THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE

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In the name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Merciful

REMEMBER ALWAYS...

Reciting the Kalima "There is no god but God (Allah) and Mohammad is His Prophet" pledges one to obey the Commandments of God in the Quran as amplified and exemplified by the Prophet.

This pledge is no different than the employment agreement signed in everyday life.

Just because God, unlike the worldly employer, in his graciousness and kindness allows time to repent and mend before punishing should not result in forgetting the pledge.

Translation of certain Quranic Arabic words into English

The late Dr. Ismail Raji al-Faruql in his book "Towards Islamic English" writes:
"Many Arabic words are simply not translatable into English. Many are rendered into English with difficulty."

Some of such words are:

As-Salah often translated as "prayer." Prayer actually more closely corresponds to "Dua." Salah is the act of worship performed five times daily according to prescribed ways.

Ibadah often translated as "worship" actually means to worship Allah and out of love for Him obey Him in what He has ordered and to follow the example of His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Iman often translated as "faith" etc., actually means the conviction or certainty that Allah is indeed the One and Only God and that Muhammad is His last prophet and commitment to obey their commands.

Zakah often translated "Alms", "charity" etc., when addressed to Muslims means obligatory sharing of wealth with the poor and the community in order to purify the rest. This is to say the right of Allah in the fortune of His servants, which right is assigned to specific categories of the needy.

Sabr often translated as "patience" etc. actually means to remain firm and steadfast against ordeals and calamities.

Qadar often translated as "fate" actually means Allah's assignment of ends to all process of life and existence.

Shirk often translated as "association of some being with Allah" actually includes all means, things and concepts, etc.

Kafir often translated as "unbeliever", "infidel" etc., actually means one who solemnly says that Allah is not God or is not the subject of His attributes. It also means that who disavows the bounties of God, the ungrateful.

Zulm often translated as "transgression" etc., actually means the act or action of committing injustice.

Fitnah often translated as "mischief" of "tumult" etc., actually means oppression i.e. any affliction which causes man to be misguided, dissuaded, etc., from the path laid by Allah.

Fasad often translated as "dispute" etc., actually means all of the following: disruption imbalance - disharmony - corruption - danger - drought.

Ihsan often translated as "doing a favor" etc., actually means the perfect fulfillment of the commandments of Allah in whatever one is doing in relation to others or to himself.

Jihad often translated as "holy war" etc. actually means self exertion in the cause of allah against baser self or against aggresseon or oppression using peaceful or violent means.

In the name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Merciful

THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE:

Guidelines from the Quran

When the revelation of the Glorious Quran was completed, twenty-three years after it all began, Allah (God) stated:

"Today I have perfected your religious law for you, and have bestowed upon you the full measure of My blessings, and willed the self-surrender unto Me (Islam) shall be your religion."

(5:3)

Unlike many other religions of the world, Islam is a complete way of life which provides guidance to mankind in all aspects of human endeavor. Instead of bifurcating human life into a multitude of separate and often mutually conflicting compartments, Islam requires its adherents to: "Enter into submission (of Allah) completely" (2:207) and to proclaim to the rest of the world: "Say truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are (all) for God, the Cherisher of the world." (6:162)

The Islamic way of life is based on the teachings of the Quran as amplified and exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). One of its objectives is that humans have PEACE OF MIND. Material gains and progress alone can not bring about either true happiness, comfort and contentment in this temporary life or a blissful eternal life in the Hereafter.

Individuals constitute society, the nucleus of which is the family. Thus, many Quranic injunctions teach individuals to practice the Quranic edicts themselves and exhort others to follow suit. This is essential if the society at the very least :

a) is to be comprised of people who acquire knowledge and fully apply their faculties of learning and reasoning positively and constructively.
b) is to opt to live in peace, and practice justice and equity.
c) is to show care for the needy and oppressed
d) is to preserve and protect mutual rights and obligations
e) is to be free from exploitation
f) is to ensure equality of opportunity for all
g) is to ensure that the resources of the universe are employed to society's best advantage and well-being equitably and without harming or damaging them and maintaining a perfect balance.

These have been the goals of all civilizations. Each has employed its own means and devices to inculcate in individuals a sense of responsibility and obligation towards the building and preservation of a good society striving for these goals.

Today, western society may claim to be the closest of all to these goals. However, its reliance is solely on the human intellect and its laws. These are enacted without seeking the guidance of an authentic Revelation such as the Quran, or the earlier Revealed Books, which unfortunately, no longer exist intact. Moreover, the concepts of the separation of Church and State, and of humans being totally free and not bound by any Divine Laws have dramatically altered peoples' thinking and conduct. As a result, people continue to suffer injustice and are disillusioned/discontented and have no peace of mind or genuine happiness, in spite of all material progress. They mistakenly place themselves and their comforts above everything else. Laws have proliferated and governmental controls and regulations have restricted men's freedom and hindered their acquisition of good moral values.

Our present society compares poorly with the conditions that existed when the Islamic Way of Life was practiced in a large part of the world. History bears witness and provides more than ample proof of the efficacy of the teachings contained in the Quran.

The present-day condition of Muslims and their decline is directly related to their following personal whims, desires and traditional and family practices, customs and values, rather than the Quranic edicts.
Unless humans accept the Supremacy, Authority and Power of the One and Only God who is the Evolver, Shaper, Sustainer, Owner, and Sovereign of the Universe and all that is in it; natural human selfishness and egotism will prevail, thereby demeaning man's noble nature and disrupting his welfare.

It is only when the individual is steadfastly righteous in his conduct in everyday life that he can hope to achieve PEACE OF MIND, through God's Blessing and guidance. This will give him a comfortable and happy life on earth, and, more importantly, an eternal life after death.

The Quran (the final Divine Revelation; being the only one in existence in its original language) provides guidance and contains directives in respect of all human activity. Amplification of these can be found in the sayings (Hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In addition, the Prophet's life history, (Seerah) exemplifies how these rules are to be applied in everyday life.

Thus, the study of Hadith and Seerah provides sound guidance in living the Islamic Way of Life, since the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) personified the Quranic teachings in all of his actions.

In the interpretation and application of the teachings of the Quran, Hadith and Seerah, it is very important to bear in mind the kind of society which Islam aims to establish, and to ensure that this interpretation conforms to the guiding principles contained in the following verses of the Quran:

And so, set thy face steadfastly towards the (one ever-true) faith, turning away from all that is false, in accordance with the natural disposition which God has instilled into man: (for,) not to allow any change to corrupt what God has thus created - this is the (purpose of the one) ever-true faith; but most people know it not. (30:30)

God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship: (2:185)

And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that (with your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind, and that the Apostle might bear witness to it before you. (2:143)

To be able to lead the Islamic Way of life, it is essential to be ever mindful of the acceptance and commitment one makes while accepting Islam. In short, one must always be GOD CONSCIOUS - (Muttaqi). To help achieve this goal, the performance of five regular prayers (Salat) has been prescribed:

Constant remembrance of God is also achieved by using appropriate words of greeting and invocation, such as:

Assalam u Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah - Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon you.

Bismiullah i'r Rahman i'r Raheem - In the name of Allah the Mercy Giving the Merciful

In sha' Allah - If Allah Wills

Ma sha' Allah - Allah has willed it

Alhamdulillah - Praise be to Allah

Subhanallah - Glory be to Allah

The following verses direct us to remember God in our behavior and in our speech:

But when you are greeted with a greeting (of peace), answer with an even better greeting, or (at least) with the like thereof. Verily, God keeps count indeed of all things. (4:86)

And never say about anything, "Behold I shall do this tomorrow," without (adding), "if God so wills." And if thou shouldst forget (thyself at the time, and become aware of it later), call thy sustainer to mind and say: "I pray that my sustainer guide me even closer than this, to a consciousness of what is right!"" (18:23)

A study of the Quranic verses will show that the required matters of "ma'roof" (good deeds) are no different than those required by Law or society in the U.S. Indeed, such ethical rules have contributed to its greatness. In matter of "Al-munker" (forbidden), however there are many differences between Islam and American Culture. The present problems arising in the American society can be seen as the result of transgressing the Quranic edicts.

A Muslim is required to observe these commandments as an act of worship - namely, in obedience to and for seeking pleasure of Allah. Consequently, he does not seek ways to get around them. For the Muslim these commandments are eternal and no society or authority can change them.

QUOTED BELOW ARE QURANIC VERSES REGARDING CERTAIN HUMAN ACTIVITIES. FOR THE MOST PART THE TRANSLATION OF ONLY ONE VERSE (USING "THE MESSAGE OF THE QURAN" BY MUHAMMAD ASAD) HAS BEEN PROVIDED UNDER EACH TOPIC.

KNOWLEDGE

Read in the name of thy Sustainer, who has created - created man out of a germ-cell! Read - for thy sustainer is the Most Bountiful One who has taught [man] the use of the pen-taught man what he did not know! (96:1-5)

PIETY AND THE PIOUS

True piety does not consist in turning you faces towards the east or the west - but truly pious is he who believes in God, and the Last Day, and the angels, and revelation, and the prophets; and spends his substance - however much he himself may cherish it - upon his near of kin, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and the beggars, and for the freeing of human beings from the bondage; and is constant in prayer, and renders the purifying dues; and [truly pious are] they who keep their promises whenever they promise, and are patient in misfortune and hardship and in time of peril: it is they, that have proved themselves true, and it is they, they who are conscious of God. (2:177)

VIRTUOUS

[The truly virtuous are] they [who] fulfill their vows, and stand in awe of a Day the woe of which is bound to spread far and wide, and who give food - however great be their own want of it - unto the needy, and the orphan, and the captive, [saying, in their hearts,] "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: behold stand in awe of our Sustainer's judgment on a distressful, fateful Day!" And so, God will preserve them from the woes of that Day, and will bestow on them brightness and joy. (76:7-11)

PEACE

O men! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold. God is all-knowing, all aware. (49:13)

HUMAN RIGHTS

Behold. God enjoins justice, and the doing of good, and generosity towards [one's] fellow-men: and He forbids all that is shameful and all that runs counter to reason, as well as envy; [and] He exhorts you [repeatedly] so that you might bear [all this] in mind. (16:90)
Blame attaches but to those who oppress [other] people and behave outrageously on earth, offending against all right: for them there is grievous suffering in store! (42:42)

SANCTITY OF LIFE

And do not take any human being's life - [the life] which God has willed to be sacred - otherwise than in [the pursuit of] justice. Hence, if anyone has been slain wrongfully, We have empowered the defender of his right [to exact a just retribution]; but even so let him not exceed the bounds of equity in [retributive] killing. [And as for him who has been slain wrongfully -] behold, he is indeed succored [by God]! (17:33)

THE ENVIRONMENT

...Do not spread corruption on the earth after it has been so well ordered. And call unto Him with fear and loving: verily, God's grace is ever near unto the doers of good! (7:56)

FOLLOWING TRADITIONS

For when they are told, "Come unto that which God has bestowed from on high, and unto the Apostle" - they answer, "Enough for us is that which we found our forefathers believing in and doing." Why, even though their forefathers knew nothing, and were devoid of all guidance? (5:104)

UNITY

WOMEN'S RIGHTS OF INHERITANCE

Men shall have a share in what parents and kinsfolk leave behind, and women shall have a share in what parents and kinsfolk leave behind, whether it be little or much - a share ordained [by God]. (4:7)

WOMEN'S EQUALITY

And thus does their Sustainer answer their prayer: "I shall not lose sight of the labour of any of you who labours [in My way], be it man or woman: each of you is an issue of the other. (3:195)

FAMILY LIFE

Marriage

And [forbidden to you are] all married women other than those whom you rightfully possess [through wedlock]: this is God's ordinance, binding upon you. But lawful to you are all [women] beyond these, for you to seek out, offering them of your possessions, taking them in honest wedlock, and not in fornification/lust. (4:24)

The adulterer may marry only an adulteress or an idolatress; and the adulteress may marry only an adulterer or an idolater. True believers are forbidden such (marriages). (24:3)

Polygamy

Marry women of your choice, two, three or four. But if you fear that he shall not be able to deal justly with them, then only one...(4:3)

Dowry

And give unto women their marriage portions in the spirit of gift, but if they, of their own accord, give up unto you aught thereof, then enjoy it with pleasure and good cheer. (4:4)

Relation Between Spouses

And among His wonders is this: He creates for you mates out of your own kind, so that you might incline towards them, and He engenders love and tenderness between you: in this, behold, there are messages indeed for people who think! (30:21)

Man's Responsibility

Men shall take full care of women with the bounties which God has bestowed more abundantly of the former than the latter, and with what they may spend out of their possessions. And the righteous women are truly devout ones, who guard the intimacy which God has [ordained to be] guarded. (4:34)

Resolving Differences

And if you have reason to fear that a breach might occur between a [married] couple, appoint an arbiter from among his people and an arbiter from among her people; if they both want to set things aright, God may bring about their reconciliation. Behold, God is indeed all-knowing, aware. (4:35)

Divorce

O Prophet! When you [intend to] divorce women, divorce them with a view to the waiting-period appointed for them, and reckon the period [carefully], and be conscious of God, your Sustainer.
Do not expel them from their homes, and neither shall they [be made to] leave unless they become openly guilty of immoral conduct.
These, then, are the bounds set by God - and he who transgresses the bounds set by God does indeed sin against himself: [for, O man, although] thou knowest it not, after the [first breach] God may well cause something new to come about. (65:1)

Women's Right To Divorce

And if a woman has reason to fair ill-treatment from her husband, or that he might turn away from her, it shall not be wrong for the two to set things peacefully to rights between themselves: for peace is best and selfishness is ever-present in human souls. But if you do good and are conscious of Him - behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do. (4:128)

Waiting Period

And the divorced woman shall undergo, without remarrying, a waiting-period of three monthly courses: for it is not lawful for them to conceal what God may have created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And during this period their husbands are fully entitled to take them back, if they desire reconciliation; but, in accordance with justice, the rights of the wives [with regard to their husbands] are equal to the [husbands'] rights with regard to them, although men have precedence over them [in this respect]. And God is almighty, wise. (2:228)

Remarriage

And if he divorces her [finally], she shall thereafter not be lawful unto him unless she first takes another man for her husband; then, if the latter divorces her, there shall be no sin upon either of the two if they return to one another - provided that both of them think that they will be able to keep within the bounds set by God: for these are the bounds of God which He makes clear unto people of [innate] knowledge. (2:230)

And when you divorce women, and they have come to the end of their waiting-term, hinder them not from marrying other men if they have agreed with each other in a fair manner. This is an admonition unto every one of you who believes in God and the Last Day; it is the most virtuous [way] for you, and the cleanest. And God knows, whereas you do not know. (2:232)

Maintenance of Divorcees & Widows

You will incur no sin if you divorce women while you have not yet touched them nor settled a dower upon them; but [even in such case] make provision for them - the affluent according to his means and the straightened according to his means - a provision in an equitable manner: this is a duty upon all who would do good . (2:236)

And the divorced women, too, shall have [a right to] maintenance in a goodly manner: this is a duty for all who are conscious of God. (2:241)

And if any of you die and leave wives behind, they bequeath thereby to their widows [the right to] one year's maintenance without their being obliged to leave [the dead husband's home]. If, however, they leave [of their own accord], there shall be no sin in whatever they may do with themselves in a lawful manner. And God is almighty, wise. (2:240)

TREATMENT OF:

Parents, Kith and Kin, Neighbors, Captives, Employees, and Needy

And worship God [alone], and do not ascribe divinity, in any way, to aught beside Him.
And do good unto your parents, and near of kin, and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbour from among your own people, and the neighbour who is a stranger, and the friend by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom you rightfully possess.
Verily, God does not love any of those who, full of self-conceit, act in a boastful manner. (4:36)

The Helpless

And how could you refuse to fight in the cause of God and of the utterly helpless men and women and children who are crying, "O our Sustainer! Lead us forth [to freedom] out of this land whose people are oppressors, and raise for us, out of Thy grace, a protector, and raise for us, out of Thy grace, one who will bring us succour!" (4:75)

Orphans and the Poor

The truly virtuous are they who fulfil their vows, and stand in awe of the Day of woe of which is bound to spread far and wide and who give food - however great be their own want of it - unto the needy, and the orphan, and the captive. (76:7-8)

And do not touch the substance of an orphan - save to improve it- before he come of age. (6:152)

Behold, those who sinfully devour the possessions of orphans but fill their bellies with fire: for [in the life to come] they will have to endure a blazing flame! (4:10)

But nay, nay, [O men, consider all that you do and fail to do:] you are not generous towards the orphan, and you do not urge one another to feed the needy, and you devour the inheritance [of others] with devouring greed, and you love wealth with boundless love! (89:17-20)

Debtors

If, however, [the debtor] is in straitened circumstances, [grant him] a delay until a time of ease; and it would be for your own good - if you but knew it - to remit [the debt entirely] by way of charity. And be conscious of the Day on which you shall be brought back unto God, whereupon every human shall be repaid in full for what he has earned, and none shall be wronged. (2:280-281)

The Ignorant

...And, whenever they heard frivolous talk, having turned away from it and said: "Unto us shall be accounted our deeds, and unto you, your deeds. Peace be upon you - [but] we do not seek out such as are ignorant [of the meaning of right and wrong]." (28:55)

Those Who Do Not Believe in Islam

As for such [of the unbelievers] as do not fight against you on account of [your] faith, neither drive you forth from your homelands, God does not forbid you to show them kindness and to behave towards them with full equity: for, verily, God loves those who act equitably. God only forbids you to turn in friendship towards such as fight against you because of [your] faith, and drive you forth from your homelands, or aid [others] in driving you forth; and as for those [form among you] who turn towards them in friendship, it is they, they who are truly wrongdoers! (60:8-9)

PERSONAL CONDUCT

Unnecessary Questions

O You who have attained faith! Do not ask about matters which, if they were to be made manifest to you [in terms of law], might cause hardship; for, if you should ask about them while the Quran is being revealed, they might [indeed] be made manifest to you [as laws]. God has absolved [you from any obligation] in this respect: for God is much-forgiving, forbearing. (5:101)

Excel in Goodness

...Vie then with one another in doing good works... (5:58)

Evil Desires

[And We said:] "O David! Behold, We have made thee a [prophet and, thus, Our] vicegerent on earth: judge, then between men with justice, and do not follow vain desire, lest it lead thee astray from the path of God: verily, for those who go astray form the path of God there is suffering severe in store for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning!" (38:26)

Pride and Arrogance

And turn not thy cheek away from people in [false] pride, and walk not haughtily on earth: for, behold, God does not love anyone who, out of self conceit, acts in a boastful manner. Hence, be modest in thy bearing, and lower thy voice: for behold, the ugliest of all voices is the [loud] voice of asses...(31:18-19)

Temptations

Make due allowance for man's nature, and enjoin the doing for what is right; and leave alone all those who choose to remain ignorant. And if it should happen that a prompting from Satan stirs thee up [to blind anger], seek refuge with God: behold, He is all-hearing, all-knowing. Verily, they who are conscious of God bethink themselves [of Him] whenever any dark suggestion from Satan touches them - whereupon, lo! they begin to see [things] clearly, (7:199-201)

Etiquette

[All of you, O believers, are brethren: hence,] no blame attaches to the blind, nor does blame attach to the lame, nor does blame attach to the sick [for accepting charity from the hale], and neither to yourselves for eating [whatever is offered to you by others, whether it be food obtained] from you [children's] houses, or our father's houses, of your mother's houses, or your brother's houses, or your sister's houses, or your paternal uncle's houses, or your paternal aunt's house, or your maternal uncle's houses, or your maternal aunt's houses or [houses] the keys whereof are in your charge, or [the house] of any of your friends; nor will you incur any sin by eating in company or separately. But whenever you enter [any of these] houses, greet one another with a blessed, goodly greeting, as enjoined by God.
In this way God makes clear unto you His messages, so that you might [learn to] use your reason. (24:61)

Visits

O you who have attained to faith! Do not enter houses other than your own unless you have obtained permission and greeted their inmates. This is [enjoined upon you] for your own good, so that you might bear [your mutual rights] in mind. Hence, [even] if you find no one within [the house], do not enter it until you are given leave; and if you are told, "Turn back," then turn back. This will be most conducive to your purity; and God has full knowledge of all that you do. [On the other hand,] you will incur no sin if you [freely] enter houses not intended for living in but serving a purpose useful to you: but [always remember that] God knows all that you do openly, and all that you would conceal. (24:27-29)

Greetings

But when you are greeted with a greeting [of Peace], answer with an even better greeting, or [at least] with the like thereof. Verily, God keeps count indeed of all things. (4:86)

Speech

And tell My servants that they should speak in the most kindly manner [unto those who do not share their beliefs]: verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men - for verily, Satan is man's open foe! (17:53)

Slander - Backbiting - Suspicion - Guessing - Imputing Motives

Repeating Gossip - Rumors

When you take it up with your tongues, uttering with you mouths something of which you have no knowledge, and deeming it a light matter whereas in the sight of God it is an awful thing! And [once again]: Why do you not say, whenever you hear such [a rumour], "It does not behove us to speak for this, O Thou who art limitless in Thy glory: this is an awesome calumny? God admonishes you [hereby] lest you ever revert to the life of this [sin], if you are [truly] believers; for God makes [His] messages clear unto you - and God is all-knowing, wise! (24: 15-18)

Zakat

And [as for] the believers, both men and women - they are close unto one another; they [all] enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong, and are constant in prayer, and render the purifying dues, and pay heed unto God and His Apostle. It is they upon whom God will bestow His grace: verily, God is almighty, wise! (9:71)

Gambling and Intoxication

O You who have attained to faith! Intoxicants, and games of chance, and idolatrous practices, and the divining of the future are but a loathsome evil of Satan's doing: shun it, then, so that you might attain to a happy state! By means of intoxicants, and games of chance Satan seeks only to sow enmity and hatred among you, and turn you away from the remembrance of God and from prayer. Will you not, then, desist? (5:90-91)

Usury (Interest)

Those who gorge themselves on usury behave but as he might behave whom Satan has confounded with his touch; for they say "Buying and selling is but a kind of usury" - the while God has made buying and selling lawful and usury unlawful. Hence, whoever becomes aware of his Sustainer's admonition, and thereupon desists [from usury], may keep his past gains, and it will be for God to judge him; but as for those who return to it - they are destined for the fire, therein to abide! (2:275)

Male - Female Interaction

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and to be mindful of their chastity: this will be most conducive to their purity - [and,] verily, God is aware of all that they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and to be mindful of their chastity; and not to display their charms [in public] beyond what may [decently] be apparent thereof; hence, let them draw their head-coverings over their bosoms. And let them not display [more of] their charms to any but their husbands, or their fathers, of their husbands' father, of their sons, or their husbands' sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons or their womenfolk, or those whom they rightfully possess, or such male attendants as are beyond all sexual desire, or children that are as yet unaware of women's nakedness; and let them not swing their legs [in walking] so as to draw attention to their hidden charms.
And [always], O you believers - all of you - turn unto God in repentance, so that you might attain to a happy state! (24:30-31)

Promises

And be true to every promise - for verily, [on Judgment Day] you will be called to account for every promise which you have made! (17:34)

Trust

[Hence,] O you who have attained to faith, do not be false to God and the Apostle, and do not knowingly be false to the trust that has been reposed in you: and know that your worldly goods and your children are but a trial and a temptation, and that with God there is a tremendous reward. (8: 27-28)

O you who have attained to faith! Whenever you give or take credit for a stated term, set it down in writing. And let a scribe write it down equitably between you; and no scribe shall refuse to write as God has taught him: thus shall he write. And let him who contracts the debt dictate; and let him be conscious of God, his Sustainer, and not weaken anything of his undertaking. And if he who contracts the debt is weak of mind or body, or is not able to dictate himself, then let him who watches over his interest dictate equitably. And call upon two of your men to act as witnesses; and if two men are not available, then a man and two women from among such as are acceptable to you as witnesses, so that if one of them should make a mistake, the other could remind her. And the witnesses must not refuse [to give evidence] whenever they are called upon.

And be not loath to write down every contractual provision, be it small or great, together with the time at which it falls due; this is more equitable in the sight of God, more reliable as evidence, and more likely to prevent you from having doubts [later]. If, however, [the transaction] concerns ready merchandise which you transfer directly unto one another, you will incur no sin if you do not write it down. And have witnesses whenever you trade with one another, but neither scribe nor witness must suffer harm; for if you do [them harm], behold, it will be sinful conduct on your part. And remain conscious of God since it is God who teaches you [herewith] - and God has full knowledge of everything.

And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, pledges [may be taken] in hand: but if you trust one another, then let him who is trusted fulfill his trust, and let him be conscious of God, his Sustainer. And do not conceal what you have witnessed - for, verily, he who conceals it is sinful at heart; and God has full knowledge of all that you do. (2:282-283)

Greed

[Woe unto him] who amasses wealth and counts it a safeguard, thinking that his wealth will make him live forever! Nay, but [in life to come such as] he shall indeed be abandoned to crushing torment! And what could make thee conceive what that crushing torment will be? A fire kindled by God. (104: 2-6)

Envy - Jealousy

Hence, do not covet the bounties which God has bestowed more abundantly on some of you than others. Men shall have a benefit from what they earn, and women shall have a benefit from what they earn. Ask, therefore, God [to give you] out of His bounty: behold, God has indeed full knowledge of everything. (4:32)

Hoarding

[Woe unto him] who amasses wealth and counts it a safeguard, thinking that his wealth will make him live forever! (104:2-3)

Correct Spending, Niggardliness, Extravagance

For, [true] servants of the Most Gracious are [only] - and who, whenever they spend on others are neither wasteful nor niggardly but [remember that] there is always a just mean between those [two extremes] (25:67)

And they should think - they who niggardly cling to all that God has granted them out of His bounty - that this is good for them; nay, it is bad for them. That to which they [so] niggardly cling will, on the Day of Resurrection, be hung about their necks: for unto God [alone] belongs the heritage of the heavens and of the earth; and God is aware of all that you do. (3:180)

And neither allow thy hand to remain shackled to thy neck, nor stretch it forth to the utmost limit [of thy capacity], lest thou find thyself blamed [by thy dependents], or even destitute. (17:29)

Ridiculing Those Who Do Good

[It is these hypocrites] who find fault with such of believers as give for the sake of God more than they are duty-bound to give, as well as with such as find nothing [to give] beyond [the meager fruits of] their toil, and who scoff at them [all]. God will cause their scoffing to rebound on themselves, and grievous suffering awaits them. (2:195)

Charity

And spend [freely] in God's cause, and let not your own hands throw you into destruction; and persevere in doing good: behold, God loves the doers of good. (2:195)

The parable of those who spend their possessions for the sake of God is that of a grain out of which grow seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains: for God grants manifold increase unto whom He wills; and God is infinite, all-knowing. They who spend their possessions for the sake of God and do not thereafter mar their spending by stressing their own benevolence and hurting [the feelings of the needy] shall have their reward and their Sustainer, and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve. A kind word and the veiling of another's want is better than a charitable deed followed by hurt: and God is self-sufficient, forbearing. O you who have attained to faith! Do not deprive your charitable deeds of all worth by stressing your own benevolence and hurting [the feelings of the needy], as does he who spends his wealth only to be seen and praised by men, and believes not in God and the Last Day: for his parable is that of a smooth rock with [a little] earth upon it - and then a rainstorm smites it and leaves it hard and bare. Such as these shall have no gain whatever from all their [good] works: for God does not guide people who refuse to acknowledge the truth. And the parable of those who spend their possessions out of a longing to please God, and out of their own inner certainty, is that of a garden on high, fertile ground, a rainstorm smites it, and thereupon it brings forth its fruit twofold; and it no rainstorm smites it, soft rain [falls upon it]. And God sees all that you do. Would any of you like to have a garden of date-palms and vines, through which running waters flow, and have all manner of fruit therein - and then be overtaken by old age, with only weak children to [look after] him - and then [see] it smitten by fiery whirlwind and utterly scorched? In this way God makes clear His messages unto you, so that you might take thought. O you who have attained to faith! Spend on others out of the good things which you may have acquired, and out of that which WE bring forth for you from the earth; and choose not for your spending the bad things which you yourselves would not accept without averting your eyes in disdain. And know that God is self-sufficient, ever to be praised. Satan threatens you with the prospect of poverty and bids you to be niggardly, whereas God promises you His forgiveness and bounty; and God is infinite, all-knowing, granting wisdom unto whom He wills: and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted wealth abundant. But none bears this in mind save those who are endowed with insight. For, whatever you may spend on others, or whatever you may vow [to spend], verily, God knows it; and those who do wrong [by withholding charity] shall have none to succor them. If you do deeds of charity openly, it is well; but if you bestow it upon the needy in secret, it will even be better for you, and it will atone for some of your bad deeds. And God is aware of all that you do. It is not for thee [O Prophet] to make people follow the right path, since it is God [alone] who guides whom He wills. (2:261-272)

Cooperation With Others

O you who have attained to faith! And never let your hatred of people who would bar you from the Inviolable House of Worship lead you into the sin of aggression: but rather help one another in furthering virtue and God-consciousness, and do not help one another in furthering evil and enmity; and remain conscious of God: for, behold, God is severe in retribution! (5:2)

Denial of Help

And if thou [must] turn aside from those [that are in want, because thou thyself art] seeking to obtain thy Sustainer's grace and hoping for it, at least speak unto them with gentle speech.(17:28)

Anger

And vie with one another to attain to your Sustainer's forgiveness and to a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, which has been readied for the God-conscious who spend [in His way] in time of plenty and in time of hardship, and hold in check their anger, and pardon their fellow-men because God loves the doers of good...(3:133-134)

Retaliation

Hence, if you have to respond to an attack [in argument] respond only to the extent of the attack levelled against you; but to bear yourselves with patience is indeed far better for [you, since God is with] those who are patient in adversity. (16:126)

Revenge

And We ordained for them in the [Torah]: A life for a life, and an eye for an eye, and a nose for a nose, and an ear for an ear, and a tooth for a tooth, and a [similar] retribution for wounds; but he who shall forgo it out of charity will atone thereby for some of his past sins. And they who do not judge in accordance with what God has revealed - they, they are the evildoers! (5:45)

And who could be better of speech then he who calls [his fellowmen] unto God, and does what is just and right, and says, "Verily, I am of those who have surrendered themselves to God?" But [since] good and evil cannot equal, repel thou [evil] with something that is better - and lo! he between whom and thyself was enmity [may then become] as though he had [always] been close [unto thee], a true friend! (41:33 - 34)

Peace-making

Hence, if two groups of believers fall to fighting, make peace between them; but then, if one of the two [groups] goes on acting wrongfully towards the other, fight against the one that acts wrongfully until it reverts to God's commandment; and if they revert, make peace between them with justice, and deal equitably [with them] For verily, God loves those who act equitably! All believers are but brethren. Hence, [whenever they are at odds,] make peace between your two brethren, and remain conscious of God, so that you might be graced with His mercy. (49:9 - 10)

Conspiracies

No good comes, as a rule, out of secret confabulations - saving such are devoted to enjoining charity, or equitable dealings, or setting things to rights between people: and unto him who deals this out of a longing for God's goodly acceptance We shall in time grant a mighty reward. (4:114)

Diet

He has forbidden to you only carrion, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that over which any name other than God's has been invoked; but if one is driven by necessity - neither coveting nor exceeding his immediate need - no sin shall be upon him: for, behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace. (2:173)

Clothing

O children of Adam! Indeed, we have bestowed upon you from on high [the knowledge of making] garments to cover your nakedness, and as thing of beauty: but the garment of God-consciousness is the best of all. Herein lies a message from God, so that man might take it to heart. O children of Adam! Do not allow Satan to seduce you in the same way as he caused your ancestors to be driven out of the garden: he deprived them of their garment [of God-consciousness] in order to make them aware of their nakedness. Verily, he and his tribe are lying in wait for you where you cannot perceive them! (7:26-27)
O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters, as well as all [other] believing women, that they should draw over themselves some of their outer garments [when in public]: this will be more conducive to their being recognized [as decent women] and not annoyed. But [withal,] God is indeed much forgiving, a dispenser of grace! (33:59)

Cleanliness

To happiness [in the life to come] will indeed attain he who attains purity [in this world], and remembers his Sustainer's name, and prays [unto Him]. (87:14-15)

True Measure

And give full measure whenever you measure, and weigh with a balance that is true: this will be [for your own] good, and the best in the end. (17:35)

Cheating

And devour not one another's possessions wrongfully, and neither employ legal artifices with a view to devouring sinfully, and knowingly, anything that by right belongs to others. (2:188)

Illegal Earnings

O you who have attained to faith! Do not devour one another's possessions wrongfully - not even by way of trade based on mutual agreement - and do not destroy one another: for, behold, God is indeed a dispenser of grace unto you! (4:29)

Lobbying and Recommendation

Yet do not argue in behalf of those who are false to their own selves: verily, God does not love those who betray their trust and persist in sinful ways. They would conceal their doings from men; but from God they cannot conceal them - for He is with them whenever they devise, in the dark of night, all manner of beliefs which He does not approve. And God indeed encompasses [with His knowledge] whatever they do. Oh, you might well argue in their behalf in the life of this world: but who will argue in their behalf with God on the Day of Resurrection, or who will be their defender? (4:107-109)

Whoever rallies to a good cause shall have a share in its blessings; and whoever rallies to an evil cause shall be answerable for his part in it: for, indeed, God watches over everything. (4:85)

Witnessing And Justice

O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in upholding equity, bearing witness to the truth for sake of God, even though it be against you own selves or your parents and kinsfolk. Whether the person concerned be rich or poor, God's claim takes precedence over [the claims of] either of them. Do not, then, follow your own desires, lest you swerve from justice: for if you distort [the truth], behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do! (4:135)

[And We said:] "O David! Behold, We have made thee a [prophet and, thus, Our] vicegerent of earth: judge, then between men and justice, and do not follow vain desires, lest it lead thee astray from the path of God, there is suffering severe in store for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning!" (38:26)

O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in you devotion to God, bearing witness to the truth in all equity; and never let hatred of anyone lead you into the sin of deviating from justice. Be just: this is the closest to being God-conscious. And remain conscious of God: verily, God is aware of all that you do. (5:8)

Abusing the Gods of Others

But do not revile those [beings] whom they invoke instead of God, lest they revile God out of spite, and in ignorance: for, goodly indeed have We made their own doings appear unto every community. In time, [however,] unto their Sustainer they must return: and then He will make them [truly] understand all that they are doing. (6:108)

Decisions

Where as that which is with God is far better and more enduring... (it shall be given to) and who responds to [the call] of their Sustainer and are constant in prayer; and whose rule [in all matters of common concern] is consultation among themselves; and who spend on others out of what We provide for them as sustenance.

Now if thou pay heed unto the majority of those (who live) on earth, they will but lead thee astray from the path of God: they follow but (other people's conjectures) and they themselves do nothing but guess. (42:38)

Hypocrisy

O YOU who have attained faith! Why do you say one thing and do another? Most loathsome is it in the sight of God that you say what you do not do! (61:2-3)

Equality & Rights

O MANKIND! Be conscious of your Sustainer, who has created you out of one living entity, and out of it created its mate, and out of the spread aboard multitude of men and women. And remain conscious of God, in whose name you demand [your rights] from one another, and of these ties of kinship. Verily, God is ever watchful over you! (4:1)

Only a few topics concerning the affairs of everyday life have been covered in this pamphlet. Some publications containing Quranic verses on various topics are listed below and have been used in compiling this pamphlet:

Commandments By God in Quran - compiled by Ch. Nazar Mohammad. Published by Asaf Ali c/o Beachport Ltd. 40 Duke St. London W1M 5DA and by AlHuda Islamic Center P.O. Box 962 Elberton, GA 30635. Contains all Quranic verses covering many topics. Chronologically arranged. PP 776

The Quran: Basic Teachings - by Dr. T.B. Irving-Khurshed Ahmed - M. M. Ahsan. Published by The Islamic Foundation, Markfield Dawah Centre, Ratby Lane, Markfield, Leicester, LE6 ORN, UK. PP 278.

Quran and You - By Mohammad Monzoor Nomani. Published by the Academy of Islamic Research and Publication, P.O. Box 119 Tagore Marr Luchnow 226007 India. Contains explanations on the verses quoted PP 222.

Recommended Reading:

Islam by Ismail R. Al-Faruqi
Islam in Focus by Hammudah Aledalati
Concept of Islam by Mahmoud Abu Saud
Islam and Muslims by Suzanne Haneef
Towards Understanding Islam by Maulana Maududi
Islamic Way of Life by Maulana Maududi

For further information and literature on Islam please contact:

The Islamic Teaching Center
Post Office Box 38
Plainfield, IN 46168
USA
317-839-8157

The Islamic Circle of North America
166-26 89th Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432
USA
718-658-1199

The Institute of Islamic Information and Education
Post Office Box 41129
Chicago, ILL 60641-0129
312-777-7443