Part 4
Written by: Abu Javed
In continuation of presenting the benefits of the Islamic system, we will highlight a few more of its advantages:
5. The Islamic System is a Moral System:
Islam consistently guides its adherents to demonstrate good morals and to respect the rights of others. The Almighty Allah, in describing righteous people, says:
وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَى حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا. [سورة الانسان: ۷]
Translation: “And they (the righteous) feed the poor, the orphan, and the prisoner, even though they themselves desire it.” [Surah Al-Insan: 7]
Similarly, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“سباب المسلم فسق و قتاله کفر” رواه البخاري ومسلم
Translation: “Reviling a Muslim is Fusūq (deobedience) and killing him is Kufr (disbelief).” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
Islam not only emphasizes morals in social life but also upholds unique ethical principles on the battlefield, which no other system possesses. For example, it instructs combatants not to kill children or women. Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a woman killed during a battle, he prohibited the killing of women and children. (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
This is the Islamic system that respects all rights. On the other hand, have those who don the cloak of democracy refrained from committing atrocities?
In numerous instances, democratic systems have been at the forefront of oppression and tyranny. For example, in Gaza, these democratic regimes have been responsible for the deaths of approximately 50,000 innocent children and elderly people. Yet, they portray themselves as champions of human rights, civilization, and moral integrity.
This steadfast commitment to morals is one of the defining characteristics of Islam and a major reason for its spread. Often, these morals have illuminated the hearts of individuals, leading them to embrace Islam. Let me cite two examples from contemporary times:
Timothy Weeks:
An Australian national, he was held captive by the Taliban during the American occupation. Yet, due to the pervasive Islamic ethics within the members of the IEA, Timothy Weeks was deeply influenced by their moral values. Following his release in an exchange, he returned to his homeland but later returned to the embrace of the IEA. The light of Islam entered his heart—a light his soul had been seeking all his life—and he became known as Jibra’il Omar.
Prisoners in Gaza:
Currently, negotiations for prisoner exchanges are underway with both sides releasing detainees. Notably, those who were imprisoned by Muslims exhibit no signs of suffering or mistreatment. It appears as though they willingly embraced solitude for a period and have now reintegrated into society. This is due to the absence of daily abuses that Muslims endure in the prisons of non-believers. I firmly believe that the exemplary conduct of Qassam’s valiant soldiers will compel many to abandon their deviant paths and dark beliefs.
Even Islam prohibits its followers from oppressing or mistreating animals. In this regard, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“في کل ذات کبد رطبة أجر ” رواه البخاري
Translation: “There is reward in showing kindness to every living being with a moist liver.” (Narrated by Bukhari)
In conclusion, Islam is a religion dedicated to ethics, civilization, refinement, and human dignity. Its positive impact in these spheres is evident. Naturally, a system rooted in this faith will also embody adherence to ethical principles and a steadfast commitment to upholding all human rights.
