“In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful”

SOCIAL SYSTEM OF ISLAM

Ahmed Abdullah
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CONTENTS
 Introduction – Society and social system
 Importance of society
 Western social system
 Balance- the essence of Islamic society
 Equality of mankind
 Same injunctions for men and women
 Specific injunctions for men and women
 Chastity and dress code
 Public life
 Family- basic unit of society
 Fundamental human rights in Islam
 Exclusive rights
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DEFINITION OF SOCIETY

Society is defined as :
“The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.”

Another definition is:

“A group of people or a club formed for a particular purpose or activity and
works for their benefits.”

The common things among the members or the persons living in a particular
society are their language, culture, dressing and rituals etc.
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SOCIAL SYSTEM
In sociology, a social system is the patterned network of relationships constituting a
coherent whole that exists between individuals, groups and institutions. A formal
structure of role and status that can form in a small and stable group.

An Islamic society is the society whose members have faith in Islam, apply its law
in their life, abide by its moral standards of love, brotherhood, equality, mercy and
trust, performing religious duties and abstaining from doing what is unlawful.
Islamic society is based on right, justice and mutual kindness. It emphasizes on
respecting the rights of the individual and the group, both having mutual rights and
duties towards each other.

“Surely Allah bids to justice, benevolence and giving to relatives.” (An-Nahl:90)”

 IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL SYSTEM 4

Society is compulsory for mankind as it helps to gain benefits, avoidance from loss
and secure the rights of individuals. So by living in a society the people become
strength of each other.

“And dispute not with one another, lest you get weak- hearted and your power depart, and be
steadfast, Surely Allah is with steadfast.” (Al-Anfal:46)

The social system of Islam gives a sense of brotherhood to the Muslims, which is the
foundation of their unity. So that there is no differentiation on the basis of color or
creed.

“Verily, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher.
Therefore fear Me.” (Al-Mu’minoon:52)
 WESTERN SOCIAL SYSTEM 5

The western social system divides the people in categories according to the
geographic regions. Hence their society will group people into socioeconomic strata,
based upon their occupation and income. In modern western societies, the social
stratification typically is distinguished as three social classes; the upper class, the
middle class and the lower class.

In liberalism, men and women are free to do whatever they like. Free to interact with
each other without any social boundaries. Women are free to wear what she likes.
This gives rise to social evils and crimes.

Respect for elders, taking care of parents, financial support to children, are not
encouraged much in western societies.
 BALANCE-THE ESSENCE OF ISLAMIC SOCIAL SYSTEM 6

 The first thing that will be present in an Islamic society is justice and balance.
Before the advent of Islam, the society was living in darkness where there was
neither justice nor balance. There was the rule of jungle. However when it comes
to Islamic society Allah tells Muslims to establish justice and balance.
 So, in an Islamic society everyone takes care of the rights and duties of each
other. The rights and duties of every individual is defined in the Holy Quran.
 Also, the Holy Prophet (SAW) has given us practical examples throughout his
whole life.

“Thus we have made of you an ummah justly balanced, that you might be witnessed over the
nations and the Messenger a witness over yourselves.” (Al-Baqarah:143)
 EQUALITY OF MANKIND 7
The Cairo Declaration of Human Rights Article 1 says:
(a) All human beings form one family whose members are united by submission to God and
descent from Adam. All men are equal in terms of basic human dignity and basic obligations
and responsibilities,
without any discrimination on the grounds of race, color, language, sex, religious belief,
political affiliation, social status or other considerations. True faith is the guarantee for
enhancing such dignity
along the path to human perfection.
(b) All human beings are God's subjects, and the most loved by Him are those who are most
useful to the rest of His subjects, and no one has superiority over another except on the basis
of piety and good deeds.

O mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female , and have made you into
groups and tribes, that you may know one another. Indeed the most honored of you in sight
of Allah is the most righteous. Indeed, Allah is knowing and acquainted(Al-Hujurat:13)
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SAME AHKAAM FOR MEN AND WOMEN
• It is obligatory(fard) on both man and woman to pray, fast, pay Zakah, perform Hajj, obey
parents etc.
“Verily, the Muslims, men and women, the believers men and women, and the men and
women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are patient, the men and women
who are humble, the men and women who give Sadaqat, and the fasting men and women, and
the men and women who guard their chastity, and the men and women who remember Allah
much. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward” (Al- Ahzab: 35)

• Islam give the rights to woman to participate in politics and account the ruler. Women can take
up carriers such as business, agriculture, teaching, medicine, industry etc as long as she takes
care of her primary responsibility under Shari’ah laws.
“And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a
share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask
Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.” (An-Nisa 4:32)
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SPECIFIC AHKAAM FOR EACH GENDER
Islam obliges man to fight in Jihad but excuses woman from this responsibility. The actual
obligation of providing food, shelter and clothing for wife and the family falls on the husband. Men
are expected to offer the five daily prayers at the nearest mosque.

Narrated from ‘Aa’ishah(RA) who said: “O Messenger of Allaah, do women have to engage in
jihad? He said: “Jihad in which there is no fighting: Hajj and ‘Umrah.”

Islam has recommended Pardah for women from Non-Mahrams and a woman is not allowed to
travel alone for a day without a Mahram.
The Prophet (PBUH) specifically allowed Muslim women to attend mosques and pray behind men.

“Do not prevent your women from going to the mosque, even though their houses are better
for them." which implies it is better for women to stay at home. “A woman’s prayer in her
house is better than her prayer in her courtyard, and her prayer in her bedroom is better than
her prayer in her house.” (Abu Dawud)
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CHASTITY AND DRESS CODE
• The effect of preserving one’s chastity on the individual and on society is immense as it is a
means of avoiding the miseries associated with all kinds of evils. Quran and Sunnah point out
clear ways to protect the individual and the society in this regard.

“Guarantee six things for me and I will guarantee Paradise for you: tell the truth when you
speak, keep your promises, discharge your trusts, preserve your chastity, lower your gaze, and
restrain your hands.” (Muslim)
• Islam values woman's honour in society. Anybody falsely accusing women for unchastity is
lashed 80 lashes. Before non-mahrams whom they can marry, both men and women should cover
their ‘Auwra. Navel to the knees for men. The whole body except the face and the hands for
women.
“O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as
for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of God's
signs, that they may take heed.” (Al-A’raf:26)
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PUBLIC LIFE
• Our religion advises us to observe truth, honesty and chastity in private as well as public life. We
should not be arrogant and treat people with kindness. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “None of you
is a true believer until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

“Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day either speak good or keep silent, and let him
who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his neighbor, and let him who believes
in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his guest.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly
between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting
up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful
thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
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FAMILY-THE BASIC UNIT OF SOCIETY
• The foremost and fundamental institution of human society is the family unit.
• Respect of the family, can be truly called the source of the progress, development, prosperity and
strength of human civilization.
• Islam therefore devotes much attention to the issues relating to the family and strives to establish
it on the healthiest and strongest possible foundations
• According to Islam, the correct relationship between man and woman is marriage, a relationship
in which social responsibilities are fully accepted and which results in the emergence of a family.

‫َو ِم ْن ٰا ٰي ِتٖٓہ َاْن َخ َلَق َلُك ْم ِّم ْن َاْنُفِس ُك ْم َاْز َو اًجا ِّلَتْس ُك ُنْٓو ا ِاَلْيَہا َو َج َعَل َبْيَنُك ْم َّم َو َّد ًۃ َّو َر ْح َم ًۃ ِاَّن ِفْي ٰذ ِلَك ٰاَل ٰي ٍت ِّلــَقْو ٍم َّيَتَفَّك ُر ْو َن‬
“And one of His signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest in
them, and He put between you love and compassion; most surely there are signs in this for a people
who reflect.” Ar-Rum (30:21)

“O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze
and guard his modesty, and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his
temptations.” Sahih Al-Bukhari
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FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN
RIGHTS
Fundamental rights are an integral part of the Islamic religion and no one has the right to
suspend them in whole or in part or violate or ignore them as they are binding divine
commandments, which are contained in the Revealed Books of God and were sent through
the last of His Prophets to complete the preceding divine messages thereby making their
observance an act of worship and their neglect or violation an abominable sin.

Right to
Right to Protection of Freedom of Economic Political Entitlement
Life and
property Dignity Choice Rights Rights to Justice
Freedom

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RIGHT TO LIFE
• Life is a God-given gift and the right to life is guaranteed to every human being. It is the duty of
individuals, societies and states to protect this right from any violation, and it is prohibited to
take away life except for a Shari'ah prescribed reason.
• It is forbidden to resort to such means as may result in the genocidal annihilation of mankind.
• Safety from bodily harm is a guaranteed right. It is the duty of the state to safeguard it, and it is
prohibited to breach it without a Sharia-prescribed reason.

“…Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had
slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely...”
(Al-Ma’idah:32)

“Avoid seven destructive things…. One of them is to kill a person that Allah renders haram
except for justified cases….” (Bukhari, Muslim)
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RIGHT TO PROPERTY
• Everyone shall have the right to own property acquired in a legitimate way, and shall be entitled
to the rights of ownership, without prejudice to oneself, others or to society in general.
• Expropriation is not permissible except for the requirements of public interest and upon payment
of immediate and fair Compensation
• Everyone shall have the right to enjoy the fruits of his scientific, literary, artistic or technical
production, provided that such production is not contrary to the principles of Shari'ah.

“And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order
that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you
know [it is unlawful]” (Al-Baqarah:32)

Narrated Said bin Zaid: “Whoever seizes a handspan of land unjustly, his neck will carry it
down the seven earths (on the Day of Resurrection)” (Bukhari, 43:32)
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PROTECTION OF DIGNITY
• Islam is a religion that aims to ascertain, uplift and sustain the honor and dignity of man.
• Islam has given everyone the right to live in security for himself, his religion, his dependents, his
honor and his property.
• Everyone has the right to privacy in the conduct of his private affairs, in his home, among his
family, with regard to his property and his relationships.

“O believers, let not people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them…
And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames…avoid
much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin…and do not spy or backbite each
other… ” (Al-Hujurat:11-12)

The Prophet (PBUH) said in the farewell pilgrimage “Verily, your blood, property and honor
are sacred to one another (i.e., Muslims) like the sanctity of this day of yours (i.e., the day of
Arafat), in this month of yours (Dhul-Hijjah) and in this city of yours (Makkah).” (Sahih al-
Bukhari)
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FREEDOM OF CHOICE & EXPRESSION
• Human beings are born free, and no one has the right to enslave, humiliate, oppress or exploit
them. The right to free movement, selection of place of residence, to choose the work that suits
one best and which serves one’s interests and those of society.

• Right to express one’s opinion freely in such manner as would not be contrary to the principles
of the Shari’ah and does not spread evil.

• Islam also does not give anybody the right to use abusive or offensive language in the name of
criticism.

“There should be no coercion in the matter of faith” (Al-Baqarah:256)

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RIGHT TO BASIC NECESSITIES
• The State shall ensure the right of the individual to a decent living which will enable him to meet
all is requirements and those of his dependents, including food, clothing, housing, education ,
medical care and all other basic needs.
• It is also the Government’s duty to help such people who are in need of these basic necessities of
life. This includes food, health, education, and shelter.

“And in their wealth there is acknowledged right for the needy and the destitute.” (Adh-
Dhariyat:19)

“The Head of state is the guardian of him, who has nobody to support him.”
(Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi)
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POLITICAL RIGHTS
• Everyone has the right to participate and criticize, directly or indirectly in the administration of
his country's public affairs. He shall also have the right to assume public office in accordance
with the provisions of Shari'ah.

“Allah has promised such of you as believe and do good works that He will surely make
them succeed (over the present rulers) in the earth even as He caused those who were before
them to succeed (over others) …” (Al-Nur 24:55)

“And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is
[determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they
spend.” (Ash-Shuraa:38)

“But fear Allah and obey me; Do not follow those who are extravagant; Who make mischief
in the land, and mend not (their way)…” (Ash-Shuraa:150-153)
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ENTITLEMENT TO JUSTICE
• Everyone is equal before the eyes of law. Muslims have to be just not only with ordinary human
beings but even with their enemies.
• The justice to which Islam invites her followers is not limited only to the citizens of their own
country, or the people of their own tribe, nation or race, or the Muslim community as a whole,
but it is meant for all the human beings of the world.

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do
not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to
righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Al-
Ma’idah:8)

“Many a community ruined itself in the past as they only punished the poor and ignored the
offenses of the exalted. By Allah, if Muhammad’s (My) daughter Fatimah would have
committed theft, her hand would have been severed.” (Bukhari)
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EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS
Along with basic human rights, Islam has also guaranteed special rights and duties specific to each type of
individual in the society and their observance is as necessary as basic human rights. Following are some
exclusive rights:

Husband and
Parents Children Women Minorities
Wife

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PARENTS
To be obedient to parents and to show kindness to them has been enjoined along with the Oneness
and Worship of Allah, in the Holy Quran, in such a manner that it appears that among human deeds,
to obey parents and treat them with respect and kindness is next only to Divine Worship.

“Your Lord (The Creator) has ordained that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to
the parents.” (Al-Israa:23)

To keep the parents well pleased is essential since their anger and displeasure will lead to Allah's
anger and displeasure.
Imam as-Sadiq relates that once a person approached the Prophet (PBUH) and asked: “O’
Prophet of Allah! Towards whom should I exhibit goodness and kindness?” The Prophet
replied: “Towards your mother.” The man then asked: “And after that towards whom?”
The Prophet again said: “Your Mother.” He asked again: “And then?” Once again, he
replied: “Your mother.” For the fourth time the man asked: “And then?” This time he said:
“Your father.”
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CHILDREN
 Children have the rights to be fed, clothed, education and protected until they reached to
adulthood.
 These rights are for both girls and boys there is no difference between their rights.
 The child should be given a good name
 The child’s rights with regard to education and upbringing
 Training in good manners and characteristics

“...kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them”.
(Quran 6:151)

“Observe justice in dealing with your children in the same manner in which you expect them
to observe justice in being kind and good to you.” (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari)
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HUSBAND AND WIFE
Husband and wife must be kind, well-mannered, cordial, cheerful, compassionate, helpful,
sympathetic, courteous, just, truthful, supportive, trustworthy, loyal, well-wishing, and polite with
one other. Various Ayahs and Hadith also emphasize sociability and geniality between spouses.

“And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to
those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable,
but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them (Al-Baqarah 2:228)

The rights of a wife regarding her husband are that he must provide her nourishment and clothing.

“Fear Allah concerning women! Verily you have taken them on the security of Allah, and
interaction with them has been made lawful unto you by words of Allah…Their rights upon
you are that you should provide them with food and clothing in a fitting manner” (Muslim)
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RIGHTS OF WOMEN
Islam has given special rights to women as a wife, mother, sister and daughter. Islam has given
women honour and integrity by making men their supporters and protectors, alongwith respecting
their social freedom according to Shari’ah.
Anas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “He who raises two daughters until they
are grown will be with me in Paradise like this” and he symbolized the proximity by
showing two of his fingers with a slight gap between them.” (Muslim)

Islam has honoured women by giving them the right to choose a spouse and keep their original
family name once married. Women's rights of inheritance and to own and manage property. Women
were also granted the right to live in the matrimonial home and receive financial maintainance
during marriage and a waiting period following death of husband or divorce.

In his farewell pilgrimage message the Prophet (PBUH) declared: “And women have rights
unto you as you have rights unto them.” (Muslim)
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MINORITIES
the Quran doesn’t only address tolerating non-Muslim minorities under an ideal Islamic State but it
talks about having cordial and friendly relationships with them.
it was indicated clearly and documented that God doesn’t want us as Muslims to have bad
relationships with non Muslims who are not fighting us and who are not hurting the cause.

“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you
out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are
just.” Al-Mum'taḥanah (60:8)

Muslim and non-Muslims are equal before the law. Non-Muslims are given equal basic rights and
religious freedom as the Muslims in an Islamic state.
‫َأَال َم ْن َظَلَم ُم َع اِهًد ا َأِو اْنَتَقَص ُه َأْو َك َّلَفُه َفْو َق َطاَقِتِه َأْو َأَخ َذ ِم ْنُه َش ْيًئا ِبَغْيِر ِط يِب َنْفٍس َفَأَنا َح ِج يُجُه َيْو َم اْلِقَياَم ِة‬
“Beware! Whoever is cruel and harsh to a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or
takes anything from them against their free will; I (Muhammad) will complain against the
person on the Day of Judgment.”(Abu Dawud)
 CONCLUSION 27
 Such social order, transcending as it does geographical boundaries and the barriers of
race, color and language, is appropriate for all parts of the world; and its foundations can
be raised for the universal brotherhood of mankind and the new definition of merit and
status.
 In societies based on race or nationality only those people can join who belong to a
particular race or nation, but in Islam all those who join this community will have the
same rights and social status. They will not be subjected to any racial, national or class
distinctions.
 Those who do not accept this creed, while obviously not being received into the
community, are treated with tolerance and humanity and guaranteed all the basic human
rights.
 In short, an Islamic society is an ideal society. The need of the hour is that the world in
general and the Muslims in particular understand the true concept of an Islamic society
and create a community where people cooperate with each other and there is justice and
peace among its members.
‫جزاك ُهللا خيًر ا‬