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Encyclopedia of Ethics From An Islamic Perspective
Encyclopedia of Ethics From An Islamic Perspective
ﻣﻮﺳﻮﻋﺔ اﻷﺧﻼق
ﻣﻦ وﺟﮭﮫ ﻧﻈﺮ إﺳﻼﻣﯿﺔ
1. Greetings
3. Sincerity
4. Modesty
2
5. Humility
6. Politeness
7. Gentleness
8. Kindness
9. Trustworthy
10.Truthfulness
11. Virtue
13. Mercy
14. Forgiveness
15. Generosity
16. Charity
17. Hospitality
22. Friendship
3
26. Contentment
27. Tolerance
29. Courage
30. Wisdom
31. Morality
36. Grace
38. Forbearance
40. Austerity
41. Moderation
42. Righteousness
46. Practicality
4
47. Cleanliness
49. Courtesy
52. Harmony
53. Honesty
54. Selfishness
58. Optimism
59. Simplicity
60. Thankfulness
62. Consultation
65. Ambition
66. Chastity
67. Work
5
68. Nobleness
69. Integrity
70. Activeness
Work
6
other obligatory duty.” Bahaqi in Shu’ab al-
Iman.
lawful.” (Ahmad)
7
hard work as a successful and honest businessman.
12)
Good Character
and Darimi).
Sunnah).
8
6. “Shall I inform you who are the best among you?”
who are best among you are the ones who live
Muslim).
(Muslim).
Courtesy
9
even with utmost kindness and courtesy.
Cleanliness
10
also made it an obligatory duty of his followers to
93-94)
Modesty
135)
11
1. “Shall I tell you about the inhabitants of Paradise?
in Shuab al-Iman)
Muslim).
12
8. A’ishah (the prophet’s wife) said that she never
(Bukhari)
streets. (Tirmidhi).
Humility
13
very ignoble, uncivil and proud persons.” (Bukhari
and Muslim).
Hell.” (Muslim)
14
people of Ta’if and when he suffered a setback in the
adversity.”(life of Mohamet).
greatest triumph over his enemies was also the Day of his
p.31, Lahore).
Politeness
15
his house and all whom he met in the street with the same
that you deal politely and gently with them. Were you
away from you: so pass over their faults, and ask for
to all who came into contact with him. There are many
16
Hanifah, was so impressed by the polite and gentle
17
harsh word to anyone. He even prevented others from
harsh words.
you are invited, enter; and when you have taken your
truth.”(33:53).
18
When shaking hands with others, he would never be the
causing the loss of some people near and dear to him and
19
punished them. He did not even rebuke them. To those
who fled from the field, he said no more than that they
others,
did not at all mind doing his share of the work like an
sister and spread his own mantle for them to sit on.
143)
20
There are many Ahadith of the Prophet which bear
relationships:
with her to her home and helped her with some jobs.
(Muslim).
years from the time I was eight years old and he never
happen’.” (AI-Masabih).
21
“1 shall sit with you, then,” and did so. Allah’s
when the day was advanced, the Jew said:” I testify that
22
there is no God but Allah, and I testify that you are
(Baihaqi).
Moderation
23
middle of the road. He was temperate in conduct and
circumstances.
(Muslim).
24
were told about it, they felt that it was insufficient as far
25
5. “No doubt you have a duty to your Lord; likewise you
them.” (57:27).
26
not indulge in idle pleasures and the vain glories of this
149)
Gentleness
words:
“It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with
27
At no time was this gentleness. . . more valuable than
(Muslim).
good.” (Muslim).
28
Sunnah).
5. “Shall I tell you who is kept away from Hell and from
150)
29
Kindness
Allah that you are gentle and kind towards them; for, had
and-such a thing?’”
ones, for you are given provision, or you are given help
30
only by reason of the presence of your weak ones.”
over you than you have over this slave.” Abu Mas’ud
Allah.” The Prophet replied: “If you had not done so, the
Muslim).
31
He was the Messenger of Allah and, as such, the
(Muslim).
32
the Battle of Uhud. He was wounded and his enemy
spear from him and struck him with it, which left a
Message.” (18:6). And Surah Fatir says: “So let not your
33
other people of her tribe, the Prophet felt great
departed.” (Muslim).
34
2. “He who wishes to have his provision enlarged and
35
7. “The best companion in Allah’s estimation is the one
you have your rights upon your wives and they have their
rights upon you. Your right is that they shall not allow
36
13. “One who believes in Allah and the Last Day should
them, they cut me off; I am kind to them but they ill treat
are, Allah will always help you and He will protect you
15. Once Asma bint Abu Bakr’s mother, who was still an
37
17. “You will shortly conquer Egypt. Treat its people
went to see him. He took the boy onto his lap and began
al—Iman).
38
asked for water and broke his fast to release the strain
Muslim).
39
the words of the Qur’an, “azizun alaihi ma aniuum (he is
(9:128).
40
for the people, irrespective of their attitude to him and
Truthfulness
The Prophet was the most truthful and honest among his
no deity but Allah) and ended his Mission with the same
41
thought when he said, on his death bed:
said that they did not regard his Message as true, had to
admit that they were not saying that he was a liar. One of
Truth all his life. He never uttered a single lie all his life,
42
was not in the least in doubt about his Mission. He
no untruth in this.”
that what they say grieves you, but it is not you whom
“It is a fact that all the people of his tribe regarded the
43
falsehood. So much so that even Ahu Jahl, who was the
truthful person and has never told a lie in his whole life,
44
anxiety?” (Abu’l-A’la Maududi, The Meaning of the
The Prophet spoke the truth and always taught his people
45
adhere to that which is free from doubt, for truth is
hitter.”
46
8. He also said: “Four characteristics constitute a
the truth when you speak; fulfill your promise when you
make one; and honor your trust when you are trusted.”
life; did not preach anything but truth and did not
47
Lord that Truth must prevail over falsehood in the final
Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things you ascribe (to
Us).” (2 1:18).
48
spoke a lie throughout his life. And even his opponents
them whether they had ever heard him tell a lie. They all
the Arab traders who were then visiting his country. Abu
49
ordered me to warn you and to give glad tidings. So I
1979).
showed the depth and height of his love for Truth and his
50
hands would You abandon me, into the hands of an
if Your Wrath does not fall upon me, there is nothing for
love for the Truth and belief in the Majesty and Grandeur
deep love for God, his implicit faith in His Mercy and
51
inseparable Omnipotence, for above the humanly
the World; you succeed by this, you are good, and in the
52
Heart of Nature once more.” (On Heroes, heroWorship
Muhammad, p.109).
Justice
The Prophet was the most fair and just of all people. He
53
even before he received the Call of Prophethood. His
the Jews against the Prophet and his Faith, they often
Allah.” (5:9).
54
a stranger in these matters; if the stranger was in the
theft (or any crime), they left him alone, but when a weak
Muslim).
(6: 152). And again, in Surah Nisa’ we read: “() you who
55
believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to
rich or poor. For Allah can best protect both. Follow not
the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve (from doing
do.” (4:135)
56
was on his deathbed, just a few moments before he
322-323).
57
concerning the determining of the rights of the people
enforcement.
Even his enemies and critics testify to his fair and just
treated friends and strangers, the rich and the poor, the
58
nor any respect for law or justice. He so firmly
(3:110).
time and space and applied equally to all races and all
59
impartial in practice that his standard of justice
nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not
60
(Bukhari and Muslim).
(Abu Dawud).
61
5. It is reported that two men brought a dispute before the
right; then draw lots, and let each of you consider the
Muslim).
62
property by unjust means, nor offer it to the judges, so
faith they owe to Allah and their own pledged word for a
(3:77).
the very clear, fair and just treatment of the Prophet that
civilized society.
63
Khaibar. His relatives went to the Prophet who asked
did they accept the offer of the Prophet that the Jews
64
evidence, or, in the absence of evidence, the parties were
163-167)
Mercy
of love and mercy. The Qur’an says: “We sent you not
in Shu’ab al-Iman).
65
I. He said: “Allah will not show mercy to him who does
Muslim).
our young ones or respect our old ones, and who does not
66
conduct towards all creatures of Allah.
67
“By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, a man does not
Muslim).
Forgiveness
Muslim).
all.
68
forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should
(24:22).
Merciful.” (64:14).
them and would have been fully justified in doing so. But
69
When he entered Makkah as the victorious commander
injury from which she later died. All his deadly enemies,
70
According to some, ‘forgiveness was the greatest jewel
him and his Companions not only from his native land,
but also from his last resort, Madinah. This ability of the
71
servants to You?” He said: ‘He who pardons when he
Forgiveness
(Bukhari).
72
(Bukhari and Muslim).
and Muslim).
out and called by Allah, the Holy, the Exalted, over and
73
was a sworn enemy of the Prophet and his Faith; his days
was running for his life from place to place until the
know of his foul play but did not say anything to him and
74
pardoned him.
her camel, and she lost her baby as a result of this fall.
75
from both sides of the road while he was leaving the
forgot all his suffering and pain and offered them all the
suffered.
How did the Prophet treat these Makkans? Not only did
76
crimes, murder, persecution and bloodshed were
Suddenly, the sword fell from the Arab’s hand and the
to fear saying: “Even if you want to kill me, you will not
free.
77
20. Once a group of about eighty people suddenly came
him away from his native land, fought wars against him,
78
designs and resisted his authority, nor the clemency with
Prophet, and see for ourselves that it pays in the lung run.
all, friend or foe. You will see that benevolent and kind
79
conduct will win over for You many friends who were
Generosity
Ahdullah ibn Ubayy was his sworn enemy; his days and
80
at his death, the Prophet prayed to the Lord for his
81
distributed all the spoils among the people.
and did not want any harm to come to any human being.
need. His wife, ‘A’ishah, said that the Prophet was never
Muslim).
extreme famine, he not only sent funds for their help but
leave their homes and their city of birth, and even then
82
what any other enemy would have done-take advantage
83
Prophet, as it was with his predecessors: to develop a
humanity.
This was what the Prophet taught and preached and this
each other.
Charity
and his family did not get any food for several successive
84
days. In such circumstances, the Prophet would consider
himself to be fasting.
then foster it for the one who gave it as one of you fosters
Muslim).
85
sheep’s foot too insignificant a gift to give to her
Dawud).
86
were unable to do this or did not do it. He replied that he
These and other such saying of the Prophet show the real
with thirst at the mouth of a well, took off her shoe, tied
Muslim).
hunger. She did not feed it or let it out so that it might eat
87
things creeping on the earth.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
6. “If you people greet all whom you meet, provide food,
provide food and greet all whom you meet, you will enter
88
vessels.” (Ahmad and Tirmidhi).
from the way, or pour water from your bucket into your
23)
89
relatives and the members of one’s family:
on; and begins with those for whom you are responsible.”
(Bukhari).
Muslim).
(Muslim).
90
given to a relative it serves a double purpose, being both
people.
91
Benevolence. Eventually, three persons had come and
one uqia each and had one uqia left. That night he went
to bed and put the silver piece under his pillow. His wife,
night and was unable to sleep. He rose from his bed and
At the time of his death, the Prophet did not leave behind
92
will. In fact, his coat of armour, which was all he owned
This was the way of the Prophet, who was the most
93
them.”(Bukhari and Muslim).
have a full
Muslim).
94
8. The Prophet said: “Seek me among your weak ones,
Practice
few pieces.”
the mosque
95
3. The Prophet arranged that his heirs would not inherit
any dinars, for, after the expenses of his wives and the
spoils of war. The Prophet told her that until the needs of
meet their needs. The Prophet said that the families of the
first.
96
cloth, which he urgently needed for himself and was
knew the urgent need of the Prophet and rebuked the man
he used all of them to meet the needs of the poor and the
destitute.
wheat from
food.
milk for his household. The man drank the whole of the
goat’s milk and nothing was left for the Prophet and his
97
nothing for the evening meal except this goat’s milk.
someone.
98
whether anything was left in the house for the Prophet
‘A’ishah! Love the poor and let them come to you for
help.”
Hadith.
given You food when You are the Lord of the Worlds!’
Mine asked you for food, but you did not feed him? Did
you not know that had you given him food, you would
99
surely have found Me with him?”
given You drink when You are the Lord of the Worlds’?’
did not give him a drink. Did you not know that if you
him’!’
of Mine was naked but von did not clothe him. Did you
not know that if you had clothed him, you would have
100
when it was needed for the poor or orphans. (Rahman,
Hospitality
Bountiful,
101
Madinah. this naturally increased the work of
102
them (even though the Companions would have loved to
do this work for him and asked him to let them, but he
every attention.
Prophet said: “If you come to people who order for you
103
take from them what is fitting for them to give to a
104
which the rich are invited and from which the poor are
same time, accept that of the one who lives nearer you,
Dawud).
in Shu’ab al-Iman)).
and also invited four other persons with him. But an extra
105
and Muslim).
Bedouin.
190-193)
106
"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not
today.
107
O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering
with regard to your women but they also have rights over
108
during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in
convey to you.
109
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words
to others and those to others again; and may the last ones
to the loving and the sincere Muslims who were with him
political affiliation.
110
Equality of Mankind
1. Freedom to all
111
7. Rights of others are to be preserved and to be
delivered.
or move.
Abolition of Usury
112
kindness and gentleness. Men are to know that their
Quran
Lamp" (33:45-46).
113
property of every Muslim as a sacred trust.
(36:54).
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
heart" (2:283).
114
INTEREST (RIBAH)
Muttalib."
helpers.
115
provision according to the custom. This is an
BROTHERHOOD
it to you willingly."
SUBMISSION
116
Quran:"The most honored among you in the sight
UNDER US
117
CONCLUSIONS
118
might encounter during the day or during the night. Islam
is a way of life.
enslavement.
and join his religion or to fear him and stay away. There
119
behavior toward his companions was perfect and toward
Islam.
120