Saturday, October 20, 2007

MERITS OF ISLAM 3

MERITS OF ISLAM

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful


All praise due to the Almighty Allah, Who says in His Book:5: 3 This day, I ‎have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and ‎have chosen for you Islâm as your religion." ‎
Islam is the gist of the laws of all the prophets and the essence of wisdom of ‎all the wise men. There is not a single good and virtue, which has not been ‎enjoined, and there is not a single evil and vicious act, which has not been ‎prohibited;‎
‎16: 89.And We have sent down to you the Book (the Quran) as an exposition ‎of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have ‎submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).‎
This is a summarized subject about some of the merits of Islam:-



Merits of Islam in the Area of Creed


‎1-Islam has given thorough details of the concept of Allah "God", unlike ‎other beliefs, which make God a tribal god or a one of three gods, it also ‎gives thorough, and clear details of the obligations towards Him, towards ‎self and towards fellow beings.‎
‎112: 1. Say (O Muhammad): He is Allâh, (the) One.2. Allâh-us-Samad ‎‎(The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor ‎drinks). 3.He begets not, nor was He begotten; 4.And there is none co-‎equal or comparable unto Him."‎
‎29: 22. He is Allâh, than Whom there is Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the ‎right to be worshipped but He) the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen ‎‎(open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. 23. He is Allâh ‎than Whom there is Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be ‎worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the ‎Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the ‎Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allâh! (High is He) above all that ‎they associate as partners with Him. 24. He is Allâh, the Creator, the ‎Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best ‎Names . All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is ‎the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. ‎
‎2- Islam clearly defines the goals of our existence and duties.‎
‎51:56. And I (Allâh) created not the jinns and humans except they should ‎worship Me (Alone). ‎

‎2: 21. O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allâh),Who created you and those ‎who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious). ‎

‎3-Islam clearly defines the results of failure in doing our duties so that ‎we are aware of the consequences of our actions.‎
‎4: 14. And whosoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad), ‎and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide ‎therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment.‎

‎4-Islam is the only religion on earth through which the Creator is ‎worshipped according to His direct instructions found in His Final Book; ‎the Holy Qoran, unlike others who worship Him based on various human ‎interpretations found in so-called holy books.‎
‎15: 9. Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the ‎Qur'ân) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption) . ‎

‎5-Islam is the only religion of Allah, which He ordained on humans since ‎the creation of Adam until the Day of Judgment. Naturally, having One ‎God requires one religion only. It makes no sense to believe in One God, ‎and at the same time believe in a multiplicity of religions. ‎
‎3: 19. Truly, the religion with Allâh is Islâm. Those who were given the ‎Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual ‎jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in ‎the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, then ‎surely, Allâh is Swift in calling to account. ‎
‎16:36. And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, ‎nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allâh (Alone), and avoid ‎‎(or keep away from) Tâghût (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship ‎Tâghût besides Allâh). Then of them were some whom Allâh guided and ‎of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel ‎through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the ‎truth). ‎
‎3‎‏:‏‎85.And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be ‎accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. ‎

‎6-Islam's simplicity and clarity enables all various intellect levels of ‎people to understand it, and subsequently embrace it without any ‎hesitation or uncertainty.‎
‎2:‎‏ ‏‎285. The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him ‎from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allâh, His Angels, His ‎Books, and His Messengers. They say,We make no distinction between one another ‎of His Messengers" - and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your ‎Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)." ‎
‎6:151. Say (O Muhammad): Come, I will recite what your Lord has ‎prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and ‎dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty - We ‎provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawâhish ‎‎(shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly ‎or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allâh has forbidden, except for a ‎just cause (according to Islâmic law). This He has commanded you that ‎you may understand. 152. And come not near to the orphan's property, ‎except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and ‎give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, ‎but that which he can bear.And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge ‎between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative ‎is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allâh, This He commands you, ‎that you may remember. ‎
‎17: 32. And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is ‎a Fâhishah [i.e. anything that transgresses its limits (a great sin)], and an ‎evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allâh forgives him). ‎
The evidence from the Prophet's tradition is: Narrated 'Ubada bin As-‎Samit: I, along with a group of people, gave the pledge of allegiance to ‎Allah's Apostle. He said, "I take your Pledge on the condition that you (1) ‎will not join partners in worship with Allah, (2) will not steal, (3) will not ‎commit illegal sexual intercourse, (4) will not kill your offspring, (5) will ‎not slander, (6) and will not disobey me when I order you to do good. ‎Whoever among you will abide by his pledge, his reward will be with ‎Allah, and whoever commits any of those sins and receives the ‎punishment in this world, that punishment will be an expiation for his ‎sins and purification; but if Allah screens him, then it will be up to Allah ‎to punish him if He will or excuse Him, if He will." ‎

‎7-Islam requires belief in all the prophets of God and the former original ‎revealed Books.‎
‎4:‎‏ ‏‎136. O you who believe! Believe in Allâh, and His Messenger ‎‎(Muhammad), and the Book (the Qur'ân) which He has sent down to His ‎Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him), ‎and whosoever disbelieves in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, His ‎Messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away. ‎

‎8-The Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), is ‎the only prophet whose followers took great authenticity care of even the ‎smallest details of his biography, and recorded them in well-known ‎sources which are considered to be the second source of Islamic ‎legislation.‎

‎9-While the missions of the previous prophets of God were addressed to ‎specific nations at specific times, Islam is directed to all human beings ‎until the Last Hour. ‎
‎34:‎‏ ‏‎28. And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of ‎glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not. ‎

‎10-Islam acquits the prophets of the horrible misdeeds, which the Bible ‎accuses them of committing.‎
‎38:‎‏ ‏‎47. And they are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best! ‎

‎11-‏Islam ordains five prayers throughout the day and night, so the ‎Muslim is in touch with his Creator at all times.‎
‎11:114. And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), at the two ends of the ‎day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory Salât ‎‎(prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). ‎That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice). ‎

‎12-Ways of gaining rewards are innumerable in Islam. A Muslim is ‎rewarded for whatever he does to draw himself closer to Allah. ‎
‎99:7. So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ‎ant), shall see it. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Charity is ‎obligatory everyday on every joint of a human being. If one helps a ‎person in matters concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or ‎by lifting his luggage on to it, all this will be regarded charity. A good ‎word, and every step one takes to offer the compulsory Congregational ‎prayer, is regarded as charity; and guiding somebody on the road is ‎regarded as charity." ‎

‎13-Islam encourages people to repent by leaving the door open to them ‎to return to the Creator at any time, who assuredly will forgive all their ‎previous sins.‎
‎39: 53.Say: "O 'Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against ‎themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy ‎of Allâh, verily Allâh forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most ‎Merciful.‎
‎25: 70. Except those who repent and believe (in Islâmic Monotheism), ‎and do righteous deeds, for those, Allâh will change their sins into good ‎deeds, and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ‎

‎14-Islam imposes Jihad on Muslims when oppressed, so that there will ‎be no worshipping of any associates with Allah.‎
‎8:39. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and ‎polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allâh) and the religion ‎‎(worship) will all be for Allâh Alone [in the whole of the world ]. But if ‎they cease (worshipping others besides Allâh), then certainly, Allâh is ‎All-Seer of what they do.‎
‎22: 40. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only ‎because they said: "Our Lord is Allâh." For had it not been that Allâh ‎checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, ‎synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allâh is mentioned much ‎would surely have been pulled down. Verily, Allâh will help those who ‎help His (Cause). Truly, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty. ‎
This demonstrates the wisdom of jihad; it is meant to establish the ‎religion of Allah; monotheism/Islam, or preventing the infidels from ‎harming the believers, and paving the way to worship Allah and apply ‎His laws.‎

‎15-Islam prohibits adding or omitting anything to or from the Islamic ‎teachings to preserve and maintain it as exactly as when is was revealed ‎to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever ‎innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not a part of ‎it will have it rejected.”‎



Merits of Islam in the Impact on People‎


‎1-The law in Islam, enunciates the rights of mankind without distinction ‎of race and colour. No branch of Islamic law is based on the expediencies ‎and objects of any particular territory and particular race. The proof of ‎this is that whenever any problem presents itself in the world, whether it ‎be about the agreement and treaty with any nation, or about war and ‎whether it be about the internal administration or foreign policy' of the ‎country, a commandment relating to it will certainly be found in Islamic ‎law.‎

‎2-Good deeds, which a person does wipe away the sins of his bad deeds, ‎which encourage people to do good.‎
‎29: 7. Those who believe [in the Oneness of Allâh (Monotheism) and in ‎Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and ‎do not apostate because of the harm they receive from the polytheists], ‎and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall remit from them their evil ‎deeds and shall reward them according to the best of that which they used ‎to do.‎
‎11:‎‏ ‏‎114. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). ‎That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice).‎

‎3-Islamic rituals benefit the individual who does them:‎
Praying keeps the Muslim in a spirit of humiliation and concentration, he ‎will feel tranquil and secure. For this reason, the Prophet of Islam, ‎Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say: "Let ‎us find relaxation and joy in prayer." If something distressed him, he ‎would hasten to pray. ‎
Zakat; alms purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness, and ‎accustoms people to being generous and helping the poor and needy. It ‎will bring a great reward on the Day of Resurrection, just like other forms ‎of worship. Alms and charity contributes in lowering the poverty level.‎
Fasting involves refraining from food and sex. It is a form of worship, ‎and a way in which one can feel the hunger of those who are deprived. It ‎is also a reminder of the blessings of the Creator, and it brings rewards ‎beyond measure.‎
‎ Hajj; the pilgrimage to the sacred House of Allah, which was built by ‎Ibraheem (Abraham, upon whom be peace). By performing Hajj one is ‎obeying the command of Allah and the call to come and meet Muslims ‎from all over the world.‎
Ablution which is washing many body organs before praying keeps the ‎body clean.‎
‎73: 20. Verily, your Lord knows that you do stand (to pray at night) a ‎little less than two-thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the ‎night, and so do a party of those with you, And Allâh measures the night ‎and the day. He knows that you are unable to pray the whole night, so He ‎has turned to you (in mercy). So, recite you of the Qur'ân as much as may ‎be easy for you. He knows that there will be some among you sick, others ‎travelling through the land, seeking of Allâh's Bounty; yet others fighting ‎in Allâh's Cause. So recite as much of the Qur'ân as may be easy (for ‎you), and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give Zakât, and lend to ‎Allâh a goodly loan, and whatever good you send before you for ‎yourselves, (i.e. Nawâfil non-obligatory acts of worship: prayers, charity, ‎fasting, Hajj and 'Umrah, etc.), you will certainly find it with Allâh, better ‎and greater in reward. And seek Forgiveness of Allâh. Verily, Allâh is ‎Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.‎

‎4-Islam transfers people from the darkness of polytheism and worship of ‎the created, to worshipping the Only True Creator.‎
‎57:‎‏ ‏‎9. It is He Who sends down manifest Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, ‎lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad) that He may ‎bring you out from darkness into light. And verily, Allâh is to you full of ‎kindness, Most Merciful. ‎

‎5-Islam changes the lives of its subordinates by preventing them from ‎committing sins, pre-Islamic Arabs were at the top of ignorance, ‎backwardness and tribal conflicts, all was changed after they embraced ‎Islam.‎
‎3:‎‏ ‏‎103. And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this ‎Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allâh's ‎Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your ‎hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islâmic ‎Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from ‎it. Thus Allâh makes His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, ‎revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided. ‎

‎6-Islam produces psychological tranquility which results in a Muslim not ‎become too discontented if something harmful happens to him, or ‎become arrogant if it was good.‎
‎7:‎‏ ‏‎19. Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 20. Irritable ‎‎(discontented) when evil touches him; 21. And niggardly when good ‎touches him;- 22. Except those devoted to Salât (prayers) 23. Those who ‎remain constant in their Salât (prayers); 24. And those in whose wealth ‎there is a known right, 25. For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky ‎who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been ‎straitened); 26. And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, ‎

‎7-Islam defines the nature of the relationship between people.‎
‎49: 13. O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and ‎made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, ‎the most honourable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-‎Taqwa [i.e. one of the Muttaqûn (pious)]. Verily, Allâh is All-Knowing, ‎All-Aware. ‎

‎8-Islam does not differentiate between people regardless of their colors, ‎race or ethnicity. ‎
‎30: 22. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, ‎and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are ‎indeed signs for men of sound knowledge. ‎
The Prophet of Guidance (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told ‎us about the signs of a person’s success: “Allah does not look at the ‎outward appearance or wealth of any one of you, but He looks at your ‎hearts and deeds.” ‎




Merits of Islam in women's Affairs


‎1-Islam rescued women from the oppression and injustice which was ‎inflicted on them, such as burying female babies alive,‎
‎16:‎‏ ‏‎58. And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to ‎any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! 59. ‎He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he ‎has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonour or bury her in the ‎earth ? Certainly, evil is their decision. ‎

‎2-No other religion contains the injunctions about the prevention and ‎restraint of the carnal desires, evil instincts and worldly pleasures and ‎about the protection of the chastity and character of women as are found ‎in Islam. That's why‏ ‏Islam ordained the veil on women to protect them ‎from foreigners which might lead to harming them and why it forbids ‎them of making a wanton display of themselves (tabarruj).‎
‎ 33: 59. O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of ‎the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e.screen ‎themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That ‎will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so ‎as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever Oft¬Forgiving, Most Merciful. ‎
Islam ‎

‎3-Islam allows polygamy to solve the problem of increased number of ‎women over men, to prevent adultery, and to keep the previous marriage ‎for the sake of the other wife and for maintaining the interest of the ‎children. It requires equal treatment of the wives.‎
‎4:3. And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the ‎orphan¬girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or ‎four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), ‎then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands ‎possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice. ‎

‎4-Islam puts rules and limitations on how women and men should talk to ‎each other. The goal is to protect women from foreign men who might ‎abuse them.‎
‎33: 32. O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you ‎keep your duty (to Allâh), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose ‎heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be ‎moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner." ‎
Although the verse is directed to the Prophet's wives, all Muslim women ‎are included because the Prophet's wives are the mothers of the believers, ‎and the role models for Muslim women.‎

‎5-Islam imposed a dowry for the wife to be paid by her husband as a ‎symbol of his responsibility towards her.‎
‎4: 24. All others are lawful, provided you seek (them in marriage) with ‎Mahr (bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of ‎marriage) from your property, desiring chastity, not committing illegal ‎sexual intercourse, so with those of whom you have enjoyed sexual ‎relations, give them their Mahr as prescribed; but if after a Mahr is ‎prescribed, you agree mutually (to give more), there is no sin on ‎you. Surely, Allâh is Ever All¬Knowing, All¬Wise. ‎

‎6-Islam imposes custodianship of men over women to relieve the ‎burdens on women, so they have enough time and energy to take care of ‎their family's domestic needs. This is natural, since every establishment ‎has a main person responsible for it.‎
‎2: 228. but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allâh is ‎All-Mighty, All-Wise. ‎

‎7‎‏-‏Islam assigned shares from inheritance for women, after they ‎themselves were considered a part of their husband's inheritance. This is ‎to guarantee an independent income, so women have their own money or ‎property.‎
‎4:‎‏ ‏‎11. Allâh commands you as regards your children's (inheritance); to ‎the male, a portion equal to that of two females; if (there are) only ‎daughters, two or more, their share is two thirds of the inheritance; if only ‎one, her share is half. For parents, a sixth share of inheritance to each if ‎the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) ‎heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers or (sisters), the ‎mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of ‎legacies he may have bequeathed or debts. You know not which of them, ‎whether your parents or your children, are nearest to you in benefit, (these ‎fixed shares) are ordained by Allâh. And Allâh is Ever All¬Knower, All¬‎Wise. ‎
‎4:‎‏ ‏‎19. O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against ‎their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may ‎take away part of the Mahr you have given them, unless they commit ‎open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honourably. If you ‎dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allâh brings through it ‎a great deal of good. ‎

‎8-Islam considers women the other half of the human soul and requires ‎equal treatment between spouses.‎
‎2:‎‏ ‏‎228. And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards ‎living expenses, etc.) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as ‎regards obedience and respect, etc.) to what is reasonable, but men have a ‎degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.‎
‎4:19. O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against ‎their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may ‎take away part of the Mahr you have given them, unless they commit ‎open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honourably. If you ‎dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allâh brings through it ‎a great deal of good. ‎
‎46:15. And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his ‎parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth ‎with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty ‎‎(30) months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he ‎says: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for ‎Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, ‎and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make ‎my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, ‎I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)." ‎
A man came to Allah's Apostle Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be ‎upon him), and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be ‎treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet (peace and ‎blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Your mother." The man said. ‎‎"Who is next?" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ‎said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet ‎‎(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Your mother." The ‎man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet (peace and ‎blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Your father."‎
Aswad said, I asked 'Ā'ishah, What did the Prophet (peace and blessings ‎of Allah be upon him), do when in his house? She said, he served his ‎wife, meaning that he did work for his wife.‎

‎9-Islam equalizes duties and rewards between genders.‎
‎33:‎‏ ‏‎35 Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh in Islâm) men and ‎women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islâmic ‎Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allâh), the ‎men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and ‎the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allâh has ‎ordered and in abstaining from all that Allâh has forbidden), the men and ‎the women who are humble (before their Lord Allâh), the men and the ‎women who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât, and alms, etc.), the men and the ‎women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month ‎of Ramadân, and the optional Nawâfil fasting), the men and the women ‎who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the ‎women who remember Allâh much with their hearts and tongues (while ‎sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the ‎remembrance of Allâh during the five compulsory congregational ‎prayers) or praying extra additional Nawâfil prayers of night in the last ‎part of night, etc.) Allâh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great ‎reward (i.e. Paradise). ‎
‎3:195. So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered ‎them), "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male ‎or female. You are (members) one of another, so those who emigrated ‎and were driven out from their homes, and suffered harm in My Cause, ‎and who fought, and were killed (in My Cause), verily, I will remit from ‎them their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens under which rivers ‎flow (in Paradise); a reward from Allâh, and with Allâh is the best of ‎rewards. ‎




Merits of Islam in Public Rights


‎1-Islam prohibits encroachment on the creatures of God, whether they are ‎humans, animals or plants.‎
‎2:190. And fight in the Way of Allâh those who fight you, but transgress ‎not the limits. Truly, Allâh likes not the transgressors.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman ‎was punished because of a cat which she detained until it died of ‎starvation, because she neither fed it, nor let it free to eat from the vermin ‎of the earth.” ‎‏ ‏
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎‘Whilst a dog was walking around a well, almost dying of thirst, one of ‎the prostitutes of Bani Israa’eel saw him, took off her shoe, filled it with ‎water and gave him the water. She was forgiven because of that.” ‎
Muslim armies were ordered not to kill anyone who was not fighting ‎them, like women, children, the elderly and the priests. They were ‎ordered not to cut trees and not to fill up water wells with dirt.‎

‎2-A Muslim must be like a candle illuminating the way for the people for ‎the straight path to be saved them from God's fire. ‎
‎3: 110. You [true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of ‎Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of ‎peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic ‎Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar ‎‎(polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden), and you believe ‎in Allâh. And had the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) ‎believed, it would have been better for them; among them are some who ‎have faith, but most of them are Al-Fâsiqûn (disobedient to Allâh - and ‎rebellious against Allâh's Command). ‎

‎3-Islam calls for social cooperation and giving the rights to those who ‎deserve them by paying alms and charity.‎
‎51:‎‏ ‏‎19. And in their properties there was the right of the beggar, and the ‎Mahrûm (the poor who does not ask the others) , ‎
‎9:60. As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât/alms) are only for the Fuqarâ' ‎‎(poor), and Al-Masâkin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the ‎funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined ‎‎(towards Islâm); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for ‎Allâh's Cause (i.e. for Mujâhidûn - those fighting in the holy wars), and ‎for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty ‎imposed by Allâh. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise. ‎
‎17:28. And if you (O Muhammad) turn away from them (kindred, poor, ‎wayfarer, etc. whom We have ordered you to give their rights, but if you ‎have no money at the time they ask you for it) and you are awaiting a ‎mercy from your Lord for which you hope, then, speak unto them a soft ‎kind word (i.e. Allâh will give me and I shall give you). ‎

‎4-Islam orders compassion and charity to the poor, the needy, the ‎relatives, the neighbors and the wayfarers.‎
‎4:‎‏ ‏‎36. Worship Allâh and join none with Him in worship, and do good to ‎parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkin (the poor), the neighbour who is ‎near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, ‎the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands ‎possess. Verily, Allâh does not like such as are proud and boastful; ‎

‎5-Islam imposes fasting the whole month of Ramadan to make Muslims ‎experience the poor people's deprivation, therefore sympathize with them ‎by giving them charity.‎
‎2:183. O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed ‎for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become ‎Al-Muttaqûn (the pious).‎

‎6-Islam warns against taking money from the orphans, or spending it ‎needlessly.‎
‎4:‎‏ ‏‎2.And give unto orphans their property and do not exchange (your) bad ‎things for (their) good ones; and devour not their substance (by adding it) ‎to your substance. Surely, this is a great sin. ‎
‎6:152. "And come not near to the orphan's property, except to improve it, ‎until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and ‎full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can ‎bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give ‎evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and ‎fulfill the Covenant of Allâh, This He commands you, that you may ‎remember. ‎

‎7-Wealth is a gift from Allah, none has the right to feel superior to others ‎because they are wealthier than them, so Islam calls for treating the rich ‎and the poor in the same manner.‎
‎80: 1.The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) frowned ‎and turned away,2. Because there came to him the blind man (i.e. ‎‎'Abdullâh bin Umm-Maktûm, who came to the Prophet (peace and ‎blessings of Allah be upon him) while he was preaching to one or some ‎of the Quraish chiefs).3. But what could tell you that per chance he might ‎become pure (from sins)? ‎



Merits of Islam in the Area of Gatherings


‎1-Islam gives the same rights to both the rich and the poor in places of ‎gatherings, including in the mosques. ‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“Whoever gets up from his place then comes back to it, has more right to ‎it.” ‎

‎2-Islam forbids sitting between two persons without asking their ‎permission.‎

3-If three persons are sitting together, two may not converse secretly to ‎the exclusion of a third, because this is offensive.‎

‎4-Islam demands making room for newcomers in the place gatherings as ‎a sign of respect and cooperation.‎
‎58:‎‏ ‏‎11. O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the ‎assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allâh will give you (ample) ‎room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up [for prayers, ‎Jihâd (holy fighting in Allâh's Cause), or for any other good deed], rise ‎up. Allâh will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who ‎have been granted knowledge. And Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what ‎you do.‎

‎5-It is not permissible to remove a person from his place for someone ‎else to sit in it.‎

‎6-Islam urges respect for others and sets rules for greetings. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The ‎younger one should offer salutation to the older one, and the one who is ‎going along to the one who is sitting, and the smaller group to the larger ‎group."‎

‎7-Islam requires Muslims to avoid places where a person feels he will be ‎exposed to the temptation of looking, if he can manage to avoid them, ‎such as going to marketplaces or malls, and sitting in the street. The ‎Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:" Beware of ‎sitting in the street.” They said, “We have no alternative; that is where we ‎sit and talk.” He said, “If you insist on sitting there, then give the street ‎its rights.” They said, “What are the rights of the street?” He said, ‎‎“Lowering the gaze and refraining from causing offence…”‎

Merits of Islam Regarding the Welfare of a Child Before and After ‎his Birth
‎1- Choosing a good spouse is one of the child's rights before he is born. A ‎woman must choose a husband known for being religious and enjoying ‎good manners.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “If there ‎comes to you one whose religious commitment and attitude pleases you, ‎then marry [your female relative who is under your care] to him, for if ‎you do not do that, there will be tribulation on earth and much ‎corruption.” ‎
Also a man must choose a wife known for being religious and well ‎mannered.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “This ‎world is temporary pleasures and the best of the temporary pleasures of ‎this world is a righteous wife.”‎

‎2-Parents are obliged to take all means and precautions which protect the ‎child from Satan's mischief.‎
When a man has intercourse with his wife, he should say: (In the name of ‎Allah, O Allah Keep us away from the Shaytaan(Satan), and keep the ‎Shaytaan away from what You bestow on us (our children)).” The ‎Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: If ‎Allah decrees that they should have a child, the Shaytaan; will never ‎harm him.”‎

‎3-A mother must take good care of her health during pregnancy to ‎guarantee her child good health, by eating nutritious food, and taking ‎vitamin supplements, she must also be under medical supervision and not ‎expose herself to anything which might endanger the baby's safety.‎

‎4-Islam permits the pregnant woman not to fast during the holy month of ‎Ramadhan to ensure her baby's health, she must make up for those days ‎later. ‎
‎2:184. [Observing Saum (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of ‎you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from ‎other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old ‎man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskîn (poor ‎person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is ‎better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know. ‎

‎5-Islam postpones carrying out the penalty of adultery until after the ‎baby is born and weaned.‎

‎6-Islam gives the fetus its legal share of the inheritance. The family waits ‎until he is born to know if he is male or female, if he is one baby or more.‎

‎7-One of the rights is reciting through the newborn baby's ear the words ‎of calling for the prayer, they includes the Word of Divine Unity, which ‎is the testimony a person who embraces Islam has to say, and the last ‎words a dying Muslim says, this makes a person start and end his life as a ‎Muslim.‎

‎8-Tahnik; rubbing the newborn's gums with a finger covered with ‎chewed or mashed dates or any sweet is a tradition of the Prophet (peace ‎and blessings of Allah be upon him). ‎
Narrated Abu Musa: A son was born to me and I took him to the Prophet ‎‎(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who named him Ibrahim, did ‎Tahnik for him with a date, invoked Allah to bless him and returned him ‎to me. (The narrator added: That was Abu Musa's eldest son.) ‎

‎9-Islam demands that one of the baby's rights is nursing from his mother ‎for two years, because natural feeding is of great physical and moral ‎benefits to the baby. Islam lays on the father the responsibility of ‎providing for the mother during that time even if they were divorced.‎
‎2:‎‏ ‏‎233. The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, ‎‎(that is) for those (parents) who desire to complete the term of suckling, ‎but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother's food and ‎clothing on a reasonable basis. No person shall have a burden laid on him ‎greater than he can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account ‎of her child, nor father on account of his child. And on the (father's) heir ‎is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they ‎both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, ‎there is no sin on them. And if you decide on a foster suckling-mother for ‎your children, there is no sin on you, provided you pay (the mother) what ‎you agreed (to give her) on reasonable basis. And fear Allâh and know ‎that Allâh is All-Seer of what you do. ‎

‎10-Islam forbids a wife from concealing her pregnancy from her husband ‎in case of divorce, this is to ensure the lineage and inheritance rights of ‎the baby.‎
‎2:‎‏ ‏‎228. And divorced women shall wait (as regards their marriage) for ‎three menstrual periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what ‎Allâh has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allâh and the Last ‎Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that ‎period, if they wish for reconciliation. And they (women) have rights ‎‎(over their husbands as regards living expenses, etc.) similar (to those of ‎their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect, etc.) to what ‎is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And ‎Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise. ‎

‎11-Islam forbids adopting children in the sense of omitting the name of ‎the biological father and replacing it with the adopted father's name, this ‎is to guard the lineage and the rights of inheritance, and to avoid marriage ‎problems in the future.‎
‎33: 5. Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is ‎more just with Allâh. But if you know not their father's (names, call ‎them) your brothers in faith and Mawâlîkum (your freed slaves). And ‎there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to ‎what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allâh is Ever Oft¬Forgiving, ‎Most Merciful. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever ‎calls himself by other than his father’s name‏ (‏or attributes himself to ‎someone other than his father), will be cursed by‏ ‏Allah, the angels and all ‎the people)‎

‎12-Giving the baby a nice name is among his rights, since it has ‎psychological and social affects on him in the future, also everyone will ‎be called by his name along with his father's name on the Day of ‎Judgment, so it better be good name.‎
It was narrated from Naafi’ that Ibn ‘Umar said: The Messenger of Allah ‎‎(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The most beloved of ‎your names to Allah are ‘Abd-Allah and ‘Abd al-Rahmaan.” ‎

‎13-Slaughtering two sheep for a newborn baby boy and one sheep for a ‎girl is a tradition.‎
It was mentioned in a hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of ‎Allah be upon him): “Every child is in pledge for his ‘aqeeqah.” ‎

‎14-It is favorable to shave off the newborn's hair on the seventh day and ‎give the weight of the hair in silver as charity which is a way of helping ‎the poor and social cooperation. ‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ‎slaughtered a sheep as the ‘aqeeqah for al-Hasan, and he said, “O ‎Faatimah, shave his head and give the weight of his hair in silver in ‎charity.” So she weighed it and its weight was a dirham or part of a ‎dirham. ‎

‎15-A male newborn must be circumcised for health reasons.‎
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace ‎and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The fitrah is five things, or ‎five things are part of the fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hairs, ‎plucking the armpit hairs, clipping the nails and trimming the ‎moustache.”‎

‎16-The child’s rights with regard to education and upbringing:‎
Parents must take care of teaching their children the duties of Islam, and ‎worldly matters. They should instill in them the attributes of a good man, ‎such as love of sacrifice, putting others first, helping others, chivalry and ‎generosity. They should keep them away from evil characteristics such as ‎cowardice, stinginess, lack of chivalry, lack of ambition, etc. ‎
‎31:17. "O my son! Aqim¬is¬Salât (perform As¬Salât), enjoin (people) for ‎Al¬Ma'rûf (Islâmic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) ‎from Al¬Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allâh, polytheism of all ‎kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befall ‎you. Verily! These are some of the important commandments ordered by ‎Allâh with no exemption.18. "And turn not your face away from men ‎with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allâh likes ‎not each arrogant boaster.19. "And be moderate (or show no insolence) in ‎your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is ‎the voice (braying) of the ass." ‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“Teach the child to pray when he is seven years old, and smack him if he ‎does not pray when he is ten.”‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“Each of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The ruler who ‎is in charge of people is a shepherd and is responsible for them. The man ‎is the shepherd of his household and is responsible for them. The woman ‎is the shepherd of her husband’s house and child and is responsible for ‎them. The slave is the shepherd of his master’s wealth and is responsible ‎for it. Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his ‎flock.” ‎

‎17-Parents must treat all their children in the same manner, they should ‎not prefer one child to the others, because it will lead to the evil ‎consequence of the children hating one another, and stoking the flames of ‎hatred and enmity between them.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to the father ‎of al-Nu’maan,“Would you like them to honour you equally?” He said, ‎‎“Yes.” In other words, if you want them all to honour you equally, then ‎be fair in giving gifts to them. ‎

‎18-If it so happens that the parents separate, then the mother has a ‎greater right to custody than the father, unless there is reason not to give ‎priority to the mother, or an option of giving the child the choice in the ‎matter. The reason why the mother is given priority is that she is the ‎primary caregiver and is the one who breastfeeds the child; she is also ‎better able to care for the child and take care of him. She has more ‎patience than a man in this regard, and has more time than he does, so the ‎mother is given priority in the best interests of the child.‎
It was reported from ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar that a woman said, “O ‎Messenger of Allah, my womb was a container for this son of mine and ‎my lap was a haven for him, and he drank from my breast, but his father ‎is claiming that he should take him from me.” The Prophet (peace and ‎blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “You have more right to him (to ‎custody of him) so long as you do not remarry.” ‎

‎19-Abortion and killing children is a great sin, which expose the doer to ‎punishment in Hell-Fire. However, the case is studied if the mother's life ‎is in jeopardy.‎
‎17:31. And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We provide for ‎them and for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin. ‎
‎60: 12. O Prophet! When believing women come to you to give you the ‎Bai'â (pledge), that they will not associate anything in worship with ‎Allâh, that they will not steal, that they will not commit illegal sexual ‎intercourse, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter ‎slander, intentionally forging falsehood (i.e. by making illegal children ‎belonging to their husbands), and that they will not disobey you in any ‎Ma'rûf (Islâmic Monotheism and all that which Islâm ordains) then ‎accept their Bai'â (pledge), and ask Allâh to forgive them, Verily, Allâh is ‎Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ‎



Merits of Islam in the Relationship Between Men &Women


‎1-Islam encourages marriage to prevent committing adultery, and ‎considers marriage to be one of the ways of the Messengers;‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“O young people, whoever among you can afford to get married, let him ‎do so, for it helps one to lower the gaze and protect the private parts (i.e., ‎remain chaste). Whoever cannot afford it, let him fast, for it is a ‎protection for him.”‎

‎2-If a man wants to get married but is unable to spend on a wife, then he ‎should adhere to the words of Allah.‎
‎24:33 “And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep ‎themselves chaste, until Allâh enriches them of His Bounty”‎

‎3-Islam urges people to get married, and prohibits celibacy and ‎castration. It is forbidden to forego getting married even if the intention is to ‎devote oneself to worship. “There is no monasticism in Islam.” because ‎they are against his nature, and against having children.‎

‎4-Islam forbids adultery for the sake of reserving lineages, and to prevent ‎unlawful pregnancies and social problems.‎
‎17:‎‏ ‏‎32. And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is ‎a Fâhishah [i.e. anything that transgresses its limits (a great sin)], and an ‎evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allâh forgives him). ‎

‎5-Islam forbids accusing others of adultery and considers it a great sin. ‎‎24:‎‏ ‏‎15. When you were propagating it with your tongues, and uttering ‎with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, you counted it a ‎little thing, while with Allâh it was very great. ‎

‎6-Islam prohibits a man to be alone with a woman who is not a relative ‎he can't marry, because that causes temptation to do immoral and evil ‎actions. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No man is ‎alone with a (non-mahram) woman but the Satan is the third one present.”‎

‎7-Islam forbids unlawful sexual relationships and marrying a woman not ‎chaste.‎
‎5:‎‏ ‏‎5. Made lawful to you this day are At¬Tayyibât [all kinds of Halâl ‎‎(lawful) foods, which Allâh has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable ‎animals, etc., milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits, etc.). The food ‎‎(slaughtered cattle, eatable animals, etc.) of the people of the Scripture ‎‎(Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to ‎them. (Lawful to you in marriage) are chaste women from the believers ‎and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and ‎Christians) before your time.‎‏ ‏



Merits of Islam in Personal Matters

‎1-Islam requires spiritual and bodily cleanliness.‎
‎2:‎‏ ‏‎222. They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a ‎harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife ‎while she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during ‎menses and go not unto them till they have purified (from menses and ‎have taken a bath). And when they have purified themselves, then go in ‎unto them as Allah has ordained for you (go in unto them in any manner ‎as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, Allâh loves those who turn unto ‎Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a ‎bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for ‎their prayers, etc.). ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) out of one of the ‎gardens of Madeenah, and he heard the sounds of two people who were ‎being tormented in their graves. He said, ‘They are being punished, not ‎for something that was difficult to avoid, but it is nevertheless a major ‎sin. One of them did not protect himself from urine (i.e., take measures to ‎avoid contaminating himself or his clothes) and the other used to walk ‎about spreading tattling.”‎

‎2-Islam has prohibited alcoholic drinks and all intoxicating things which ‎
cause the destruction and annihilation of proper judgment and reason, ‎which is the most valuable gift in the world. ‎
‎5:‎‏ ‏‎90. O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), ‎gambling, Al¬Ansâb , and Al¬Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) ‎are an abomination of Shaitân's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) ‎that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. ‎

‎3-Everything that happens in this universe, good or bad, happens by the ‎decree of Allah, under His control and by His will, therefore Islam forbids a ‎mentally healthy person of suicide and considers it a major sin and a bad ‎end. The one who kills himself in order to escape calamities or poverty or ‎the results of distress or anger has, by doing that, exposed himself to the ‎punishment of Allah, because he hastened to bring about his demise as if ‎he was objecting to Allah's will and decree. The society should provide ‎psychological treatment for those who need it.‎
‎4 : 29. O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves ‎unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not ‎kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allâh is Most Merciful to ‎you.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever ‎kills himself with a piece of iron, that iron will be in his hand and he will ‎be stabbing himself in the stomach with it in Hell for ever and ever. ‎Whoever kills himself with poison, that poison will be in his hand and he ‎will be drinking it in Hell…” ‎

‎4-Islam vigorously raises the human ambitions and urges people not to ‎neglect their worldly interests, but warns against having no other concern ‎in life other than gaining materialistic things.‎
‎47: 36. The life of this world is but play and pastime, but if you believe ‎‎(in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism), and fear Allâh, and avoid ‎evil, He will grant you your wages, and will not ask you your wealth. ‎

‎5-Islam grants rights to everyone including the dead; it forbids speaking ‎ill of the dead; exposing their corpses, and not burying them, furthermore ‎it lays on their children the responsibility of paying charity on their ‎parents' behalf, paying back their debts, praying for them and being nice ‎to their friends.‎
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said “When the ‎son of Adam dies, his deeds come to an end apart from three: sadaqah ‎jaariyah (ongoing charity); beneficial knowledge; or a righteous son who ‎will make du’aa’ for him.”‎

‎6-Wishing for death due to suffering that one is passing through; praying ‎against one’s self, one’s children, one’s servants or one’s wealth is not ‎permissible because it brings harm.‎



Merits of Islam in Financial Matters


‎1-Islam preserves the property of others, prevents theft and sets severe ‎punishment for it.‎
‎5: 38. Cut off (from the wrist joint) the (right) hand of the thief, male or ‎female, as a recompense for that which they committed, a punishment by ‎way of example from Allâh. And Allâh is All¬Powerful, All¬Wise. ‎

‎2-Islam preserves money and forbids the foolish from wasting it, the ‎foolish is a person who is either too young, or without mental stability.‎
‎4:‎‏ ‏‎5. And give not unto the foolish your property which Allâh has made a ‎means of support for you , but feed and clothe them therewith, and speak ‎to them words of kindness and justice.‎
‎ ‎
‎3-Money is an endowment from Allah, therefore it must be spent in ways ‎He approves of.‎
‏ ‏‎9:34. O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis ‎and the (Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in ‎falsehood, and hinder (them) from the Way of Allâh (i.e. Allâh's Religion ‎of Islâmic Monotheism). And those who hoard up gold and silver [Al-‎Kanz: the money, the Zakât of which has not been paid], and spend it not ‎in the Way of Allâh, -announce unto them a painful torment. ‎

‎4-Islam has a rule for property found without knowing its owner; it is not ‎permissible for anyone to pick up any kind of lost property unless he can ‎be sure that he will deal with it properly and that he is able to make the ‎necessary announcements
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was ‎asked about lost gold and silver. He said, ‘Know the details of the purse ‎and the string, then announce it for a year. If no one claims it, then ‎dispose of it, and it is like a trust in your hands. Then if the owner comes ‎along some day, give it to him.” He was asked about the sheep, and he ‎said, “Take it, because either it is for you, or your brother, or the wolf.” ‎He was asked about lost camels, and he said, “What has it got to do with ‎you? It has its water, it can walk to find water and it can eat trees until its ‎owner finds it.”‎

‎5-Islam forbids not giving full measure and full weight during selling, ‎buying or any other dealings.‎
‎6: 152. and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not ‎any person, but that which he can bear.‎
‎83: 1. Woe to Al-Mutaffifin [those who give less in measure and weight ‎‎(decrease the rights of others)], 2. Those who, when they have to receive ‎by measure from men, demand full measure, 3. And when they have to ‎give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. ‎
‎17:‎‏ ‏‎35. And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a ‎balance that is straight. That is good (advantageous) and better in the end. ‎

‎6-Islam regulates the process of borrowing by legal documents.‎
‎2: 282. O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, ‎write it down. Let a scribe write it down in justice between you. Let not ‎the scribe refuse to write as Allâh has taught him, so let him write. Let ‎him (the debtor) who incurs the liability dictate, and he must fear Allâh, ‎his Lord, and diminish not anything of what he owes. But if the debtor is ‎of poor understanding, or weak, or is unable himself to dictate, then let ‎his guardian dictate in justice. And get two witnesses out of your own ‎men. And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two ‎women, such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them (two ‎women) errs, the other can remind her. And the witnesses should not ‎refuse when they are called on (for evidence). You should not become ‎weary to write it (your contract), whether it be small or big, for its fixed ‎term, that is more just with Allâh; more solid as evidence, and more ‎convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, save when it is a present ‎trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no ‎sin on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you ‎make a commercial contract. Let neither scribe nor witness suffer any ‎harm, but if you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So be ‎afraid of Allâh; and Allâh teaches you. And Allâh is the All-Knower of ‎each and everything. ‎

‎7-Paying off the debts is an obligation on those who are capable of doing ‎so.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “For a rich ‎man to delay payment is wrongdoing.”‎
Islam also forbids asking for a loan with no intention of repaying it; to ‎take anything of the wealth of a fellow-Muslim, unless it is given freely. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said " “Whoever ‎takes people’s money but he intends to pay it back, Allah will pay it back ‎on their behalf, but whoever takes it and intends to destroy it, Allah will ‎destroy him.” ‎

‎8-Islam forbids usury because it inflicts injustice to one of the parties.‎
‎2: 275. Those who eat Ribâ (usury) will not stand (on the Day of ‎Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân ‎‎(Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only ‎like Ribâ (usury)," whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden ‎Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and ‎stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for ‎Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the ‎dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein. ‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ‎cursed ten people: the one who consumes ribaa, the one who pays ribaa, ‎the one who writes it down, the two who witness it, the one who makes it ‎lawful, the one for whom it is made lawful, the one who withholds ‎sadaqah (charity), the one who does tattoos and the one for whom ‎tattooing is done.”‎

‎9-Islam makes it mandatory to replace the item which a person borrows ‎from someone else and wastes it, this is to ensure the rights of the owner, ‎and to teach the borrower a lesson in how to guard and take good care of ‎what he was entrusted with.‎
‎2: 194 Then whoever transgresses the prohibition against you, you ‎transgress likewise against him

‎10-Islam urges defending personal properties, and gives the victim the ‎right to kill the aggressor if he had to.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever ‎is killed defending his property is a shaheed (martyr), whoever is killed ‎defending himself is a shaheed, whoever is killed defending his religion is ‎a shaheed, and whoever is killed defending his family is a shaheed.”‎

‎11-Islam forbids wasting money needlessly, because the Almighty Allah ‎hates extravagance for it is harmful to the people, and might lead them to ‎become poor and unable to provide for their families.‎
‎57: 7. Believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad), and spend of ‎that whereof He has made you trustees. And such of you as believe and ‎spend (in Allâh's Way), theirs will be a great reward. ‎
‎2: 195. And spend in the Cause of Allâh (i.e. Jihâd of all kinds, etc.) and ‎do not throw yourselves into destruction (by not spending your wealth in ‎the Cause of Allâh), and do good. Truly, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the ‎good-doers). ‎
‎17: 26. And give to the kindred his due and to the Miskîn (poor) and to ‎the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a ‎spendthrift . 27. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatîn (devils), ‎and the Shaitân (Devil ¬ Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. ‎
‎ 5:31. O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean ‎clothes), while praying and going round (the Tawâf of ) the Ka'bah, and ‎eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allâh) likes ‎not Al-Musrifûn (those who waste by extravagance). ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has ‎forbidden you to disobey your mothers, to bury infant girls alive, to ‎withhold the rights of others, to demand what is not rightfully yours, to ‎pass on everything that you hear, to ask too many questions and to waste ‎money.”‎

‎12-Islam forbids the capable from begging and orders people to earn ‎their living by working in all kinds of legal areas such as agriculture, and ‎trading. ‎
‎67: 15. He it is, Who has made the earth subservient to you (i.e. easy for ‎you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it, etc.), so walk in the path ‎thereof and eat of His provision, and to Him will be the Resurrection. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No man ‎eats better food than the one who earns it with his own hands. The ‎Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of Allah Dawood ‎‎(peace be upon him) used to eat from what he earned with his own hands.‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“For one of you to chop wood and carry it on his back is better for him ‎than asking (begging) from anyone who will either give him something or ‎refuse to give him anything.” ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said “Asking (for ‎help) is not permissible except in three cases: a man who has been stricken ‎by poverty, (so obvious) that three wise men of his people would say that So ‎and so is stricken by poverty. Then asking is permissible for him, so that he ‎can get enough for his basic needs.” ‎

‎13-Islam forbids people from earning their living from illegal means.‎
‎23: 15. He it is, Who has made the earth subservient to you (i.e. easy for ‎you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it, etc.), so walk in the path ‎thereof and eat of His provision, and to Him will be the Resurrection. ‎
‎2: 172. O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic ‎Monotheism)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with, ‎and be grateful to Allâh, if it is indeed He Whom you worship. ‎
‎23: 51. O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Taiyibât [all kinds of Halâl (legal) ‎foods which Allâh has made legal (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, ‎milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.], and do righteous ‎deeds. Verily! I am Well-Acquainted with what you do. ‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“O people, Allah is Good and only accepts that which is good. Allah ‎commanded the pious to follow the same commandments as He gave to ‎the Messengers. He says (interpretation of the meaning):‘O (you) ‎Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (lawful) foods ‎which Allah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk ‎products, fats, vegetables, fruits)] and do righteous deeds. Verily, I am ‎Well-Acquainted with what you do’ [al-Mu’minoon 23:51]‎
‎‘O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allah — Islamic Monotheism)! ‎Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with’ [2:172]‎
Then he mentioned a man who has traveled on a long journey and is ‎dishevelled and covered with dust; he stretches forth his hands to the ‎heaven, (saying) “O Lord, O Lord”, but his food is haraam (from ‎unlawful means), his drink is haraam, all his nourishment is haraam, so ‎how can his du’aa (prayer) be accepted?” ‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“Whoever gives charity equal to a date from good (halal) earnings – for ‎Allah does not accept anything but that which is good – Allah will take it ‎in His right hand and tend it for the one who gave it as any one of you ‎tends his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.”‎

‎14-Islam forbids being a miser, because it reflects distrust in Allah, and ‎deprives the poor from getting help which is a must.‎
‎17: 29. And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor ‎stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become ‎blameworthy and in severe poverty. ‎
‎2: 195. And spend in the Cause of Allâh (i.e. Jihâd of all kinds, etc.) and ‎do not throw yourselves into destruction (by not spending your wealth in ‎the Cause of Allâh), and do good. Truly, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the ‎good-doers). ‎

‎15-Islam forbids all kinds of selling which involve ignorance (of the ‎product), misleading and cheating; selling blood, wine, pork, idols and ‎everything that Allah has forbidden - their price, whether bought or sold - ‎is unlawful, forbids najash, which is offering a price for something one ‎has no intention of buying, as happens in many auctions; concealing a ‎product’s faults at the time of selling; selling something which one does ‎not own or before it comes into one’s possession; undercutting, ‎outbidding or out bargaining another; selling produce before it is clear ‎that it is in good condition and free of blemish.‎

‎16-It is forbidden to bet or gamble; to take anything by force; and to ‎accept or offer bribes.‎



Merits of Islam in the Area of Ethics


‏ ‎1-Islam calls for self-discipline and forbids a person from reacting to self ‎urges. ‎
‎29: 69. As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely ‎guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh's Religion - Islâmic Monotheism). ‎And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers)." ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), used to say: ‎‎"The best of you are those who have the most excellent morals."‎

2-Islam demands good treatment of parents to the degree that it is ‎connected with monotheism.‎
‎17: 23. And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And ‎that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain ‎old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at ‎them but address them in terms of honour. 24. And lower unto them the ‎wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Lord! ‎Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small." ‎
‎ ‎
‎3-Islam prohibits arrogance and looking down on others. Arrogance is ‎one of the characteristics of Satan.‎
‎28: 76. Verily, Qârûn (Korah) was of Mûsa's (Moses) people, but he ‎behaved arrogantly towards them. And We gave him of the treasures, that ‎of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men. ‎When his people said to him: "Do not be glad (with ungratefulness to ‎Allâh's Favours). Verily! Allâh likes not those who are glad (with ‎ungratefulness to Allâh's Favours). ‎
‎23: 37. And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you ‎can neither rend nor penetrate the earth, nor can you attain a stature like ‎the mountains in height.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No one ‎who has an atom’s-weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” ‎A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, what if a man likes his clothes and ‎his shoes to look good?” He said, “Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty. ‎Arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people.” ‎

‎4-Tattling (nameemah) is a major sin. It means telling some people what ‎others have said about them in order to cause trouble among them.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No person ‎who spreads nameemah will enter Paradise.” According to another report, ‎‎“No eavesdropper (qattaat)…A qattaat is someone who spreads ‎nameemah.‎

‎5-Islam prohibits lying. One of the worst kinds of lying is to lie about ‎dreams, like fabricating dreams and visions in order to prove one’s virtue, ‎or make some material gains, or to frighten an enemy.‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎‘You must be truthful, for truthfulness leads to righteousness and ‎righteousness leads to Paradise. A man will keep speaking the truth and ‎striving to speak the truth until he will be recorded with Allah as a ‎siddeeq (speaker of the truth). Beware of telling lies, for lying leads to ‎immorality and immorality leads to Hellfire. A man will keep telling lies ‎and striving to tell lies until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.”‎‏ ‏

‎6-Islam forbids baseless suspicions, because it results in distrust and bad ‎relationships. ‎
‎49: 12. O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some ‎suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one ‎of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate ‎backbiting) . And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who accepts ‎repentance, Most Merciful. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Beware of ‎suspicion, for suspicion is the falsest of speech. Do not eavesdrop; do not ‎spy on one another; do not envy one another; do not forsake one another; ‎do not hate one another. Be, O slaves of Allah, brothers.”‎

‎7-Islam encourages forgiveness and urges conciliation.‎
‎24: 22 Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allâh should ‎forgive you? And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.‎
‎4: 114. There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who ‎orders Sadaqah (charity in Allâh's Cause), or Ma'rûf (Islâmic ‎Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allâh has ‎ordained), or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, ‎seeking the good Pleasure of Allâh, We shall give him a great reward.‎
‎3: 134. Those who spend [in Allâh's Cause - deeds of charity, alms, etc.] ‎in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; ‎verily, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the good¬doers). ‎

‎8-Islam forbids bad language, insults, slander and backbiting.‎
‎4: 148. Allâh does not like that the evil should be uttered in public except ‎by him who has been wronged. And Allâh is Ever All¬Hearer, All¬Knower. ‎
It is not permitted to curse one's children or anyone else among the ‎Muslims, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ‎said: “Trading insults with a Muslim is evildoing and fighting him is kufr ‎‎(disbelief).” And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“Cursing a believer is like killing him.”‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“The believer does not slander, curse, or speak in an obscene or foul ‎manner.”‎
‎104: 1. Woe to every slanderer and backbiter. ‎

‎9-Islam encourages socializing with others, individual worshiping ‎because it is sign of not showing off and hypocrisy.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “You will ‎not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you ‎love one another. Shall I not tell you of that which will strengthen love ‎between you? Spread (the greeting of) salam amongst yourselves.”‎

‎10-Islam warns against harming other Muslims.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The ‎Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe.”‎
‏ ‏
‎11-Islam sets a group of acts that are for the benefit of others.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The rights ‎of one Muslim over another are five: returning the greeting of salam, ‎saying ‘yarhamuk Allah (may Allah have mercy on you)’ when he ‎sneezes, accepting invitations, visiting the sick and attending funerals.”‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:“The best of ‎companions with Allah is the one who is best to his companion, and the ‎best of neighbors with Him is the one who is best to his neighbour.”)‎

‎12-Islam forbids mischief and destruction of properties.‎
‎2: 205. And when he turns away (from you "O Muhammad ), his effort in ‎the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the ‎cattle, and Allâh likes not mischief. ‎

‎13-Islam forbids inflicting wrong upon others.‎
‎3: 57. And as for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh) and do ‎righteous good deeds, Allâh will pay them their reward in full. And Allâh ‎does not like the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers). ‎
‎33: 58. And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, ‎bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin. ‎
Taking another person’s property unjustly is forbidden, because the ‎Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Your blood, ‎your property and your honour are sacred to you.” And he (peace and ‎blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The property of a Muslim is not ‎permissible unless he gives his consent.” ‎
The property that is seized by force may be real estate or it may be ‎moveable goods, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be ‎upon him) said: “Whoever seizes a handspan of land unlawfully, will ‎surround him to the depth of seven earth.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Beware of ‎wrongdoing, for wrongdoing will be darkness on the Day of ‎Resurrection.” ‎
And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that Allah, may ‎He be glorified and exalted, said: “O My slaves, I have forbidden ‎wrongdoing to Myself and I have made it haraam among you, so do not ‎wrong one another.”‎

‎14-Islam forbids deceit. 4: 107. And argue not on behalf of those who ‎deceive themselves. Verily, Allâh does not like anyone who is a betrayer ‎of his trust, and indulges in crime. ‎

‎15-Islam demands fulfilling treaties even with the enemy.‎
‎9: 4. Except those of the Mushrikûn with whom you have a treaty, and ‎who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor have supported ‎anyone against you. So fulfill their treaty to them to the end of their term. ‎Surely Allâh loves Al- Muttaqûn (the pious). ‎
‎3: 76. Yes, whoever fulfils his pledge and fears Allâh much; verily, then ‎Allâh loves those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2). ‎

‎16-Islam encourages patience.‎
‎3: 146. And many a Prophet (i.e. many from amongst the Prophets) ‎fought (in Allâh's Cause) and along with him (fought) large bands of ‎religious learned men. But they never lost heart for that which did befall ‎them in Allâh's Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And ‎Allâh loves As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said;" Whoever ‎controls his anger at the time when he has the means to act upon it, Allah ‎will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of Resurrection."‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:" The strong ‎man is not the one who can overpower others (in wrestling); rather, the ‎strong man is the one who controls himself when he gets angry.‎

‎17-Islam calls for consultation and trusting Allah before acting.‎
‎3:‎‏ ‏‎159. and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a ‎decision, put your trust in Allâh, certainly, Allâh loves those who put ‎their trust (in Him).‎

‎18-Islam demands justice.‎
‎5: 42. (They like to) listen to falsehood, to devour anything forbidden. So ‎if they come to you (O Muhammad), either judge between them, or turn ‎away from them. If you turn away from them, they cannot hurt you in the ‎least. And if you judge, judge with justice between them. Verily, Allâh ‎loves those who act justly. ‎

‎19-Islam calls for removing harmful items from the roads and ‎sidewalks.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said “Faith has ‎seventy-odd branches, the highest of which is saying Laa Ilaha ill-Allah ‎‎(there is go god except Allah) and the least of which is removing a ‎harmful thing from the road.” ‎



Merits of Islam in its Flexibility and Adaptation to Changes


Islam has the flexibility to maintain originality and relevance to all times ‎and places:‎‏ ‏‎-‎
‎1-A Muslim can shorten and join two prayers in some cases, such as ‎when he is sick or traveling, which makes praying easy for him.‎
‎4: 101. And when you (Muslims) travel in the land, there is no sin on you ‎if you shorten your Salât (prayer) if you fear that the disbelievers may ‎attack you, verily, the disbelievers are ever unto you open enemies. ‎

‎2-During wars or times of fear, Muslims can pray in a very easy way.‎
‎4: 102. When you (O Messenger Muhammad) are among them, and lead ‎them in As-Salât (the prayer), let one party of them stand up [in Salât ‎‎(prayer)] with you taking their arms with them; when they finish their ‎prostrations, let them take their positions in the rear and let the other party ‎come up which has not yet prayed, and let them pray with you taking all ‎the precautions and bearing arms. Those who disbelieve wish, if you were ‎negligent of your arms and your baggage, to attack you in a single rush, ‎but there is no sin on you if you put away your arms because of the ‎inconvenience of rain or because you are ill, but take every precaution for ‎yourselves. Verily, Allâh has prepared a humiliating torment for the ‎disbelievers. ‎

‎3-The poor and disabled are exempt from performing the duty of ‎pilgrimage.‎
‎3: 97. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty ‎that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the expenses (for one's ‎conveyance, provision and residence); ‎

‎4-The sick, travelers, nursing and pregnant women are exempt from ‎fasting until their situation changes and they become able to fast.‎
‎2: 184. [Observing Saum (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of ‎you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from ‎other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old ‎man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskîn (poor ‎person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is ‎better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know. ‎

‎5-The disabled are exempt from participating in holy fighting.‎
‎9: 91. There is no blame on those who are weak or ill or who find no ‎resources to spend [in holy fighting (Jihâd)], if they are sincere and true ‎‎(in duty) to Allâh and His Messenger. No ground (of complaint) can there ‎be against the Muhsinûn (good-doers - see the footnote of V.9:120). And ‎Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ‎

‎6-Wiping some parts of the body with clean soil or sand is a replacement ‎for ablution at times when water is not available.‎
‎4: 43. O you who believe! Approach not As¬Salât (the prayer) when you ‎are in a drunken state until you know (the meaning) of what you utter, nor ‎when you are in a state of Janâba, (i.e. in a state of sexual impurity and ‎have not yet taken a bath) except when travelling on the road (without ‎enough water, or just passing through a mosque), till you wash your ‎whole body. And if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes after ‎answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (by ‎sexual relations) and you find no water, perform Tayammum with clean ‎earth and rub therewith your faces and hands (Tayammum) . Truly, Allâh ‎is Ever Oft¬Pardoning, Oft¬Forgiving. ‎

‎7-Poor people who do not have the designated amount of savings for a ‎whole year are exempt from paying alms, even a person who owns the ‎minimum threshold, but he is poor may give and be given alms. ‎

‎8-All unlawful foods with the exception of human flesh, food or drink ‎which might lead to death become lawful at times when a Muslim is ‎starving and in danger of dying, the amount must not be filling his ‎stomach, but just enough to prevent that danger.‎
‎16: 115. He has forbidden you only Al-Maytatah (meat of a dead animal), ‎blood, the flesh of swine, and any animal which is slaughtered as a ‎sacrifice for others than Allâh (or has been slaughtered for idols etc. or on ‎which Allâh's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if ‎one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, and not ‎transgressing, then, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ‎
‎6: 119. And why should you not eat of that (meat) on which Allâh's Name ‎has been pronounced (at the time of slaughtering the animal), while He ‎has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under ‎compulsion of necessity? And surely many do lead (mankind) astray by ‎their own desires through lack of knowledge. Certainly your Lord knows ‎best the transgressors. ‎

‎9-Shares in inheritance are adapted to the amount which is inherited, so ‎that the quotas for each heir is the same as the original. ‎

‎10-Islam forbids changing the shapes of the body organs because the ‎purpose is to change the creation of Allah, but allows cosmetic operations ‎in case there is a deformation, which causes harm for the person. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave permission to ‎a man whose nose had been cut off in battle to wear a nose made of gold. ‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed ‎those women who pluck their eyebrows and file their teeth for the purpose ‎of beautification and change the creation of Allah. ‎

‎11-Islam balances between acts of worship and life's daily demands.‎
‎'Abd Allah ibn 'Amr reported, The Messenger of Allah, peace and ‎blessings of Allah be on him, said to me, "O 'Abd Allah! Am I not told ‎that thou fastest in the day time and standest up in devotion during the ‎night?" I said, Yes, O Messenger of Allah. He said: "Do not do so; keep ‎fast and break it and stand up in devotion (in the night)‎



Merits of Islam in Social Relations


‎1-Islam does not discriminate between Muslims and others when giving ‎charity, and gives relatives and neighbors great rights, even if they are not ‎Muslims.‎
‎4:‎‏ ‏‎36. Worship Allâh and join none with Him in worship, and do good to ‎parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkin (the poor), the neighbour who is ‎near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, ‎the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands ‎possess. Verily, Allâh does not like such as are proud and boastful; ‎
‎29:‎‏ ‏‎8. And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his ‎parents, but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything ‎‎(as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto ‎Me is your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do. ‎

‎2-Islam encourages strong relations between relatives and friends ‎including allowing them to eat from their homes given advanced ‎knowledge of their permission.‎
‎24:‎‏ ‏‎61. There is no restriction on the blind, nor any restriction on the ‎lame, nor any restriction on the sick, nor on yourselves, if you eat from ‎your houses, or the houses of your fathers, or the houses of your mothers, ‎or the houses of your brothers, or the houses of your sisters, or the houses ‎of your father's brothers, or the houses of your father's sisters, or the ‎houses of your mother's brothers, or the houses of your mother's sisters, ‎or (from that) whereof you hold keys, or (from the house) of a friend. No ‎sin on you whether you eat together or apart. But when you enter the ‎houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allâh (i.e. say: As-Salâmu ‎‎'Alaikum - peace be on you) blessed and good. Thus Allâh makes clear ‎the Ayât (these Verses or your religious symbols and signs, etc.) to you ‎that you may understand. ‎

‎3-Islam requires authorization to enter a house when the owners are in it, ‎this is because they may not be in a position to receive guests.‎
‎24:‎‏ ‏‎27. O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until ‎you have asked permission and greeted those in them, that is better for ‎you, in order that you may remember. 28. And if you find no one therein, ‎still, enter not until permission has been given. And if you are asked to go ‎back, go back, for it is purer for you, and Allâh is All-Knower of what ‎you do. ‎

‎4-Islam calls for respecting the elderly and being compassionate towards ‎the young.‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and ‎show respect to our old ones.”‎

‎5-Islam encourages fostering orphans.‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“The one who sponsors an orphan, whether he belongs to him or to ‎someone else, and I will be like these two in Paradise”‎

‎6-Islam prohibits harming neighbors.‎
The Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings of Allāh be on him, ‎said:"Whoever believes in Allāh and the latter day should not harm his ‎neighbour, and whoever believes in Allāh and the latter day should ‎honour his guest."‎

‎7-Islam imposes rights and duties upon Muslims toward other Muslims.‎
The Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings of Allāh be on him, said:"A ‎Muslim owes to a Muslim six (duties) to be bestowed liberally--he should ‎offer him salutation when he meets him,12 and he should accept when he ‎invites him, and he should pray for him when he sneezes, and he should ‎visit him when he is sick, and he should follow his bier when he dies, and ‎he should love for him what he loves for himself."‎


Merits of Islam in Applying the Rulings for Felonies

‎1-Carrying out the rules specified for some kinds of felonies prevents ‎people from committing those felonies, therefore limits the numbers of ‎felonies which is a way of protecting society and people's lives and their ‎properties. It also expiates being punished for them on the Day of ‎Judgment.‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‎with a group of his companions standing around him: “Come and give me ‎your oath of allegiance, promising that you will not associate anything in ‎worship with Allah, or steal, or commit zinaa (illegal sexual activity), or ‎kill your children, or utter slander intentionally forging falsehood (by ‎wrongfully attributing illegitimate children to husbands), or disobey me ‎with regard to anything good (ma’roof). Whoever among you fulfils this ‎oath, his reward will be due from Allah, and whoever commits any of ‎these sins and is punished for it in this world, this will be an expiation for ‎him. Whoever commits any of these sins and Allah conceals it for him, ‎then his case rests with Allah – if He wills, He will punish him and if He ‎wills, He will forgive him.” So they gave their oath of allegiance to him ‎on that basis.‎
A Ghamidi woman came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be ‎upon him) asking him to carry out the punishment on her for adultry after ‎she had repented, he said concerning her: “She has repented in a manner ‎that if the people of Madeenah were to repent in this way, it would be ‎sufficient for them.”‎

‎2-Apostasy is a kind of treason to the state which the person lives in, it ‎threatens its stability and strength, therefore Islam calls for killing the ‎apostate to protect Islamic societies, as all states execute traitors to death.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever ‎changes his religion, execute him.”‎
Also the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “It is ‎not permissible to shed the blood of a Muslim who bears witness that ‎there is no god except Allah and that I am His Messenger, except in one ‎of three cases: a soul for a soul (i.e., in the case of murder); a married ‎man who commits adultery; and one who leaves his religion and splits ‎form the jamaa’ah (main group of Muslims).”‎

‎3-Islam prohibits homicide, and considers killing an innocent person, a ‎great sin, which requires a severe punishment, but the Holy Quran keeps ‎the door open for the victim's family to choose between implementing the ‎law, taking a ransom, or pardoning the criminal.‎
‎2: 178. O you who believe ! Al-Qisâs (the Law of Equality in ‎punishment) is prescribed for you in case of murder: the free for the free, ‎the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But if the killer is ‎forgiven by the brother (or the relatives, etc.) of the killed against blood ‎money, then adhering to it with fairness and payment of the blood money, ‎to the heir should be made in fairness. This is an alleviation and a mercy ‎from your Lord. So after this whoever transgresses the limits (i.e. kills the ‎killer after taking the blood money), he shall have a painful torment. ‎
The purpose behind the law is to protect people's lives, because when ‎someone knows he will be executed if he killed someone, he will ‎definitely refrain from doing the killing. 179. And there is (a saving of) ‎life for you in Al-Qisâs (the Law of Equality in punishment), O men of ‎understanding, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious ). ‎
It is not permissible to kill a no-Muslim who is not hostile or who has a ‎legitimate peace treaty with the Muslims; rather treating a non-hostile ‎non-Muslim with kindness is part of the Islamic religion, especially if that ‎is done to call him to Islam and soften his heart (towards Islam). ‎
‎2: 190. And fight in the Way of Allâh those who fight you, but transgress ‎not the limits. Truly, Allâh likes not the transgressors. [This Verse is the ‎first one that was revealed in connection with Jihâd, but it was ‎supplemented by another.‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There ‎should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” ‎
At times of war against the non-Muslims, it is not permissible for a ‎Muslim to deliberately kill a non-Muslim child or woman who is not ‎bearing arms against the Muslims or helping in the fight. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to the ‎Muslim army: “Go out in the name of Allah and by the help of Allah, ‎following the way of the Messenger of Allah. Do not kill any old man, ‎infant, child or woman… spread goodness and do good, for Allah loves ‎those who do good.” ‎
This is suported by the advice which Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allah be ‎pleased with him) gave to the commander of his army: “I advise you of ‎ten things: do not kill a woman, or a child, or any old person, or cut down ‎any fruit trees…” ‎
Islam calls for treating non-Muslim captives in a kind way befitting for a ‎human soul. It is also not permissible to mutilate corpses of the enemy. ‎This is contrary to what we see on the media of the horrible atrocities ‎committed by the evil Crusaders, Zionists and Seculars towards Muslims ‎in every part of the world.‎

‎4-Drinking alcohol, and taking harmful drugs is forbidden. This is ‎because intoxicants and drugs destroy the health, nerves, mind, reasoning, ‎the digestive system, and other negative effects, which affect the entire ‎body, and damages dignity and honor, as the personality becomes fragile. ‎It also leads to the mistreatment of the wife and children, arguments, ‎insults, repeated utterance of divorce, breaking of things, and not ‎spending properly on the home. This naturally affects the society by the ‎destruction of wealth with no positive return, which affects the man’s ‎interests and leads to the failure to fulfill duties and loss of public trusts, ‎whether that has to do with the interests of the state, institutions or ‎individuals. This is in addition to the damage caused by criminal acts ‎against people, property and honor. ‎
‎5: 90. O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), ‎gambling, Al¬Ansâb , and Al¬Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) ‎are an abomination of Shaitân's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) ‎that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.91. Shaitân ‎‎(Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with ‎intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the ‎remembrance of Allâh and from As-Salât (the prayer). So, will you not ‎then abstain? ‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“Alcohol is the mother of all evils, the greatest of major sins. Whoever ‎drinks it may end up committing incest with his mother, his maternal aunt ‎and his paternal aunt.”‎

‎5-The thief is a corrupt element in society, who transgresses against ‎property, which is not his, and causes great harm to the victim. If he is ‎left unpunished, his corruption will spread and infect the body of the ‎society, therefore Islam puts a strict ruling against thieves.‎
‎5: 38. Cut off (from the wrist joint) the (right) hand of the thief, male or ‎female, as a recompense for that which they committed, a punishment by ‎way of example from Allâh. And Allâh is All¬Powerful, All¬Wise. ‎
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “May Allah ‎curse the thief who steals an egg and has his hand cut off, or steals a rope ‎and has his hand cut off.”‎‏ ‏
If this ruling was applied in the societies which are content with man-‎made laws, and which have cast aside the law of Allah and replaced it ‎with human laws, this would be the most beneficial treatment for this ‎phenomenon, but the matter is as Allah says: 5:50 Do they then seek the ‎judgment of (the days of) Ignorance? And who is better in judgment than ‎Allah for a people who have firm Faith” ‎

‎6-Acts which inflict harm on others, such as terrorizing people, ‎circulating rumors which might cause trouble, selling drugs, purposely-‎spreading contagious diseases like AIDS, highwayman bandits are ‎forbidden in Islam.‎
‎5: 33. The recompense of those who wage war against Allâh and His ‎Messenger and do mischief in the land is only that they shall be killed or ‎crucified or their hands and their feet be cut off on the opposite sides, or ‎be exiled from the land. That is their disgrace in this world, and a great ‎torment is theirs in the Hereafter. ‎

‎7-Many kinds of corruptions occur as results of adultery, like the mixing ‎of lineages, destruction of families, the spread of fatal diseases, injustice ‎in distributing the inheritance and so on, that's why Islam forbids ‎unlawful relationships and sets severe punishment for adulterers.‎
‎24: 2. The woman and the man guilty of illegal sexual intercourse, flog ‎each of them with a hundred stripes. Let not pity withhold you in their ‎case, in a punishment prescribed by Allâh, if you believe in Allâh and the ‎Last Day. And let a party of the believers witness their punishment. (This ‎punishment is for unmarried persons guilty of the above crime but if ‎married persons commit it, the punishment is to stone them to death, ‎according to Allâh's Law). ‎
The Prophet (Peace‏ & ‏Blessings of Allah be‏ ‏upon Him) said: ‘Receive ‎‎(teaching) from me, receive (teaching) from‎‏ ‏me. Allah has made another ‎way for those (women). When an unmarried man commits‏ ‏adultery with ‎an unmarried woman, (they should receive) one hundred lashes, and‏ ‏banishment for one year. In the case of a married male committing ‎adultery with‏ ‏a married female, they should receive one hundred lashes ‎and be stoned to‏ ‏death‏.’‏

‎8-The crime of homosexuality is one of the greatest of sins, the worst of ‎acts, and the most abhorrent of deeds, and Allah punished those who did ‎it in a way that He did not punish other nations. It is indicative of ‎violation of the disposition, total misguidance, weak intellect and lack of ‎religious commitment, and it is a sign of doom and deprivation of the ‎mercy of Allah. ‎
‎5: 81. ‘Verily, you practice your lusts on men instead of women. Nay, but ‎you are a people transgressing beyond bounds (by committing great ‎sins).’ 82. And the answer of his people was only that they said: ‘Drive ‎them out of your town, these are indeed men who want to be pure (from ‎sins)!’83. Then We saved him and his family, except his wife; she was of ‎those who remained behind (in the torment).84. And We rained down on ‎them a rain (of stones). Then see what was the end of the Mujrimoon ‎‎(criminals, polytheists and sinners)”‎
‎15: 72 Verily, by your life (O Muhammad), in their wild intoxication, ‎they were wandering blindly. 73. So As Saihah (torment — awful cry) ‎overtook them at the time of sunrise.74. And We turned (the towns of ‎Sodom in Palestine) upside down and rained down on them stones of ‎baked clay.75. Surely, in this are signs for those who see (or understand ‎or learn the lessons from the Signs of Allah).76. And verily, they (the ‎cities) were right on the highroad (from Makkah to Syria, i.e. the place ‎where the Dead Sea is now)”.‎
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‎‎“Whoever you find doing the action of the people of Loot, execute the ‎one who does it and the one to whom it is done.”.‎
Also the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ‎said: “May Allah curse the one who does the action of the people of Loot, ‎may Allah curse the one who does the action of the people of Loot,” three ‎times. ‎


Finally, we thank the Almighty Allah for making us Muslims
Peace and blessings of Allah be on our Prophet‎

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