Shabeer Ahmad Lone
می تو اني ازرہ آسان شدن بر آسمان
راست باش و راست رو کا نجا نباشد کا ستي
ازبہایم بہرہ داریی وز ملایک نیزہم
بگزر از بہایم تا از ملایک ہم بگزدی
Two partakest of the nature of the beast as well as the angel;
Leave the nature of the beast, that thou mayest surpass the angel.”
Rumi
“Wish thou to approach Allah
Live purely; and act righteously. ”
Islam from Salam (salama), in its primary sense, means to be tranquil, at rest, to have done one’s duty, to have paid up, to be at perfect peace; striving after righteousness; in its secondary sense, to surrender to Him with whom peace is made.The noun derived from it means peace , greeting, safety ,salvation.The essence of the ethical principles involved and embodied in Islam is summarised in the second chapter of the Koran:” There is no doubt in this book- a guidance to the pious ,who believe in the Unseen, who observe the prayers, and distribute (charity) out of what we have bestowed on them; and who believe in that which we have commissioned thee with, in that we commissioned others with before thee, and who have assurance in the life to come; -these have received the direction of their Lord.”
The bases on which the Islamic system is founded are; a belief in the unity, immateriality, power, mercy and supreme love of the creator; 2) charity and brotherhood among mankind;3) subjugation of the passions; 4) the outpouring of a grateful heart to the Giver of all good; 5) accountability for human actions in another existence.Appeal is made to the inner consciousness of humanity.The divine love and mercy of Allah enfolds creation.There are five most fundamental qualities for being truly religious without which one can claim to be religious but hardly qualify to be one, These are1) Constant quest for truth; 2) to be humble 3) to be compassionate 4) to be transcendent invision 5)to be against myopic and imperfect establishment. The Auther of the Kashshaf thus sums up the essence of the Islamic teaching :”Seek again him who drives you away; give to him who takes away from you;pardon him who injures you; for Allah loveth that you should cast into the depth of your soul the roots of His perfection.” Zamakhshari (the kashaf).
Islam, as a universal and timeless faith, transcends the confines of ritualism to embrace a comprehensive vision of spiritual and societal well-being. Rooted in the divine revelation of the Qur’an and exemplified by the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it offers a holistic framework for individual transformation and collective welfare. The essence of Islam lies in its emphasis on justice, compassion, and balance, ensuring that acts of worship are deeply integrated with the service of humanity. However, contemporary practices often reflect an overemphasis on external rituals, such as repetitive pilgrimages and lavish mosque constructions, at the expense of addressing critical societal needs like poverty, education, and healthcare. This dissonance calls for an urgent reexamination of Islamic teachings, where the core ethos of “all-sided welfare of all” is revived. By exploring Qur’anic injunctions, Hadith guidance, jurisprudential wisdom, historical precedents, and cross-cultural parallels, this study seeks to illuminate Islam’s profound call for compassion and justice, offering rare and transformative insights that challenge prevailing paradigms and inspire a realignment with its true spirit.
The Qur’an profoundly articulates the essence of Islam as a harmonious integration of faith, justice, and universal welfare. True righteousness, as outlined in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), transcends ritualism, emphasizing belief in Allah and acts of compassion toward the needy, orphans, and society’s vulnerable. This verse encapsulates the comprehensive nature of Islamic ethics, where belief in Allah is intricately tied to acts of charity and justice. Islam demands justice without bias (4:135) and stresses equality, as reflected in the principle of universal brotherhood (49:13). Wealth is not to be hoarded but shared for societal upliftment (9:34-35; 59:7), with charity likened to seeds that multiply manifold (2:261). The Qur’an inspires balance between worldly and spiritual pursuits (28:77) while reminding humanity of their accountability for even the smallest deeds (99:7-8). It promotes forgiveness, compassion (3:134; 42:40), and reflection on divine wisdom (39:9; 47:24), urging believers to align devotion with active service for the collective good. These timeless teachings embody Islam’s universal vision of justice, equity, and moral responsibility, uniting spiritual devotion with a commitment to the welfare of all. Similarly the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasize a profound balance between devotion to Allah and service to humanity, showcasing Islam’s holistic approach to universal welfare. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that the highest form of worship lies in serving humanity, stating, that “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others” (Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat, Hadith 5787), and underscored the importance of caring for neighbors, declaring, “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 14494). Compassion and mercy were central to his message, as he affirmed, “Allah will not show mercy to him who is not merciful to others” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6013). The Prophet encouraged acts of justice and charity, teaching that “The most beloved of deeds to Allah is to make a Muslim happy, to relieve him of hardship, to forgive his debt, or to feed his hunger” (Tabarani, Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabeer, Hadith 13646). He further emphasized the value of simplicity, warning against extravagance, and reminded that “Wealth does not decrease by giving in charity” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2588). Social service was regarded as a spiritual act, with the assurance that “Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2442), and fairness in dealings was paramount, as he advised, “Pay the worker his wages before his sweat dries” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2443). These timeless Hadiths highlight the Prophet’s call for sincerity in faith, social equity, and the fulfillment of collective responsibilities, demonstrating Islam’s enduring vision for individual and societal well-being.
The Prophet( pbuh) said: Ostentation is a sort of polytheism(shirk) and the reason as explained by al-Ghazali, is that when he said:if somebody worships for Ostentation is a worship of one’s self not of Almighty Allah.In the charter of humanity uttered by prophet pbuh above the Jabal ar Rahman, he reminded;constant redistribution and circulation of the private wealth to intended beneficiaries as prescribed by the Quran (9:60)to avoid accumulation in the hands of few(hoarding)which called by jurists as zakat or fiscal duty or ibadat maliyah (worship of Allah by means of property).The Prophet pbuh used to spend the sadaqat on orphans, weaklings and poors:till they earn their livelihoods by themselves.
The essence of religion, particularly Islam, as envisioned by Mulla Sadra, Syed Nursi, Meister Eckhart, Schuon, alongside other key mystics who have emphasized the harmonization of devotion with universal welfare, from earliest to more recent times, include Rabia al-Adawiyya, Fudayl ibn Iyad, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, Rumi, Bahauddin Naqshband, Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi, and Ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari. These figures have significantly contributed to the understanding that spiritual devotion is inherently tied to the welfare of humanity, advocating for compassion, justice, and love in both personal and collective contexts.Ibn Khaldun’s thought demonstrates that Islam’s true essence lies in the integration of individual devotion with social welfare, where ethical governance, justice, and resource management create a harmonious, flourishing society. His insights provide a timeless framework for aligning spiritual commitment with the collective good, ensuring sustainable progress and justice for all. Nasr’s “The Heart of Islam” emphasizes that devotion to God in Islam is intrinsically linked to social responsibility, justice, and compassion, offering practical guidance for the welfare of humanity. Similarly, Sayyid Qutb’s “Fi Zilal al-Qur’an” asserts that Islam provides a dual framework of personal devotion and societal justice, applying Qur’anic teachings to foster global welfare.
Despite these clear directives, a concerning trend of ritualism has emerged in many Muslim communities. Repetitive non-obligatory pilgrimages, such as multiple Umrahs within short intervals, are often undertaken while pressing societal needs remain unmet. Reports suggest that billions of dollars are spent annually on such pilgrimages, yet many neighbors, relatives, and fellow citizens languish in poverty, unable to afford basic necessities like food, education, or healthcare. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against such neglect, asserting, “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry” (Musnad Ahmad). This profound hadith underscores that devotion to God is hollow if it is divorced from empathy and responsibility toward others.
A similar imbalance is evident in the construction of extravagant mosques, Consider the millions spent on extravagant house constructions, extravagant mosques, ostentatious life style, wasteful spending, disregard for responsible use of resources, non-obligatory pilgrimages versus the unmet needs of the poor, the uneducated, ailing patients, poor parents craving for their daughter marriage ,widows suffering ,people in debt and the homeless. millions spent on them could transform lives if redirected. Balance, justice and compassion are fundamentals in Islam. While the architectural beauty of mosques is celebrated, their functionality often remains limited. Historically, mosques were centers of learning, charity, and social reform, serving as community hubs that addressed diverse needs. The Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, simple yet profoundly purposeful, stands as a testament to this ethos. In contrast, many modern mosques prioritize aesthetics over utility, with millions spent on elaborate structures that do little to alleviate the struggles of the poor or the marginalized. The responsible use of resources in Islam is a holistic concept that integrates spiritual, social, and environmental dimensions. Rooted in divine guidance, it promotes a balance between consumption and conservation, ensuring justice and compassion for all. By embracing these principles, Muslims can contribute to a sustainable and equitable world, embodying the Qur’anic vision of being “a just community” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:143) and fulfilling their role as stewards of the Earth.This extravagance not only contradicts the simplicity of the Prophet’s example but also represents a misallocation of resources that could be better used to address urgent societal challenges.
Charity and economic justice, central pillars of Islam, are also frequently overlooked. The Qur’an repeatedly commands Muslims to redistribute wealth to ensure societal equity, stating, “And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]” (2:43). Zakat, Sadaqah, and Khairaat are mechanisms designed to uplift the disadvantaged and reduce economic disparity. However, contemporary statistics reveal that these obligations are often neglected or poorly implemented. A study by the Islamic Development Bank found that less than one-third of eligible Muslims pay Zakat effectively. This failure exacerbates poverty, leaving millions to suffer needlessly while resources remain hoarded by the affluent. The Qur’an sternly warns against such behavior, stating, “And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah-give them tidings of a painful punishment” (9:34).
Islamic history provides numerous examples of welfare-oriented leadership and community organization that modern Muslims can emulate. Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab, known for his commitment to justice, implemented comprehensive welfare programs, including public treasuries, food distribution systems, and care for orphans. The Bimaristans of the Abbasid and Ottoman Empires offered free healthcare to all, regardless of religion or status, exemplifying Islam’s inclusive approach to welfare. These historical precedents demonstrate that Islam’s teachings, when applied holistically, can lead to societies that thrive on principles of equity, compassion, and justice.
The universality of Islam’s message resonates across cultures and traditions. For example, Buddhist teachings on compassion and Christian principles of “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17) align with Islam’s emphasis on integrating belief with action. These parallels highlight the shared human aspiration for justice and care, reinforcing the need for Muslims to embody these values in their practices. The Qur’anic call to reflection-“Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon their hearts?” (47:24)-serves as a timeless reminder to revisit and realign priorities, ensuring that worship is not reduced to mere formality but is infused with purpose and impact.
To truly embody the essence of Islam, Muslims must reorient their focus from excessive ritualism to meaningful action. Acts of worship, such as pilgrimage and mosque construction, should not be pursued at the expense of pressing humanitarian needs. Instead, surplus wealth and resources should be channeled toward initiatives that address poverty, education, healthcare, and social injustice. The spiritual fulfillment derived from transforming lives far outweighs the transient gratification of repetitive rituals. Mosques must reclaim their historical role as centers of community service, fostering education, dialogue, and support for the underprivileged.
The essence of Islam lies in harmonizing devotion with all-encompassing welfare, creating a legacy of justice, compassion, and inclusivity. By internalizing the foundational teachings of the Qur’an, the prophetic example, and the rich legacy of Islamic history, Muslims can fulfill their role as stewards of humanity. This approach not only honors the spirit of worship but also ensures that Islam remains a timeless and transformative force for good, inspiring generations to come. True piety is found not in extravagance but in simplicity, not in repetition but in action, and not in isolation but in service to all
The true spirit of Islam lies in harmonizing spiritual devotion with the pursuit of universal welfare, creating a symphony of compassion, justice, and inclusivity that transcends time and space. When acts of worship are aligned with acts of care, they become transformative, not only for individuals but also for societies. The Qur’an and Sunnah consistently call for this integration, urging believers to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable and the marginalized. Historical examples and teachings from across traditions reaffirm this ethos, reminding us that faith finds its highest expression in service. Today’s challenges demand a revival of this essence, where resources are directed toward alleviating suffering and building equitable communities rather than indulging in excesses of ritualism. By reclaiming the timeless and profound message of Islam, we not only honor its legacy but also ensure its relevance as a guiding force for humanity. In embodying this vision, Muslims can fulfill their divine mandate as stewards of the Earth, cultivating a legacy of care and justice that uplifts all, resonating with the very purpose of existence itself.
Author can be mailed at shabirahmed.lone003@gmail.com
