The Moral System of Islam

If the moral system of Islam can be broken down into one sentence, it would be this: Whatever a person does that benefits an individual or society is morally good, and whatever a person does that brings harm to another or to society is morally bad.

Five Pillars of Islam
Shahada
(affirmation)
The duty to recite the creed:
"There is nothing worthy of worship save Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"

Salat
(prayer)
The duty to worship the One God
in prayer five times each day

Zakat
(almsgiving)
The duty to give away alms and to help the needy

Siyam
(fasting)
The duty to keep the Fast of Ramadan

Hajj
(pilgrimage)
The duty to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime

People who believe in Islam are given four heads:
  1. Their faith should be true and sincere,
  2. They must be prepared to show it in deeds of charity to our fellow-men,
  3. They must be good citizens, supporting social organizations, and
  4. Their own individual soul must be firm and unshaken in all circumstances.
These heads are the standard for what is considered morally good and morally bad. Islamic people do this on behalf of their God.

Humility, modesty, control of passions and desires, truthfulness, integrity, patience, steadfastness, and fulfilling one's promises are moral values which are emphasized again and again in the Quran.

Kindness towards others is the key social responsibility of Islam. However, there is a ranking system of who should be cared for first. The immediate family is at the top of this list. Next come other relatives and friends. The next after that are widows, orphans, and all of the needy of society. After that are other Muslims. Last are the rest of humanity and other living beings. Parents are highly valued in Muslim society. Next to God, they are to be honored the most. According to Islamic teaching, just about every living thing in the world should be treated with kindness. This includes animals and plants.

By living out these guidelines, a person should become kind, generous, merciful, truthful, and disciplined. These are the characteristics of a morally good person in Islamic teachings.

Glossery of Islamic Terms



Sources
Islam101
TheHolidaySpot
Picture Sources
Indiaclips
MNSU
Links
Paul Castellano Homepage
Junior Morality
Email
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