By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

Righteousness Covers All Virtuous Teachings

The Qur’ân and the Sunnah mention more divine injunctions on righteousness for the benefit of mankind. In Islâm, righteousness covers all virtuous teachings. Examples are truthfulness, equality, justice, brotherhood and peace.

Allâh not only commands the believers to fear Him but to be with those who are truthful. He tells us that the one who does wrong is he who tells a lie concerning Him and rejects the Truth: 

“Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a lie against Allâh, and denies the truth when it comes to him! Is there not in Hell an abode for the disbelievers?”  (Qur’ân 39: 32)

Our only Creator Allâhwill reward the people of truth for their truth, and punish those who deny it. He says: 

“That Allâh  may reward the men of truth for their truth, and punish the hypocrites, if He wills, or accept their repentance by turning them [in Mercy]. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”   (Qur’ân 33: 24)

Among the Prophet’s virtuous  teachings, which we need to practice is speaking the truth.  Speaking the truth is one way to earn the love of Allâh and His Messenger .  It means an effective means for us to enter Paradise.  Let us learn how to attain success by speaking the truth from the following Ahâdîth:

Abdur Rahman ibn Abu Qurad narrated that the Prophet performed ablution one day and his companion began to wipe themselves with the water he had used.  The Prophet asked them what induced them to do that.  And when  they replied that it was love for Allâh and His Messenger .  He  said, “If anyone is pleased to love Allâh and His Messenger,  or rather to have Allâh and His Messenger  love him, he should speak the truth when he tells anything;  fulfill his trust when he is put in a position of trust;  and be a good neighbor.”   (Tirmidhi/ 4990 and Bayhaqi)

‘Abdullah ibn As-Samit narrated that the Prophet  said, “If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your eyes, and restrain your hands from injustice.”    (Tirmidhi/4870, Ahmad and Bayhaqi)

In addition to adhering and speaking the truth,  Allâh has prescribed the law of equality to the believer. Whoever exceeds the limits that Allâh has set shall have a grave chastisement.  Allah says: 

 “O you who believe! 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 alleviation and a mercy from your Rabb. So after this whoever transgresses [exceeds] the limits [i.e. kills the killer after taking the blood-money], he shall have a painful torment [chastisement].”    (Qur’ân 2: 178)

Moreover, Allâh has ordained for us to observe: “Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.”    If anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. He clearly says: 

“And We have ordained therein for them: “Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.”   But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him an expiation. And whosoever does not judge by that which Allâh has revealed, such are the thªlimoon [polytheists and wrong-doers – of a lesser degree].”    (Qur’ân 5: 45)

Another excellent Qur’ânic teaching that Allâhenjoins upon us is justice. Our Creator commands us to render back our trusts to whom they are due and when we judge between man and man, that we judge with justice: 

“Verily, Allâh commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice…” (Qur’ân 4: 58)

Islâm encourages every ruler to be just. One who establishes justice among people does not only receive a reward of a charitable gift but also he is included among the seven groups of people who will have Allâh’s shade on the day of judgment.  The Prophet  said:

“There is a Sadaqa to be given for every joint of the human body; and for every day on which the sun rises there is a reward of a Sadaqa (i.e. charitable gift) for the one who establishes justice among people.”    (Bukhâri  3/870)

Allâh will give shade to seven (types of persons), on the Day when there would be no shade but His.  (These types of persons are) 1. A  just ruler, 2. A youth who  has  been  brought  up  in  the worship of Allâh  (i.e.,  worships Allâh Alone  sincerely from his childhood),  3. A person whose heart is attached to the mosque  (i.e.,  who offers the  five compulsory congregational salaat (prayers)  in the  mosques),  4. Two persons who love each other only for Allâh’s sake and they meet and part for Allâh’s Cause only, 5. A man who refuses  the call of a charming woman of a noble birth  for illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: `I am afraid of Allâh.’, 6. A person who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e., nobody knows how much he has given in charity), and 7. A person who remembers Allâh in seclusion and his eyes become flooded with tears.”   (Bukhâri 1/629)

To promote justice, we are expected to stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allâh , even against our parents our kin, or ourselves, whether rich or poor. Never should we decline to do justice because Allâh knows all that we do.  Our Creator tells us not to depart from justice. Allâh , the All-Mighty, says:

“O you who believe! Stand our firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allâh, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allâh is a Better Protector to both [than you]. So follow not the lusts [of your hearts], lest you avoid justice; and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allâh is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.”   (Qur’ân 4: 135)

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allâh, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just and fear Allâh. For Allâh is Well-Acquainted with all that you do.”   (Qur’ân 5: 8)

It is part of justice that we have to stand firm for justice to orphans.  Our Creator commands:

“…And that you stand firm for justice to orphans. And whatever good you do, Allâh is Ever All-Aware of it.”   (Qur’ân 4: 127)

“And come not high to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; give measure and weight with (full) justice…” (Qur’ân 6:152)

We have to give measure and weight with (full) justice. Whenever we speak, we ought to speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned.  The Almighty says:

 “…And whenever you give your word [i.e. judge between men or give evidence], say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allâh. This He commands you, that you may remember.”    (Qur’ân 6: 152)

Though Allâh has permitted a believing man to marry women of his choice, two, three or four. He has stipulated justice as a condition. If the man cannot treat them equally, then, he should marry only one:

“…Then marry 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 slaves] that your hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.”    (Qur’ân 4: 3)

The Prophet has not only taught Muslim men how to deal fairly to their wives by his example but also has warned them of the punishment in the Hereafter for those who do not treat their wives with justice:

‘Aishah narrated that whenever Allâh’s Messenger wanted to go on a journey, he would draw lots as to which of his wives would accompany him. He would take her whose name came out. He used to fix for each of them a day and a night. But Sauda ibnt Zam'a gave up her (turn) day and night to 'Aisha, the wife of the Prophet  in order to seek the pleasure of Allâh’s Messenger (by that action).  (Bukhâri 3/766)

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said: “When a man has two wives and he is inclined to one of them, he will come on the Day of Resurrection with a side hanging down.”   (Abu Dawud 2128, Tirmidhi,  Ibn Majâh and Nasâi)

To make justice prevail, Islâm has enjoined the believers not only to shun away from oppression but also to fight against the oppressors. We read the following Qur’anic Ayât (Verses) and Ahâdîth:

“And fight them until there is no more Fitnah [disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allâh] and [all and every kind of] worship is for Allâh [Alone]. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against the polytheists, and wrong-doers.”   (Qur’ân 2: 193)

“And fight them (the oppressors) until there is no more Fitnah and the religion will all be for Allâh Alone. But if they cease then certainly, Allâh is All-Seer of what they do.”   (Qur’ân 8: 39)

Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet said: “Oppression will be a darkness on the Day of Resurrection.”   (Bukhâri 3/627 and Muslim 4/6249)

Abu Dharr reported Allâh’s Messenger as saying that Allâh, the Exalted and Glorious, said:  “My servants, I have made oppression unlawful for Me and unlawful for you, so do not commit oppression against one another...”   (Muslim  4/6246)

 ‘Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor.  Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allâh will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allâh will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allâh will screen him on the Day of Resurrection.”   (Bukhâri 3/622)

Anas ibn Malik narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one.”  People asked, “O Allâh’s Messenger! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?”  The Prophet said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”  (Bukhâri  3/624 and Muslim 4/6254)

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Whoever has oppressed another person concerning his reputation or anything else, he should beg him to forgive him before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no money (to compensate for wrong deeds).  But if he has good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from him according to his oppression which he has done, and if he has no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him.”  (Bukhâri  3/629)

Abbas narrated that the Prophet sent Mu’adh to Yemen and said: “Beware, from the curse of the oppressed as there is no screen between his invocation and Allâh.”   (Meaning, Allâh will respond to his invocation and punish the oppressor sooner or later. (Qastalani, V.4, p.258)    (Bukhâri 3/628)

Moreover, believers are expected to promote, unity, brotherhood, peace and harmony between and among themselves. There are numerous Qur’anic Ayât (Verses)  and authentic Ahâdîth  that teach us these virtuous teachings.  Among them are as follows:

“Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs; for them is a dreadful Chastisement.”   (Qur’ân 3:105)

“The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one to another. They enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil.  They observe regular prayers, pay zakat and obey Allâh and His Messenger.  On them will Allâh pour His mercy: for Allâh is Exalted in power, Wise.”   (Qur’ân 9:71)

“Verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood and I am your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other). But (later generations) cut off their affair (of unity) one from another: (yet) will they all return to Us.”  (Qur’ân 21:92-93)

“The believers are but a single Brotherhood: so make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers: And fear Allâh, that you may receive Mercy.”   (Qur’ân n 49:10)

 ‘Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor.  Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allâh will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allâh will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection; and whoever screened a Muslim, Allâh will screen him on the Day of Resurrection.”   (Bukhâri  3/622)

An-Numan ibn Bashir narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves resembling one body, so that, if any pare of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.”   (Bukhâri  8/40)

Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet said, “A believer for another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other.”  The Prophet then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced. (At that time) the Prophet was sitting and a man came and begged or asked for something. The Prophet faced us and said, “Help and recommend him and you will receive the reward for it, and Allâh will bring about what He wills through his Prophet’s tongue.”  (Bukhâri  8/55)

Nu’man ibn Bashir reported  Allâh’s Messenger as saying: “The believers are like one person; if his head aches, the whole body aches with fever and sleeplessness.”   (Muslim  4/6260)

Abu Musa narrated Allâh’s Messenger as saying:  “A believer is like a brick  for another believer, the one supporting the other.”   (Bukhâri 3/ 626  and Muslim 4/6257) 

Anas narrated that the Prophet said, “None of you will have faith till he likes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.”  (Bukhâri  1/12)

Abu Huraira narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “The gates of Paradise are not opened but on two days, Monday and Thursday, and then every servant (of Allâh) is granted pardon who does not associate anything with Allâh except the person in whose (heart) there is rancor against his brother. And it would be said: 'Look towards both of them until there is reconciliation; look towards both of them until there is reconciliation; look towards both of them until there is reconciliation.' In the hâdîth of Suhayl the words are: (Those would not be granted pardon) who boycott each other.”   (Muslim 6222)

To promote peace, Allâh the Exalted commands us to extend and answer greetings of peace to others:

“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or [at least] return it equally. Certainly, Allâh is Ever a Careful Account Taker of all things.”    (Qur’ân 4: 86)

In line with the above Qur’anic injunction, are the following Ahâdîth from the Prophet , which further guide us on the importance and etiquette of greeting our fellow Muslims:

Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that a man asked the Prophet , “Whose Islâm is good or what sort of deeds (or what qualities) of Islâm are good?”   The Prophet replied, “To feed (others) and to greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know.”  (Bukhâri 1/11)

Narrated Muawiya ibn Suwaid :  “I heard Al-Bara ibn`Azib saying, ‘The Prophet ordered us to do seven things and prohibited us from doing seven other things.’  Then Al-Bara mentioned the following: ‘1. to pay a visit to the sick (inquiring about his health), 2. to follow funeral processions, 3. to say to a sneezer, “May Allâh be merciful to you”  (if he says, “Praise be to Allâh!”), 4. to return greetings, 5. to help the oppressed, 6. to accept invitations, (and) 7. to help others to fulfill their oaths.’” (Bukhâri 3/ 625)

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said, “The young should greet the old, the passerby should greet the sitting one, and the small group of persons should greet the large group of persons.”  (Bukhâri 8/ 250)

Abu Yusuf Abdullah ibn Salamnarrated that he heard the Prophet   say: “O people! Spread the Salam (greetings), feed (the poor and needy), behave kindly to your blood relations, offer prayer when others are asleep, and (thus) enter Paradise in peace.”   (Tirmidhi 849)

Allâhenjoins us Muslims not to dispute with the non-Muslims, especially the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians), who do not fight us but also to establish treaties of peace with them.  The Most High says:

“And dispute not with the People of the Book, except in the best way, unless it be with those of them who do wrong;  but say, ‘We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in Islâm).’”  (Qur’ân 29:46)

“Allâh forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allâh loves those who are just.  Allâh only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection).  It is such as turn to them  (in these circumstances), that do wrong.”       (Qur’ân 60:8-9)

“Except those who join a group, between you and whom there is a treaty [of peace], or those who approach you with their breasts restraining from fighting you as well as fighting their own people…”  (Qur’ân 4: 90)

Furthermore, our Creator commands us the following: to fear Him and be with those who are truthful[1]; to help one another in righteousness and piety and not in sin and rancor[2];  to be moderate in our pace and lower our voices[3]; to show kindness not only to our parents, kin and the orphans but to all those in need; to speak fair to the people[4];  to repel (evil) with what is better[5];  to exercise patience and self-restraint[6]; to be charitable[7]; to give Zakât (charity)[8];  to establish regular prayers, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong and bear with  patient constancy whatever befalls us:

“…Perform regular prayers, enjoin [on people] Islâmic Monotheism and all that is good, and forbid [people] from disbelief in the Oneness of Allâh, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad, and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments [ordered by Allâh with no exemption].”    (Qur’ân 31: 17)

Allâh, the Most Glorious, also commands us to patiently persevere as He shall test us with something of fear, hunger, loss in wealth, lives, and the fruits (of our toil). Allâhsays:

“O you who believe! Seek help with patient, perseverance and prayer; for Allâh is with those who patiently persevere.”   (Qur’ân 2: 153)

“And certainly We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits [of your toil] but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.”   (Qur’ân 2: 155)

The above Qur’anic Ayât (Verses) should encourage us to be patient as indeed, patience is a virtuous deed that pleases Allâh.  Let us develop in us patience and perseverance in the performance of all the pillars of Islâm and other forms of ibadah.  Let us take inspiration from the following hâdîth:

Abu Said Al-Khudri narrated that some Ansari persons asked for (something) from Allâh’s Messenger and he gave them. They again asked him for (something) and he again gave them. And then again they asked him and he gave them till all that was with him finished. And then he said, “If I had anything, I would not keep it away from you. (Remember) Whoever abstains from asking others, Allâh will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allâh will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allâh will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.”  (Bukhâri 2/ 548)