Many people think Islam is merely about professing one’s faith in Allah and acknowledging Mohammed as his prophet (Shahada), praying five times daily (Salah), being charitable (Zakat),fasting during Ramadan (Sawm) and participating in Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). While these are the five pillars upon which Islam is founded, there is much more to the religion. Islam is a dynamic, realistic and reasonable religion that helps humans balance their spiritual needs (worship to God) and material needs (socializing with others, earning a living, etc).
For those who know little about Islam and want to better understand its true values and teachings, some of its core values are presented below, along with
guiding words from the holy Quran.
Honor parents
In Islam, honoring one’s parents is considered an act of worship.
“And serve Allah. Ascribe nothing as partner unto Him. (Show) kindness unto parents.”
(4:36)
“Thy Lord has decreed, that you worship none save Him, and (that you show) kindness to Parents”
(17:23)
Honor women
Honoring women – whether mothers, sisters, wives or daughters – and treating them well is also an important part of Islam.
“But consort with them (women) in kindness, for if you hate them consider it may happen that you hate a thing wherein Allah has placed much good. (19) And if you wish to exchange one wife for another and you have given unto one of them a sum of money (however great), take nothing from it. (20) How can ye take it (back) after one of you has gone in unto the other, and they have taken a strong pledge from you? (21)”
(4:19)
Renounce violence
Islam is a tolerant religion and its name is derived from a word meaning peace. Although some violent acts have purportedly been committed in the name of Islam, in truth, Islam does not condone such activities; they are acts of wrongful doers, not the religion.
“And slay not the life which Allah has forbidden save with right.”
(17:33)
“For that cause we decreed for the Children of Israel that whosoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.”
(5:32)
Equality of all
Under the law of Islam, all humans are equal and there is no superiority of any one race over another or any skin color over another. The only standard for favoring one over another is the level of goodness.
“O mankind! Lo! We have created you from male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Lo! The noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware. (13)”
(49:13)
In future articles, we will discuss other important Islamic values, such as treating neighbors with kindness and avoiding corruption and gossip. Until then, thanks for taking the time to consider these words and improve your understanding of Islam. It is through mutual understanding of each other’s beliefs that we will find ways to unite in purpose and mission, bridging cultural differences which some perceive to exist.
By: Dr. Malek Yamani