The Quran provides comprehensive guidance on social conduct, emphasizing principles of equality, justice, and compassion. Believers are urged to uphold these principles in their interactions, fostering mutual respect and understanding. By adhering to these teachings, individuals contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.
1. Equality and Taqwa
No human being is inherently superior to another based on factors like gender, race, lineage, or wealth. True superiority lies in “taqwa” – refraining from wrongdoing. In God’s sight, only people having taqwa are superior to other human beings:
“Oh humankind, We have created you from a male and female, and we have set you up as nations and tribes so that you may recognize one another. In God’s sight, the most honored of you are those who farthest refrain from doing wrong. God is all-knowing, all-aware.” (al-Hujurat 49:13)
So, Islam, in no way can be used as a justification for racism or discrimination against any group or gender of people. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had also emphasized this in his Farewell Sermon:
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action.”
2. Avoidance of Gossip and Backbiting
God prohibits spreading gossip, maligning others, and seeking to learn people’s secrets. Such behavior only fosters discord and violates the principle of goodwill among people. The Quran condemns publicizing others’ faults without a just cause. A person is allowed to speak of evil acts of another’s only when they are wronged and that speech serves to solve the problem. Talking about other bad acts or words would only serve the purpose of spreading evil, and therefore God dislikes it:
“God does not like bad words to be made public unless someone has been wronged: He is all-listening and all-knowing.” (An-Nisa 4:148)
3. Respect and Compassion
Believers are urged to treat one another with respect and compassion, refraining from ridicule or offensive speech. Criticism should be constructive, aimed at rectifying wrongdoing rather than belittling others. Islam emphasizes mutual understanding and forgiveness in human relations.
“Oh, you who believe and trust in God! No group of men should ridicule the other. The ridiculed ones may, after all, be better than them. And no group of women should ridicule the other. The ridiculed ones may, after all, be better than them. Do not seek out faults of one another; do not use offensive nicknames for one another! How bad it is to call someone ‘deviant’ after he/she believes and trusts in God! Those who do not repent, by regretting and amending their bad behaviors, are wrongdoers.
Oh, you who believe and trust in God! Avoid most of the guesswork because some of the guesswork diverts you from the truth. Do not spy on one another or backbite people. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother? No, you would hate it. Then, be mindful of God! God accepts the turnarounds (from bad deeds). He is bountiful.” (Al-Hujurat 49:11-12)
4. Further Prohibitions and Commandments
The Quran outlines prohibitions and commandments essential for maintaining societal harmony and individual righteousness. These include:
– Avoidance of associating partners with God and practicing good deeds.
– Kind treatment of parents, avoidance of killing children for fear of poverty, and abstinence from immoral acts.
– Honoring agreements, just conduct, and equitable treatment of orphans’ possessions.
– Fair measurement and weighing, avoiding arrogance, and refraining from wastefulness.
– Prohibition of unjust killing and adherence to God’s decrees.
Below are the relevant verses:
“(O Muhammad!) Say (to people), ‘Come, I will recount to you what your Master has made unlawful to you: Do not associate anything with Him, and keep doing good to your parents, and do not kill your children out of the fear of poverty -We provide for you and them. And do not approach the kinds of vice– that which is apparent of them and that which is hidden. And do not kill any soul which God has made inviolable except by (legal) right. This is what God has instructed you so that you may understand.
Do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best (intending improvement) until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weigh rightfully. We do not impose upon anybody a duty but to the extent of his ability. And when you speak, be just, even if (it concerns) near kin. And fulfill the covenant of God. He has charged you with this, so that you may use your knowledge.
And, this is My straight path, so follow it; and do not follow other ways since this will separate you from My way. He has charged you with this, so that you may refrain from doing wrong. ” (Al-An’am 6:151-153)
“God commands justice, kindness and giving [their due] to near relatives, while He forbids sexual sins, improper conduct, and transgression. He counsels you, so that you may use your knowledge.” (an-Nahl 16:90)
“Your Master has decreed that you shall worship none but Him and do good to parents. Whether one or both of them reach old age (while) with you, say not to them “uff” (do not show impatience or anger) and do not be indifferent to them, but speak to them words that honor them.
And take them under the wings of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up (when I was) small.”
Your Master is most knowing of what is inside you. If you should be righteous, He will indeed forgive those who turn around (to righteousness from mistakes).
And give the relative his right, and the desperate and the traveler, but do not spend wastefully.
Indeed, those who squander wastefully are brothers of the devils, and the devil is ever ungrateful to his Master.
And if you (have to) turn away from them (because you yourself are) seeking the blessings which you expect from your Master, then speak to them words that ease.
Be neither too tight-fisted nor wasteful, or you will sit by reproached and destitute.
Indeed, your Master grants provision abundantly or according to certain measures for whomever He prefers. Indeed He is aware of (the real situation) of His servants and He sees all.
And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is a great crime.
Do not approach fornication. Indeed, it is an outrageous act and an evil way.
Do not kill the soul which God has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly – We have given his/her guardian the authority, but let him not exceed limits in taking life. Indeed, he has been helped (by God’s law).
Do not approach an orphan’s possessions until he reaches maturity, except in a way to make it better. And keep the promises you made. Indeed, promises bring responsibility.
Give full measure when you measure and weigh with a straight balance. That is good and gives the best result.
Do not blindly follow that which you have no knowledge of. Indeed, you will be held responsible for what you follow because you have the ability to listen, the foresight, and the heart that makes decisions.
And do not walk upon the earth haughtily. Indeed, you will never tear the earth apart, and you will never grow as high as the mountains in height.
All that aforementioned – evil is ever, in the sight of your Master, disliked.
That is from what your Master has revealed to you (O Muhammad) of wisdom. And, (O humankind), do not make up another deity besides God, or you will be thrown into Hell, reproached and rejected.” (Al-Isra 17:23-39)
The principles mentioned above are only a handful of significant commands and prohibitions. The Quran, includes many more important principles regarding human life because It is a Book sent by our Creator.
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