Islamic Culture in Muslim Society: Morality and Ethics in Islam(Moral Stories)

A culture is a set of habits, rules and regulations, which a group of
people follows as part of their lives.
Islamic culture is how we should behave. It is the way Muslims are
taught to live and is based on the two sources of Noble Qur'an and
Hadith. A Muslim should understand and practice this knowledge, since
when these two sources are combined; we have the way and means to lead
a life, which will lead to perfection and contentment.
There are countless examples of what we should do and how we should
act, but the essence of all these actions is having good Akhlaq.
To have good Akhlaq (Morality, Moral Values), you have to follow a
verysimple rule. Prophet Isa (as), Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Imam Ali
(as) have all emphasized one message and that is:Treatothers the way
you would like them to treat you.
This just means to have consideration, whether itis family, other
relatives, or friends.
Whenever you meet others you are carrying the flag of Islam. This
means people will look atyou and say, "This is how Muslims behave".
Whenever you do an action, ask yourself,"Would Prophet Muhammad (saw)
and Imam Ali (as)do that?" Then think about your answer before you
perform the action.
Prophet Muhammad (saw)was once asked why he came to the world, what
was his purpose? He replied, "I have been sent to complete the
nobility of your character."
This means that the main purpose of Prophet Muhammad (saw) was to
improve and perfect the Islamic Culture, the noble character of a
person andthus the community.
It is very important that we should have a good Islamic Culture at
home, since this is where the foundation is set for growing children.
We should make sure that we all recite Salaat on time. If possible we
should pray Salaat-e-Jamaat (CongregationalPrayer) at home, with
thefather leading and the children following. The mother should teach
the girls the importance of wearing Hijaband the parents should
explain about music and dance, and all the other habits, which Islam
discourages.
Some parents tell their children not to fast during examinations. This
makes the children feel that fasting can be missed for such reasons
and reduces its importance. How can youblame the children, whenit is
the parents who encourage them? The point that people do not realize
is that if you obey Allah (SWT), He will help you. Allah (SWT) has
said that for every 1 step you take towards Him, He willtake 10 steps
towards you. So make a Niyyat (intension) and fast. Do not look at
fasting as if it is going to harm you, butthink that it will help your
concentration, it will help you to study, and you soon see how well
you can actually do.
We must make Islamic Culture part of our day-to-day lives, not just
something we put on for the mosque, or for Madressa. Only then will we
benefit both in this life, and the next.
Once Imam Ali (as) was asked, who is a believer? He answered as to
what the characteristics of a believer should include,
1.The believer is one withwhom peoples' life, wealth and dignity are safe.
2.When powerful, he forgives easily. He is generous in appropriate ways.
3.His behavior is gentle. His actions and walk reflect modesty.
4.People enjoy his affection and calmness. He is ready to bear painin
order to comfort others.
5.In friendship he is sincere. He honors his promises.
6.He helps the oppressed and is concerned aboutthe deprived. He does
not abandon those in distress; he tries to relieve their burdens.
7.He respects the rights of those who are absent. He accepts the
apologies of those at fault.
8.He assists those who have assisted him.
9.He does not divulge (tell) peoples' secrets. He does not inquire
into secret affairs, which do not concern him.
10.He sets a good example for those who succeed him.
11.His good deeds are not performed for the sake of being boastful.
12.He does not fall into the same difficulty twice.