SOCIO- RELIGIOUS STATUS OF SLAVES IN ISLAM:

In deference to the direction of the Prophet, some Companions released their slaves. The following is an account of slaves freed by them with the names of the Companions:16

NUMBER OF SLAVES FREED BY THE COMPANIONS

Companions	Slaves Released
Ayesha	69
Hakim ibn Hazam	100
Othman Gani	20
Abbas	70
Abdullah ibn Omar	1,000
Zulk’ala Himieri	8,000 (In one day)
Abdur Rahman bin Auf	30,000

From the above description, it may be guessed that in what a large number the rich had slaves, and how easily at the behest of the Prophet, they released them. Islam has taught that freeing slaves are not only a moral duty, but it is also a kind of worshipping God. Displaying any kind of pride for rendering service to thy Lord is forbidden in Islam. On setting slaves free, one must thank his Lord, because He has given him the opportunity to do so. He must be thankful to the freed slaves, who caused the opportunity for the owner to earn piety. Here, there was no conflict before and after the release of the slaves. There was no discord regarding status. The yardstick of status was ‘Takwa, (complete dependence on God) and ‘perhezgari’ (extent of piety). For their knowledge, work and piety many slaves were accorded very high status in the society. For all these reasons, in the Islamic world, the cessation of slavery did not cause any imbalance or commotion.

Islam accorded equal social and cultural status to the slaves like the free men. Accordingly, contrary to other societies, Islam granted permission to slaves to marry. Not only, has that God urged Muslim owners to unite them in marriage. Slave men were even allowed to marry free women. Their shares in the booty were made equal to free Mujahidun (war-returnees). A portion of war winning was kept reserved for rehabilitation of recently freed destitute slaves. Therefore, slaves were given priority for allotment of such funds. Their words were given equal weight as of a free man, for ensuring their safety. Regarding slaves, so much is said in the Qurän and Hadith that, compiled together, they shall form an independent book. Hazrat Ali says, “The Prophet, until his death, relentlessly, called upon his followers, to be careful about prayers, and to be afraid of God regarding their slaves” (Abu-Dawood).

Islam has established unique and radical example in education and insurance of social status to slaves. Some of the Companions who were slaves, and after conversion to Islam freed, gave their lives for Islam. They attained the great distinction of being Companions of the great Prophet. Many slave women were released and were married to the Companions of the Prophet, thus earning the status of wives as any other free women. During the reign of Amir Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, many of those who were leading learned men, in the Islamic-state, were once slaves. The next generations of Companions (Tabein and Tabe-Tabein) learned Traditions and interpretations from Hazrat Ibrahim Nafay and Hazrat Ikrama. Hazrat Nafay was a slave of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Omar and Hazrat Ikrama was a slave of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas . Until today, the knowledge that the two Companions had imparted to the two slaves is enlightening the world. They enjoyed the status of teachers, in their lifetimes.

With the spread of Islam, great enthusiasm was created in Muslim women for education, science and literature. Among all classes of the people, masters or servants took birth, accomplished women of great wisdom. In that age, women studied of Traditions a special branch of knowledge. Many male scholars took tutelage under these learned ladies. Muhammad bin Yazid had a slave woman called Abida. This woman studying Traditions at Medïna became a scholar of distinction. Habib Dawoon, a famous specialist in Ahadith of that age, once visited Medïna. Abida’s owner presented her to Dawoon as a special gift. A great Scholar like Habib, charmed by Abida’s knowledge of Ahadith, married and took her to Spain.

Islam came at such a juncture of history, when the economy of the world greatly depended on slave labour; and no alternative was available. There was no alternative to employing slaves in transportation, shipping, agriculture, trade, commerce and housekeeping. With the arrival of Muhammad, due to his foresightedness, untiring endeavour and above all his ideals, differences between classes, rich and poor, blacks and whites, big and small were eradicated and a caste-less, classless society was established. Consequently, a difficult problem like slavery could be solved, which before no other religion or law could eradicate. Because of the Prophet’s (PBUH), lifelong struggle slaves not only got freedom but also their labours were rewarded for in the Islamic world.

Fourteen hundred years ago, the Prophet not only freed and rehabilitated slaves but also gave clear guidelines of treating them. No other man before him granted the right of religious rites to the slaves. He allowed them spiritual participation and access to Mosques. Hazrat Bellal, a slave in earlier life, was appointed the Muezzin of Masjidun Nabubi, at Medïna. Hazrat Abu Huraira, a freed slave, compiled the largest number of Traditions. The Prophet, after liberating Zaid, from the bondage of slavery, adopted him as a son; later, tied him in marriage with his own beautiful Cousin from the Quraish clan. Zaid was given the command of an army in which very important Ansar and Muhajir Companions were included. His son Osama also commanded an army in which Hazrat Omar and Hazrat Abu Bakr were included. The Messenger of God (PBUH) married a slave woman making her his wife, which carried the honour of Ummul Muminins (Mother of the Muslims) with it, thus she automatically attained the lofty status. Important companions like, Hazrats Bellal, Huraira, Zaid and Salman Farsi, were very dear to the Prophet. They were all slaves earlier. After freeing them from the bondage, Muhammad’s (PBUH) intention was to establish them as free men, and he did that very successfully. At around the end of his life, Muhammad advised his followers to emulate him in all matters. What his critics fail to comprehend, is that the word of the Prophet, is the law. Therefore, they cite the absence of law regarding abolition of slavery. History bears testimony that in different times, these emancipated slaves, enjoyed high positions; and became commanders, governors, ministers, chiefs of departments and even kings, in the Islamic world.

SERVANTS IN THE MODERN THIRD WORLD:

The great Prophet of Allah knew that the distinction between the have and have-nots existed before and would exist in the future, in spite of them being compatriots or relatives. No degree of progress or accomplishment of the human race would be effective in abolishment of this peculiarity. Under this circumstance, at the one hand, the rich would need people to work for them to manage their property, trade and business and even households; on the other, the poor would need jobs to survive. So evidently, both segments complement each other, and their cooperation is beneficial to each other. Abolition of the system of labour shall not be beneficial for the human society. We therefore, still see the well to do, to employ people to work for them. Yesterdays’ slaves without freedom have transformed into servants today with frredom. In principle, they are free human beings, but they do the same kind of jobs as slaves did. The Prophet therefore, toiled all his life to bring them at par with others as human beings, and for ensuring better condition at work. All human are born equals and they should be treated as such.

The kind of relationship between the employee and the employer that the incarnation of kindness, the Prophet of Islam initiated is absent; even in modern so-called democratic world. In the non-Islamic world, there existed a savage relationship between the master and the slave, but fellowship between them was the norm in the Muslim world. People have been freed from the bond of slavery but the condition of the toiling masses remained the same. Instead of slaves, they are known as servants, labourers and workers: otherwise, they are engaged in the same menial jobs, for their livelihood that the slaves of earlier age did.

KINDNESS TO MUTE ANIMALS:

Hazrat Muhammad had great compassion for all the creations of God. Mute animals were not excluded from his consideration. He did not only forbid injustice on human beings but also ordered his followers to show compassion to mute animals that cannot express themselves. Muhammad personally looked after the domestic animals. In the age of darkness, in Arabia, tormenting and torturing animals were not a crime but the Prophet stopped that custom. Not only keeping animals without food, cutting of ears and tails were prohibited but also marking them otherwise was disallowed. He ordered not to harass and torment riding animals with bridles and saddles, unnecessarily. Customs like animal-fights for fun has been banned. Only hunting animals for human consumption are allowed. Once, a Companion told the Prophet that slaughtering of goat pains him. The Prophet replied, “If you are kind to them; God will be kind to you.” Once, a man came to the Prophet with eggs of hawk-cuckoo, he ordered him to return those to the nest, immediately. Similarly, somebody came with chicks of a bird, the Prophet sent him back to replace them in their nest. Whenever, he came across these feeble, defenceless creatures, he reminded his disciples to be careful about them and be afraid of God. Clearly, meaning that they should treat these with love and care and fear God’s wrath at any transgression. After returning from any expedition or tour, before anything else, the Prophet would unsaddle his horses or camels, feed them, and make them comfortable. That was his practice even when he took rest during journeys.

During crusades, the Prophet would instruct his army not to destroy trees, plants, standing crops or defile ponds and other water bodies. The instruction was to treat animals and birds with utmost kindness. As a result, the Companions would rest their beast of burden at every opportunity during war or otherwise. The Prophet has instructed companions to feed the beasts of burden properly, to care for them, and not to overload them. In the Qurän Allah says, “The animals on the earth and the birds flying in the sky are all like you are my creation so be kind to them.” Companions asked the Prophet, “Will we be rewarded for being kind to animals?” Muhammad replied, “Yes, if you show compassion to any creation of God, you will be rewarded for that.”

ALLAH IS MERCIFUL:

Allah the Gracious, the Merciful, forgives those transgressors that repentant ask for his forgiveness and reform. In the holy Qurän Allah says,

268. GOD IS INDEED OFT-FORGIVING, MOST MERCIFUL. (AL-QURÄN - 4: 4).

And He said again:

269. UNLESS HE REPENTS, BELIEVES, AND WORKS RIGHTEOUS DEEDS, FOR GOD WILL CHANGE THE EVIL OF SUCH PERSONS INTO GOOD, AND GOD IS OFT-FORGIVING, MOST MERCIFUL, (AL-QURÄN - 25: 70).

Allah in the Qurän says,

270. SAY: ‘O MY SERVANTS WHO HAVE TRANSGRESSED AGAINST THEIR SOULS! DESPAIR NOT OF THE MERCY OF GOD: FOR GOD FORGIVES ALL SINS: FOR HE IS OFT-FORGIVING, MOST MERCIFUL’. (AL-QURÄN - 39: 53).

The Prophet said, “If anybody feels troubled and uneasy after committing a sin, surely that is a sign of repentance (Dailami).”

RAHMATULLIL AL-AMIN:

God at different times sent great men as His representatives, to bring derailed people to the right path. From Adam (Peace on him) to Muhammad, God has sent 124,000 (according to some accounts 224,000) prophets to this world. The Qurän says,

271. SAY YE: ‘WE BELIEVE IN GOD, AND THE REVELATION GIVEN TO US, AND TO ABRAHAM, ISHMAEL, ISAAC, JACOB, AND THE TRIBES, AND THAT GIVEN TO MOSES AND JESUS, AND THAT GIVEN TO (ALL) PROPHETS FROM THEIR LORD: WE MAKE NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ONE AND ANOTHER OF THEM: AND WE BOW TO GOD (IN ISLAM)’ (AL-QURÄN - 2: 136).

272. AND WHO BELIEVE IN THE REVELATION SENT TO THEE, AND SENT BEFORE THY TIME, AND (IN THEIR HEARTS) HAVE THE ASSURANCE OF THE HEREAFTER. (AL-QURÄN - 2: 4).

273. THE APOSTLE BELIEVETH IN WHAT HATH BEEN REVEALED TO HIM FROM HIS LORD, AS DO THE MEN OF FAITH. EACH ONE (OF THEM) BELIEVETH IN GOD, HIS ANGELS, HIS BOOKS, AND HIS APOSTLES. (AL-QURÄN - 2: 285).

274. TO EVERY PEOPLE (WAS SENT) AN APOSTLE: (AL-QURÄN - 10: 47).

275. VERILY WE HAVE SENT THEE IN TRUTH, AS A BEARER OF GLAD TIDINGS, AND AS A WARNER: AND THERE NEVER WAS A PEOPLE, WITHOUT A WARNER HAVING LIVED AMONG THEM (IN THE PAST). (AL-QURÄN - 35: 24).

Allah’s divine messages prove that He sent apostles for each of the nations on the earth. If that is so, great men sent to India, as Shri Krishna, Buddha and Ram are His prophets or there may be others. The Muslims, according to the holy Qurän, must respect Prophets. This expounds Islam’s accommodative qualities, broadness and love of peace. On this principle, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, Muhammad took effective measures to bring peace by orchestrating all differences into unity. Allah says,

276. MANKIND WAS ONE SINGLE NATION, (AL-QURÄN - 2: 213).

277. LET THERE BE NO COMPULSION IN RELIGION: TRUTH STANDS OUT CLEAR FROM ERROR: (AL-QURÄN - 2: 256).

Allah urged the Prophet to tell the non-believers:

278. TO YOU BE YOUR WAY, AND TO ME MINE. (AL-QURÄN - 109: 6).

God has gone to the extent of telling people not to abuse the god and goddesses of even the idolaters who are staunch enemies of the doctrine of ‘Oneness of God’. Allah says,

279. AND DO NOT REVILE THOSE GODS THAT THEY (IDOLATERS) WORSHIP PLACING WITH GOD. (AL-QURÄN - 6: 109)?

During the war of Hunaian, a Companion requested Prophet to curse the heathens: the Prophet replied, “I am not sent to damn people but to profess kindness.”

The Prophet has invited people to live in peace and harmony by accepting and tolerating each other’s opinion and culture. Taking over the rein of the state after migrating from Mecca to Medïna, the first act of concluding a pact with the Jewish and the idolaters reflects his ideology of co-existence. When the Tayefian-idolater-delegates came to confer with the Prophet, arrangements were made for them to stay at the courtyard of the Masjidun Nabubi, in Medïna. The Mosque was made available to the Nazarene Christian delegates, for their evening prayers, when they came to Medïna. Under the same roof, the Christians prayed facing east, and the Muslims facing the Ka’aba, behind the Prophet. This is first and the last example, as to how and to what extent other’s religion should be respected, in the history of the world. None of the prophets or the sages ever before had shown such respect for others. Unnecessarily, Muhammad never behaved rudely with anybody of other religious faiths. He (PBUH) never begrudged any adherents of other religions, Christian, Jewish, Zoroastrian or even non-believers. Khazraj leader Abdullah bin Obey always conspired against and opposed the Prophet, but at his death Muhammad, sent his cloak to cover Obey’s body. Muhammad even participated at his memorial service and prayed for the departed soul. Abu Talib, his uncle never accepted Islam, but he did not hate or disrespect him for that. At Abu Talib’s death, he (PBUH) even prayed for his deliverance. Abul Äs, husband of the Prophet’s (PBUH) eldest daughter was a heathen but still he never was rude with him. Agreements that were concluded with the Jewish and the Christians were adhered to word by word.

Constantly, the Jewish conspired against the newly established Muslim-state at Medïna. Repeatedly, on exposure the Prophet forgave them. To live in peace with the Christians and the Jewish, he established marital relations with them. Universal fraternity and ideology that the great Prophet left behind, no other great sage did that. His effort at bringing peace was not confined to only the Arabs or the Muslims, but he was the harbinger of international brotherhood. “All the people of the world are bound by common descent and are, therefore, brothers:” announced the Prophet to the world. Regarding this, Allah’s command: “Mankind was one single nation, (Al-Qurän - 2: 213):” is very distinct. In another place God says,

280. O MANKIND! WE CREATED YOU FROM A SINGLE (PAIR) OF MALE AND FEMALE, AND MADE YOU INTO NATIONS AND TRIBES, THAT YE MAY KNOW EACH OTHER (NOT THAT YOU MAY DESPISE EACH OTHER). VERILY THE MOST HONOURED OF YOU IN THE SIGHT OF GOD IS (HE WHO IS) THE MOST RIGHTEOUS OF YOU. (AL-QURÄN - 49: 13).

Hazrat Muhammad in his great campaign for establishment of faith in One God, literally, observed tolerance, perseverance, justice and fraternity. He observed all rules and laws that he established without any blemish. “All human are equal:” He (PBUH) was first to tell the world. He (PBUH) said, “That who relentlessly, works for the prosperity and eradication of sorrow and pain of the human race, is the best servant of God.” The greatest prophet of all, the Messenger of God, Harbinger of Peace Muhammad, was the Beacon Bearer of peace, harmony, love, kindness, truth and simplicity. His (PBUH) ideal was to establish faith, unity and discipline. Muhammad concluded his mission with great success. In a land beset with strife, rancour, chaos, disorder, injustice, infanticide, rape, murder and total anarchy, in every wake of life, Muhammad brought sanity. Slaves, servants, poor and the powerless were empowered and elevated to the status of human beings.

All his life the Prophet fought, struggled and worked to establish, equality, fraternity and democracy. Declaring that Children’s heavens are under their mother’s foot, he sanctified Motherhood. Women are glorified with the lofty status of Motherhood and granted equal status with men. Overnight they earned respect, status and rights from being treated no better than cattle. With Muhammad establishing a state at Medïna there were qualitative changes in every occupation. Muhammad, with the introduction of Islam, firmly instituted faith in one God, which enriched mundane and spiritual lives of the people. People glowed with enlightenment and excellence in all spheres of life. His far-reaching social, political, and economic and spiritual reforms brought in permanent and beneficial transformation; in the psyche of a whole nation inspired by Pan-Islamic zeal. The Prophet successfully made sweeping and decisive changes that forever changed the way people think and act. This was reflected in Administration, Government, Finance, Trade, Commerce, Management, Education, and administration of Law and Justice. Education was made compulsory for all Muslim men and women, since that is the basic requirement for all development, spiritual or temporal. Both individual and collective lives were transformed and outlook regarding human behaviour, feelings and passion changed. Love, passion, hatred, jealousy, kindness, compassion, pain and sorrow all were interpreted in a new light and people started reacting differently to these human dispositions. They realized everybody, placed low or high in the society, has basic human feelings and thus should be treated as such. None should be treated unkindly, not even the mute helpless animals. All the God’s creations deserve compassion, as the Creator is to us. Islam endeavoured to purify the hearts from hedonism and sensuality, but did not allow celibacy. Therefore, a good Muslim must endure the hardship of a family life, where he purifies himself through duties as a husband and a father. Muhammad, as the spiritual leader of the Muslims, clearly spelled out the dimensions and dynamics of these mundane relationships. He by example taught his disciples how to be a good spouse, parent, master, servant, teacher, student, warrior, administrator, judge and leader, etc. A Muslim is a man who is kind, benevolent, magnanimous, laborious, pious, truthful, righteous and compassionate. He is a man who is helpful, gives shelter to the shelter less, feeds the hungry, gives water to the thirsty, money to the poor, service to the distressed and shows perseverance in hazards and dangers. This, the Prophet has told the world.

In the Prophet’s (PBUH) life and work, benevolence and magnanimity always reflected. The great unity that he has been able to incorporate into the tumultuous multitude of different races reflects in the Hajj congregation each year. At this unique congregation, millions of people come from different countries of the world belonging to various ethnic and racial groups, and assemble before God as one united body. They all pray to the Almighty, asking for deliverance from sin and His mercy, wearing the same dress, irrespective of status and power. Together in one voice, they declare the Greatness of God, asking Him for forgiveness and deliverance. Such a solemn practice is unique in Islam, in which millions of people of different culture, language and ethnicity melt together in a mammoth congregation, before God, bereft of all outward glory and mellowed in humility.

Muhammad, the Greatest Prophet of God, leader of all prophets, the greatest man ever born was also the best head of state. From Adam until today, none could achieve such great success in both the roles of spiritual and temporal leaders. He (PBUH) excelled in every sphere of life and became an example for all to imitate. His aims and objects have been crowned with glorious success. None ever in a lifetime has achieved so much. He (PBUH) is the only prophet, who in his own lifetime has seen the successful conclusion of his mission of truth and righteousness. In the other cases, the faith flourished long after the protagonists have gone, and none of them has their life and practices recorded in such details as Muhammad’s (PBUH).

Almost every detail of his personal, private and public life, from birth to death, has been recorded in extraordinary details with extreme care. None of his application, conduct, convention and custom is shrouded in obscurity as the Prophet took great care in getting those recorded. His programs of public services is recognized and followed all over the world. Fourteen hundred years ago the Prophet said, “That, who serves the creatures of God, serves God.” He told people that you consider all human beings as one single body like yours. If a part of the body suffers injury, the whole body feels the pain, so if a member of a family suffers the whole family suffers. People should suffer likewise, if any of them suffer anywhere in the world. This is being followed today by the comity of the world. If a part of the world, is struck by any natural calamity, war or civil strife the whole world rush to help. These are the ideals of the great Prophet being followed by the world, and that is why God has called him “Rahmatullil Al-Amin (Mercy of the Worlds). Muhammad has done justice to the name.

Today the Islamic Ummah (Nation) with great respect and regard sings:

“Balagal Ula bi-Kamalihi, Kashafatduza bi-Jamalihi

Hasanat Jaamiu Khisalihi, Sallu Alaihi Aalihi.”

(English Rendition)17

Darkness by his glowing nature, removed-

That is why, so high commended his conduct.

Send peace upon him, and pray verily,

May God Bestow grace, on his family.

Moreover, I would sing with the Persian poet, as that is my heart’s wish:

Though I have completed, all pages

Of temporal life,

To only one attribute I could

Sing praises

I discover reminiscing.18

Saying this I most humbly seek God’s blessings: Oh God! Suatainer of the Worlds, all praises are to you. May your mercy be bestowed on Muhammad, unceasingly. O Lord, give us, i.e. the humankind strength and courage to uphold his ideals. Amin!

Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadieu Owa Aala Ali Muhammadin

Kama Sallaita Aala Ibrahima Owa Aala Ali Ibrahima,

Innaka Hamidum Majid.

Allahumma Barik Aala Muhammadieu Owa Aala Ali Muhammadin

Kama Barakta Aala Ibrahima Owa Aala Ali Ibrahima,

Innaka Hamidum Majid.

(English Rendition)19

Oh God! Bestow mercy on Muhammad and his family, as You did on Abraham and his family.

Oh God! Bestow increase on Muhammad and his family, as You did on Abraham and his family.

LA ILAHA ILLALLAHU MUHAMMADUR RASULULLAH.

(There is no god, but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger).

End of Part-II

1 This is a word from the same root as Sijjn, a Prison. The Holy Qurän: Text, Translation and Commentary by A Yusuf Ali: The Muslim World League: Third Edition, 1965.

2 Oshor according to shariat, Syed Mohammed Ali, Bangladesh Islami center and Ahsan Fiqah, Maulana Yusuf Ilahi.

3 Islam-e-Zakater Bidhan (The principle of Zakat in Islam), Yusuf al-Kadabi, part-II, pp. 31-37.

4 Farid, Wazid: Al-Medinat Al-Islam

5 Kanzul Hakaiak

6 Kanzul Hakaiak

7 Hazrat Maulana Sufi Azangachi (RA).

8 Dr. Leonard Hill, MD, FRS, Director of applied Physiology, National Institute of Medical research, UK.

9 References:

M.G. Muazzem; Science in the Holy Qurän; Ist. edition; Rajshahi, Bangladesh; pp. 81-84: 1967.

Khan, GM Al-Dhabeh; Slaying animals for food in the Islamic way; Ist. edition; Ta Ha Publishers, London; p. 33: 1982.

Callow, E.H.; Food and Hygiene; Cambridge: p. 42: 1952.

Horder, Lord; Statement in support of Jewish method of slaying animals: 1950.

Hill Leonard; Statement of the Director, Department of Applied Physiology; NIMR, U.K.

10 Tafsir e almanar: Mufti Abduh; p. 226. Part-II.

11 Prophet’s (PBUH) Medicines.

12 Sulfate of antimony used as Collyrium, kohl, eye-salve.

13 Practices of the Prophet.

14 Muhammad used Mishawka, a short stick of neem (Azdicahta Indica) tree, to brush his teeth.

15 Ma’aref ul Qurän; Part-III pp.544-545 (In the interpretation of Süra, A'anam: verse 151); Maulana Mufti Mohammed Shafi

16 Ma’aref ul Qurän Anzamul Wahhaj as quoted by Md. Shahidur Rahman in his Book Saytter Shandhanay (In the Search of Truth).

17 Translator

18 English by the Translator.

19 Translator

PBUH: Peace be upon him: Every time the Prophet is mentioned the listener must recite “Sallal Lahu Alaihe Wasallam” (Peace be upon him)

RA Radiallahu Anhu: (God is Pleased on him), in case of a companion is named this should be recited as a mark of respect. In case of a female companion ‘Anha’ should be said in place of ‘Anhu’

AS Alaihe Wasallam (Peace be on him) for all other prophets including Jesus (AS) and Moses (AS).

Baitul Mukkarram: The Sacred House (The Ka’aba)

Baitul Ma’al The Treasury