Islam is a religion that emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous and moral life. It commands its followers to avoid many things that are considered to be detrimental to one’s spiritual, moral, and physical well-being. Some of these prohibitions are based on doctrines that are central to the Muslim faith, while others are based on moral and ethical considerations. Regardless of the reason for the prohibition, it is important to understand that breaking these laws can lead to severe punishment in this world and the next.
One of the most important things to understand about the social laws of Islam is that they are derived from the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These are the only sources of Islamic law, and any other sources, such as cultural or traditional practices, cannot override the laws of the Quran and the Sunnah. Additionally, it is important to note that some laws may be taken more lightly than others, but this is a mistake as one will still be punished for breaking these laws if they do not repent.
1. Not giving the employee his full rights
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged speedy payment of wages to people hired for their labor. He said: “Give the hired man his wages before his sweat dries.” One form of oppression or injustice is the failure to give employees and workers their rights. This includes making the employee do extra work or put in long hours without paying him overtime, or delaying payment of wages. The employee may lose his dues in this world, but he will not lose them before Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
2. Bearing false witness
The warning against bearing false witness was repeatedly emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) because of the severe consequences of this act. People often take it lightly, but there are many motives for doing so, such as hatred and envy. The resulting corruption is great indeed: how many people have lost their rights because of false witnesses, and how many people have gained what they did not deserve because of it?
3. Gossip and backbiting (Ghaibah)
Gossip and backbiting are very common in social gatherings, and they often lead to the tarnishing of people’s reputations and the spreading of lies and rumors. This is something that Allah has forbidden His slaves, and He has drawn the most repulsive analogy to put them off. He says (interpretation of the meaning): “neither backbites one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it.”
4. Grave worship
Many people believe that dead Awliyaa’ (saints) can fulfill their needs or help them at times of distress, and they call upon them for aid. Similarly, they call upon dead Prophets, righteous people, and others to intercede for them or to rescue them from some calamity. Some of those who worship graves walk around them as if in Tawaaf, and acknowledge their corners, or touch them, kiss them, and wipe their faces with their dust. This is a form of shirk (polytheism) and is strictly prohibited in Islam.
5. Shaking hands with a non-mahram woman
In many cultures, it has become a common practice to shake hands with people of the opposite sex, even if they are not mahram (close relatives). This is one of the cases where incorrect social customs have taken precedence over the laws of Allah, to such an extent that if you try to talk to people and show them evidence that this is wrong, they will accuse you of being backward, having a complex, trying to break family ties, doubting their good intentions, etc.
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6. Not covering the awrah (private parts)
One of the most important aspects of modesty and humility in Islam is covering the awrah, which refers to the parts of the body that must be covered in front of others. This includes the private parts of both men and women, as well as the chest area for women. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “Every son of Adam (man) has an awrah, and the awrah of a man in front of another man is from the navel to the knee.”
7. Not observing the rules of the Hijab (covering the head)
for women, Hijab is not just about covering the head and body, but also about maintaining modesty and humility in speech and behavior. The Quran states: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands.” (24:31)
8. Not observing the rules of cleanliness and hygiene
Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness, both physical and spiritual. This includes taking care of one’s body, clothes, and environment, as well as performing the ritual purification known as Wudu or Ghusl. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “Cleanliness is half of faith.”
9. Not respecting the rights of parents and elders
Islam teaches that one should respect and honor one’s parents, as well as other elders, regardless of their age or status. This includes not only showing them kindness and compassion but also obeying them as long as their commands do not contradict the laws of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “The Paradise is at the feet of mothers.”
10. Not being honest and truthful
Islam places great importance on honesty and truthfulness and prohibits lying, cheating, and deceit. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar.”
11. Not being charitable and helping the poor
Islam teaches that one should be charitable and help those in need, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims. This includes not only giving money but also offering one’s time and resources to help others. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.”
In conclusion
Islam commands its followers to avoid many things that are prohibited, such as not giving the employee his full rights, bearing false witness, gossip and backbiting, grave worship, shaking hands with a non-mahram woman, two people conversing privately to the exclusion of a third, men resembling women and women resembling men in dress, speech and appearance, not covering the awrah, not observing the rules of Hijab for women, not observing the rules of cleanliness and hygiene, not respecting the rights of parents and elders, not being honest and truthful, and not being charitable and helping the poor. These prohibitions are not only important for maintaining a moral and ethical society, but also for ensuring that one’s actions are in line with the teachings of Islam and the commandments of Allah.
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