Islam provides
clear guidance to its followers on how they should conduct themselves in their
daily lives. In his or her interactions with others, a Muslim is to have the
best of manners. The root of the word "Islam" is "peace,"
and Muslims are to be peaceful in word and deed, treat people with kindness and
mercy, and be tolerant and just.
Equality and Tolerance
Islam is known for its teachings about the
equality of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or linguistic
background. Muslims regard the diversity of life as a sign of the beauty of
Allah's creation: "And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and
the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors. Verily in that
are signs for those who know" (Qur'an 30:22). Many of the first Muslims
were from the lowest classes of society-slaves, women, and orphans—who were
attracted by Muhammad's message of human worth and equality.
Essential
The Golden Rule,
"do unto others as you do unto yourself," is a universal value
in all major faiths, and Islam is no exception. Muhammad once said, "Not
one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires
for himself."
Arrogance of Satan
Indeed,
Satan's major sin was arrogance—his belief that he was better than Allah's
other creation, the human being (the story of Satan's insubordination is
described in Chapter 13). Arrogance and pride led to Satan's fall, and likewise
will be the cause of suffering and destruction in the world if left unchecked.
When we devalue others because of the way that Allah created them, we question
Allah's judgment and wisdom.
The Lessons o£ the Hajj
Hajj
is the ultimate expression of the equality of all people in the eyes of God. It
is the one time and place on earth when kings stand barefoot, side by side with
peasants and artisans. Looking at the people, in their seamless white clothes,
one would not he able to tell the difference. Worldly riches, status, family
background—all are erased in the eyes of God—and they should be so in our own
eyes as well.
Renowned
black activist Malcolm X had a life-changing experience in 1964, when he
traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual pilgrimage. He was especially
struck by the true sense of brotherhood and the absolute love between all those assembled,
which challenged his previous beliefs that equality among the races was
impossible to achieve. He wrote about his experience in a letter, which was
later published in The Autobiography of Malcolm X (African American Images, reprinted 1989).
Tolerance of Diversity
Diversity
in Allah's creation is not only in colors and languages, but also in ideas and
ways of life. The Qur'an makes clear that Allah intentionally did not create us
all as carbon copies of each other. We have the opportunity to learn from each
other and gain a new perspective, particularly when learning about people who
are different, from ourselves. As the Qur'an proclaims God's words, "Oh
mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into
nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most
honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is
All-Knowing. All Aware" (-19:13).
There
are places in time and history when Muslims were known to be the most tolerant
nation on earth. Unfortunately, there are also main-examples of Muslims who
have allowed arrogance, pride, and greed to get the better of them.
Kindness and Generosity
Muhammad always commanded his followers to
treat everyone with kindness, and to give to others in charity. There are countless
stories of Muhammad exhorting the benefits of charily, for both individuals and
society at large.
Alert
Muslims are reminded in the
Qur'an not to be boastful about their charitable donations: "O you who
believe! Do not cancel your charity, by giving reminders of your generosity, or
by injury, like those who spend their wealth to be seen by men, but
believe neither in God nor in the Last Day" (2:264).
In many traditions, Muhammad
reminded his followers that the bounties we have in this world do not belong to
us, but are a trust from Allah. It is our duty to share with those less
fortunate. In addition to the institution of zakat (almsgiving), Islam
implemented systems whereby slaves would be set free, and neighbors would care
for neighbors. Even those who are limited in means can give in charity.
Muhammad instructed them: "Help someone in his work, or make something for
someone who cannot make it himself. If you cannot, then at least restrain yourself
from doing harm to anyone, for that also is a charity." On another
occasion, he said, "Each person's every joint must perform an act of
charity every day the sun comes up. To act justly between two people is a
charity. To help i. man with his mount, helping him onto it, or hoisting
up his belongings onto it, is a charity. A good word is a charity. Every step
you lake towards prayer is a charity. And removing a' harmful thing from tin;
road is a charily."
The Virtue of Mercy
Muhammad often told stories of
people, to serve as examples to others. In one case, he told a story of a man
who passed by a road and found a thorny branch in the middle of the path. He
removed the branch so that it would not be an inconvenience to people. When
Muhammad told the story, he added, "Allah appreciated his action and
forgave his sins."
The Qur'an is filled with messages
of the mercy of Allah, and exhorts its followers to be merciful and just.
Muhammad once told a man. "Whoever is not merciful to others will not be
treated mercifully [by Allah on the Day of Judgment]." He particularly
disliked those who did not show mercy to children and the elderly.
Treatment of Animals
A Muslims kindness should no, only
extend to other people but also to animals, which are deserving of kind treatment
and mercy. In another story, Muhammad told of a dog that was circling around a
well suffering from extreme thirst. A woman saw the animal in thus condition so
she lowered her leather sock into the well, drew some water, and gave it to the dog to drink. "Allah appreciated her action and forgave her
sins simply on account of this kindness." he said. His
companions who were listening to the story asked Muhammad. "Are we
rewarded for our kindness towards animals as well?" He answered.
"There arc rewards for kindness to every living thing."
FACT
While in the
company of Muhammad, a man once took an egg from a bird's nest. This caused the
mother bird to get upset and begin circling around Muhammad's head. He asked,
"Who stole this bird's egg?" The man admitted that he took the egg.
Muhammad then told him, "Put it back, and have mercy."
In another account, Muhammad warned
those people who treat animals with cruelty. He told his companions, "A
woman was doomed to Hellfire because she put a cal in a closet until the cat
died from starvation. She did not give the cal anything to cat or drink, nor
did she let the cal free to hunt for is food."
Honesty and Trustworthiness
It is often said
that a "man is only as good as his word." This held true in pre-lslamic
Arabic culture, when trust and loyalty were matters of life and death. In
Islam, honesty gained additional importance as a matter of faith. Believers are
described as being truthful and upright; they must keep their promises and fulfill
their trusts. "Oh you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are truthful"
(Qur'an 9:119). Those who reject faith are often described as liars and
hypocrites, and Muslims are warned against following in their footsteps. Islam
considers giving false testimony one of (he worst sins committed by men.
Backbiting
Muslims are
instructed not to talk about people behind their backs, speaking ill of others
not in their presence. "Oh you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much as
possible, for suspicion in some cases is a sin. And do not spy on
each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you
like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? No, you would abhor it"
(49:12).
When
his companions asked, Muhammad said that backbiting is "to say something
about your brother which he dislikes." They asked about the case in which
what they are saying about the person is true. He responded, "If what you
say is true about him, you have backbitten against him, and if it is not true
then you have committed slander against him." Either case is a serious
sin. Muslims are advised again and again to be careful of their tongue.
"Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good, or
keep silent," Muhammad advised.
Oaths and Promises
Muslims
are obliged to fulfill their promises, and meet the terms of contracts or
agreements. When we make agreements, the other party trusts us to fulfill our
end of the bargain. Muslims are forbidden from reneging on promises. The Qur'an
says, "And those who respect their trusts and covenants; and those who
stand firm in their testimonies; and those who strictly guard their
worship—such will be the honored ones in the Gardens of Bliss" (Qur'an
70:32-35). Muhammad also taught, "Speak the truth when you talk, keep
your, promise when you make it, fulfill your trust when you are trusted, and
restrain your hands from injustice."
Essential
When called upon
to arbitrate in disputes, Muslims are required to be fair and equitable to both
parties. The Qur'an advises: "And when you judge between people, that you
judge with justice" (4:58).
Hypocrisy
Muslims
are further advised to "practice what they preach.” Muslims should not be
advising people to do things that they themselves do not do. This is another
sign of hypocrisy. "Oh you who believe! Why do you say that wh.ch you do
not? Grievously hateful is it, in the sight of Allah that you say that which
you do not" (Qur'an 61 -2-3).
Muhammad
described the characteristics of a hypocrite: "Whenever he is entrusted,
he betrays his trust. Whenever he speaks, ho tells a lie. Whenever he makes a
covenant, he breaks it. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in an evil and
insulting manner."
Justice and Forgiveness
Before Islam, vengeance killings and
inter-tribal feuds were common and accepted. Islam broke this cycle by
instructing Muslims to seek equal justice only, and encouraged forgiveness as
the admirable high road.
Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice,
as witnesses to Allah, as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin; and
whether it be against rich or poor. For Allah can best protect both. Follow not
the lusts of your own hearts, lest you swerve, and if you distort justice or
decline to do justice, verily Allah is well acquainted with all that you do.
(Qur'an 4:135)
Eye for an Eye
The
rules of Islamic justice stopped the common practice of massive vengeance
killings, where a murder would be revenged through deaths of dozens of the
perpetrator's family and tribe members. Islam taught that justice must be
proportional to the harm done.
Even
with the rules of justice in place, the Qur'an reminds Muslims of the value and
benefits of forgiveness as opposed to punishment: "Lei them forgive and
overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is
Oft-Forgiving. Most Merciful" (24:22).
The Three-Day Rule
It is an
established Muslim tradition based on Muhammad's example that no Muslim should
argue or keep away from another for an extended period of time. If Muslims have
a disagreement with each other, they may observe a brief cooling-off period.
However, as Muhammad instructed, "It is not permissible for a Muslim to be
estranged from his brother for more than three days, both of them turning away
from the other when they meet. The better of them is the one who is the first
to greet the other."
Modesty and Humility
Muslims are reminded that Allah is their
Creator, and that they should humbly submit to and worship Him Alone. In
English, the word "humility" is based on a Latin word for
"ground." Being humble means acting modestly and with respect,
avoiding arrogance and boasting. One is lowered to the ground, rather than put
up on a pedestal.
In
prayer, Muslims humbly prostrate to the ground, in symbolic recognition that
without Allah's constant guidance and support, we would be lost. The Qur'an
advises: "Call on your Lord with humility and in private, for Allah loves
not those who transgress beyond bounds" (7:55).
Modesty
and Decency
Modesty is an attitude, a demeanor; in
Arabic, "he term used for modesty is haya, which also means to be
bashful or shy—the opposite of arrogant. Both men and women are commanded in
Islam to be modest, to observe humility in our interactions with each other,
and to be quiet and humble in demeanor.
The
Qur'an tells the story of the Prophet Luqman and the advice that he gave his
son:
Oh my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoin
what is just, and forbid what is wrong, and bear with patient constancy
whatever befalls you, for this is firmness in the conduct of affairs. And swell
not your cheek for pride at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth, for
Allah loves not any arrogant boaster. And be moderate in your pace, and lower
your voice, for the harshest of sounds, without doubt, is the braying of the
donkey. (31:17-19)
The
dress of a Muslim is a means to observe modesty, decency, and respect. But
beyond clothing and dress, Muslims try to be decent in their behavior as
well. Foul language is discouraged, as is excessive joking and noisy banter.
Muslims strive toward humility in their worship of God and in their conduct
with others on earth.
Fair Business Practices
In Islam, business and trade are highly
encouraged, as long as they arc conducted by lawful means and through lawful
channels. It is expected that any earnings be made through decent and honest
labor. A Muslim is to be self-supporting, and avoid becoming a liability on any
person or the society at large.
Business
practices must be conducted with frankness and honesty. Islam encourages that
contracts and agreements should be written down, and witnessed by two
trustworthy persons, so that, neither party later tries to take advantage of
the other or make false claims.
Fact
Muslims are
encouraged to pay for services as soon as they are performed, and not to
withhold or delay payment. Muhammad instructed that when Muslims hire laborers
to do some work, they should "compensate them before the sweat
dries."
Muslims
are forbidden from cheating, hiding defects in merchandise, exploitation,
monopoly, and fraud. There is a chapter of the Qur'an named AI-Mutaflifin, or
"Dealing in Fraud." It begins, "Woe to those that deal in fraud.
Those who, when they have to receive some measure from men, exact full measure,
but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than
due" (83:1-3).
In another section, the Qur'an
commands the Muslims: "Give just measure, and cause no loss to others by
fraud. And weigh with scales true and upright. And do not withhold things that
are justly due to men, nor do evil in the land, working mischief"
(26:181-3). It was common practice in ancient times to "tip the
scales" or to hide defective merchandise underneath a pile of quality
goods. These practices were strictly forbidden in Islam.
*Tugas B. Inggris 2 Semester 3. maaf lupa referensi dari mana
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