Welcome to Islam, - Morality in Islam

One of the most important aspects of a Muslim's life is to have high moral standards. Since the beginning of Islam, Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was mainly concerned with teaching and disciplining Muslims to have the best manners and personal characteristics. His personal life and behaviour were reflective of his teachings, which were revealed to him by Allaah. In the Noble Quran, Allaah describes Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, saying )what means(:“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”]Quran, 68:4[
The Prophet's high standard of manners made him a model for all Muslims to follow. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to emphasise how important good manners are for Muslims. He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam has said:“The best of you is the best among you in conduct.”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
In another authentic narration, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, mentioned that:“The heaviest thing to be placed in the balance of a believing slave on the Day of Judgement will be good behaviour. And Allaah hates the one who uses bad language.”]Al-Bayhaqi[
Someone once asked the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, what deed would lead a man to paradise, and he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam answered:“Piety and good conduct.”
In other narrations the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, made distinctions among Muslims based on their behaviour; the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:“The most perfect man in his faith, among the believers, is the one whose behaviour is the most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.”]Ahmad[
He even clarified that people will be on different levels inParadisebased on their good manners saying:“The dearest and nearest among you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who is the best in conduct…”]Ibn An-Najjaar[
Now we shall talk about ethics in Islam, and how it is different from other ethical systems today.
Unlike other systems, the ethical system in Islam derives from a divine source. This divine source is the revelation from Allaah. Therefore, this system cannot be changed, or manipulated to fit our desires. It applies regardless of time or place. This system has not been changed for thousands of years, it cannot be changed today, and it will never change until the Day of Judgement. No one has the authority to change or alter this system, even if the whole world wants to do so. What was considered good morals in the past will remain as good morals throughout time.
What was considered as bad morals in the past will also remain so forever, even if society accepts it as a norm. The system of ethics is not affected by cultural norms, because Allaah is the One who determines what is acceptable and what is not.
The Noble Quran is very detailed and clearly mentions the significance of good manners, just like it mentions the importance of belief, worship, and all our daily affairs.
The Noble Quran mentions several good acts of morality repeatedly, for example:
Dealing with one’s parents in the best manner
Being nice to one’s relatives and neighbors
Taking care of orphans and the poor
Being honest
Being sincere in all of one’s intentions
Fulfilling one’s promises
Treating all people fairly
The Noble Quran goes as far as to teach us the way that we should walk. Allaah Says )what means(:“And, be moderate in your walking…”]Quran: 31:19[ Allaah also Says )what means(:“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in modesty, and when the ignorant address them ]harshly[, they say ]words of[ peace.”]Quran, 25:63[
The Noble Quran even tells us the proper etiquette of visiting one another. Allaah Says )what means(:“O you who have believed! Do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded ]i.e., advised[.”]Quran, 24:27[
The Quran also teaches us the way we should behave in a gathering, Allaah Says )what means(:“O you who have believed! When you are told: 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allaah will make space for you…”]Quran, 58:11[
If we were to actually practice the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, we would find that there are many lessons to learn when eating, drinking, dressing, sleeping, travelling, greeting, taking permission, even sneezing, yawning and other seemingly trivial acts.
Unlike other ethical systems, Islam's moral system is a very detailed and complete package. Islam addresses every aspect of human life, no matter how minor. It is a complete package - it does not lack anything that needs to be completed nor does it have any defects that need to be amended.
The Islamic religion guides our morals that deal with the individual, the community, and Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It also guides us on how to deal with rulers and how to honor and respect scholars. Islam even directs us on how to act during times of peace and war.
It goes as far as guiding us on the treatment of animals. Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:“Fear Allaah when you treat the animals: take care of them, keep them in good health whether you ride on them or are raising them for their meat.”]Ahmad[
In another narration, Prophet, Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:“…when you slaughter an animal, make your slaughter in the best manner. Let one of you sharpen his knife and give ease to the animal )in order to reduce the pain(.”]Muslim[
The Companions once asked the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,“Do we earn reward if we treat animals in a good manner? He answered: “Yes, surely you earn rewards whenever you treat any living being in a good manner.”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
No other ethical system can match Islam's one. Only Allaah, with His great wisdom, could have made such a system that teaches humans how to deal with every aspect of their lives. This is because Islam is not a man made system; it is the religion of Allaah. He made it complete and integrated. No man has, can or ever will come up with a system that is so perfect. If you want a successful and happy life, then simply apply Islam to it, and you will have wonderful results.

Dought & clear, - She likes a religiously committed man, and there is correspondence between them, such ascongratulations (for Ramadaan) and religious reminders. What should she do?

I am a young woman who graduated from university four years ago. Praise be to Allah, I wear hijab and memorise Qur’an, and I love Islam a great deal. I want to know all the details of my religion. I grew up in a conservative family, and during all stages of my life I did not mix with boys, even at work, and I never put any boy’s number in my mobile phone. I always pray to Allah to bless me with a righteous husband who will help me to learn Islam and Qur’an, and help me to be religiously committed. I have refused all the young man who proposed to me, because they were not as religiously committed as I hoped for. My problem started when I opened an engineering office, and I began to work in it in order to help my family. I got to know a young man who started coming to my office for some of his work. He is studying for his Masters degree in ‘ilm al-hadeeth (hadeeth sciences), and he is top of the class in his specialised studies. I asked him if I could ask him about some matters having to do with Islam, and he asked me for my phone number so that he could tell me the answers. I gave him my number because I trusted myself and him, because he is a man who has knowledge of sharee‘ah, and it is obvious that I am impressed with his Islamic character, because in our society you rarely see a young man who follows the example of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and lets his beard grow. After that he contacted me and gave me the answer, and he said: You can get in touch any time you need something. After that, I sent him a text message to thank him and congratulate him on the occasion of the month of Ramadan, and he replied to my message. After that, he began to send me messages from time to time that contain advice, du‘aa’s or hadeeth of the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and I began to reply in like manner. But I was always very happy to receive his messages, and they made me feel that he remembers me and was thinking of me, and I prayed to Allah to make him my husband, and I said to myself that maybe he will graduate and propose to me. I do not know why I am so fond of him. Every time a young man proposes to me, I reject him and compare him to this man, especially with regard to religious commitment. But sometimes I think that exchanging messages with him is haraam, so I would stop doing that, but he was sending me a message every week, and I used to reply and I thought that if it was haraam, and he is one of the people of knowledge, then how can he approve of that? I do not know if he is married or not, but I think that if he was married, he would not send messages to me; I know the society in which I live. Now I do not know what I should do, or how I can find out whether he is married or not, or if he wants to marry me or not, or if corresponding with him is haraam. Should I wait for him? I do not have anyone trustworthy who could help me. I know that in material terms he is not well off, but I used to wonder if this is the reason, because I have a share of beauty that makes many people propose marriage to me. Please advise me. Praise be to Allah. The Shaytaan uses various means and methods to ensnare people, including the exact phrases that you mentioned every time: “I trust myself”, ” I trust him”, “for the sake of beneficial knowledge”, “congratulations on the occasion of Ramadan and Eid.” After that comes emotional attachment, then words of admiration, then love, and the matter may continue until it develops into things that are worse than that and more haraam. You made a mistake when you gave your mobile number to a man who is not your mahram, and you made a mistake when you sent him a message thanking him, then a message congratulating him (on the occasion of Ramadan), and you made a mistake when you let him carry on sending messages to you. We have discussed the ruling on correspondence and conversations between the sexes in several fatwas. Please see the answers to questions no. 78375, 26890and 82702 You have two ways of ending this problem and putting an end to continuing in sin. They are: Propose marriage to him yourself, but in a manner that will preserve your dignity and modesty. We have discussed the way of doing that in the answer to question no. 99737 Or you can send him a message saying that you made a mistake when you allowed him to continue corresponding with you, and that you are not happy about it, and that you have decided to put an end to this correspondence. In that case, he will either tell you frankly that he is interested in marrying you, or he will agree to put an end to the correspondence. Whatever the case, you will have achieved your purpose. We ask Allah, may He be exalted, to help you to do all that is good. And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - Who takes the souls of animals and what is their fate?

When animate beings other than humans, namely animals and birds, die, where do their souls go? Does the Angel of death take them, or what exactly happens to them? Praise be to Allah. Allah, may He be glorified, tells us that the Angel of death takes the souls of the sons of Adam, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):“Say: "The angel of death, who is set over you, will take your souls, then you shall be brought back to your Lord."” [as-Sajdah 32:11]. With regard to the souls of animals and birds, there is no text that speaks about them in the Qur’an or saheeh Sunnah, as far as we know. Rather what has been narrated concerning that is a hadeeth that is not sound (saheeh). This is a report that was narrated by al-‘Aqeeli inad-Du‘afa’: “The lifespan of all animals, lice, fleas, locusts, horses and mules, all of them, cattle and so on, their lifespans are all connected to their tasbeeh. When their tasbeeh comes to an end, Allah takes their souls, and the Angel of death has nothing to do with that.” Al-Albaani said inas-Silsilah ad-Da‘eefah(4/188): It is mawdoo‘ (fabricated). Hence some of the scholars said that the Angel of death is the one who takes the souls of all creatures, whilst others said that Allah takes their souls Himself and causes their life to cease. See:at-Tadhkirahby al-Qurtubi, p. 75;al-Fawaakih ad-Dawaani, 1/100 Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) is of the view that asking about that is unnecessary. He (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: Is the Angel of death appointed to take the souls of animals? He replied: What would you think if I said that the Angel of death is or is not appointed to take the souls of animals; what benefit is there in knowing this? Did the Sahaabah ask the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) about that, when they were more eager than others to seek knowledge, and the Messenger was more able than others to answer, yet despite that they did not ask? Rather Allah, may He be glorified and exalted) says (interpretation of the meaning):“Say: ‘The angel of death, who is set over you, will take your souls, then you shall be brought back to your Lord.’” [as-Sajdah 32:11]. He (the Angel of death) is appointed to take the souls of the sons of Adam; with regard to the souls of creatures other than the sons of Adam, nothing is proven. And Allah knows best. But the most important thing to say in response to this question is that man should not go to extremes (inasking questions). The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed.” So do not ask about things in which there is no benefit. By Allah, if there were any benefit in our knowing whether the Angel of death takes the souls of other creatures, Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, would have told us about it, either in the Qur’an or Sunnah, or Allah would have caused someone to ask the Messenger about that. Hence the Sahaabah would rejoice when a Bedouin came from the desert to ask about something that they might feel too shy to ask the Messenger about. The point is, for you and anyone else who is listening, that delving deeply into such matters is wrong, because the Messenger said: ““Those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed.” And on one occasion he said: “Those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed, those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed, those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed”, three times. With regard to such matters of the unseen, you should take what has been proven and leave that which has not been mentioned… With regard to matters of the unseen, we should take that which has been proven to us, and as for the rest, we should keep quiet about it; if it was important for us, or if there were any interest to be served by knowing it, Allah would have explained it. Allah, may He be exalted, said to the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): “And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad SAW) the reminder and the advice (the Quran), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them” [an-Nahl 16:44]. The Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did not leave anything that we need but he explained it to us. End quote fromLiqa’ al-Baab al-Maftooh, 11/146 Secondly: With regard to the fate of the souls of these animals, it was narrated by ‘Abd ar-Razzaaq in hisMusannaf, by Ibn Jubayr, and by al-Bayhaqi inal-Ba‘thfrom Abu Hurayrah, that he said concerning the verse (interpretation of the meaning),“There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered” [al-An‘aam 6:38]: All creatures will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection, animals, beasts, birds and everything. Then Allah’s justice on that day will reach such an extent that Allah will settle the score for the hornless animal with the horned one. Then He will say, ‘Be dust,’ at which point the disbeliever will say:‘Would that I were dust!’ [an-Naba’ 78:40]. See:Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/255 Al-Albaani said inas-Silsilah as-Saheehah(4/466): This was narrated by as-Suyooti inad-Durr al-Manthoor(6/310), but he did not say anything about its isnaad as he usually does. According to Ibn Jareer (30/17) it is qawiy. End quote. And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - Who takes the souls of animals and what is their fate?

When animate beings other than humans, namely animals and birds, die, where do their souls go? Does the Angel of death take them, or what exactly happens to them? Praise be to Allah. Allah, may He be glorified, tells us that the Angel of death takes the souls of the sons of Adam, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):“Say: "The angel of death, who is set over you, will take your souls, then you shall be brought back to your Lord."” [as-Sajdah 32:11]. With regard to the souls of animals and birds, there is no text that speaks about them in the Qur’an or saheeh Sunnah, as far as we know. Rather what has been narrated concerning that is a hadeeth that is not sound (saheeh). This is a report that was narrated by al-‘Aqeeli inad-Du‘afa’: “The lifespan of all animals, lice, fleas, locusts, horses and mules, all of them, cattle and so on, their lifespans are all connected to their tasbeeh. When their tasbeeh comes to an end, Allah takes their souls, and the Angel of death has nothing to do with that.” Al-Albaani said inas-Silsilah ad-Da‘eefah(4/188): It is mawdoo‘ (fabricated). Hence some of the scholars said that the Angel of death is the one who takes the souls of all creatures, whilst others said that Allah takes their souls Himself and causes their life to cease. See:at-Tadhkirahby al-Qurtubi, p. 75;al-Fawaakih ad-Dawaani, 1/100 Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) is of the view that asking about that is unnecessary. He (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: Is the Angel of death appointed to take the souls of animals? He replied: What would you think if I said that the Angel of death is or is not appointed to take the souls of animals; what benefit is there in knowing this? Did the Sahaabah ask the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) about that, when they were more eager than others to seek knowledge, and the Messenger was more able than others to answer, yet despite that they did not ask? Rather Allah, may He be glorified and exalted) says (interpretation of the meaning):“Say: ‘The angel of death, who is set over you, will take your souls, then you shall be brought back to your Lord.’” [as-Sajdah 32:11]. He (the Angel of death) is appointed to take the souls of the sons of Adam; with regard to the souls of creatures other than the sons of Adam, nothing is proven. And Allah knows best. But the most important thing to say in response to this question is that man should not go to extremes (inasking questions). The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed.” So do not ask about things in which there is no benefit. By Allah, if there were any benefit in our knowing whether the Angel of death takes the souls of other creatures, Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, would have told us about it, either in the Qur’an or Sunnah, or Allah would have caused someone to ask the Messenger about that. Hence the Sahaabah would rejoice when a Bedouin came from the desert to ask about something that they might feel too shy to ask the Messenger about. The point is, for you and anyone else who is listening, that delving deeply into such matters is wrong, because the Messenger said: ““Those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed.” And on one occasion he said: “Those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed, those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed, those who go to extremes (in their words and deeds) are doomed”, three times. With regard to such matters of the unseen, you should take what has been proven and leave that which has not been mentioned… With regard to matters of the unseen, we should take that which has been proven to us, and as for the rest, we should keep quiet about it; if it was important for us, or if there were any interest to be served by knowing it, Allah would have explained it. Allah, may He be exalted, said to the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): “And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad SAW) the reminder and the advice (the Quran), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them” [an-Nahl 16:44]. The Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did not leave anything that we need but he explained it to us. End quote fromLiqa’ al-Baab al-Maftooh, 11/146 Secondly: With regard to the fate of the souls of these animals, it was narrated by ‘Abd ar-Razzaaq in hisMusannaf, by Ibn Jubayr, and by al-Bayhaqi inal-Ba‘thfrom Abu Hurayrah, that he said concerning the verse (interpretation of the meaning),“There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered” [al-An‘aam 6:38]: All creatures will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection, animals, beasts, birds and everything. Then Allah’s justice on that day will reach such an extent that Allah will settle the score for the hornless animal with the horned one. Then He will say, ‘Be dust,’ at which point the disbeliever will say:‘Would that I were dust!’ [an-Naba’ 78:40]. See:Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/255 Al-Albaani said inas-Silsilah as-Saheehah(4/466): This was narrated by as-Suyooti inad-Durr al-Manthoor(6/310), but he did not say anything about its isnaad as he usually does. According to Ibn Jareer (30/17) it is qawiy. End quote. And Allah knows best.