Guiding Principles for Muslim Community: Exploring Ethics and Social Etiquettes in Surah Al Fujarat
Dr. Syed Munassir Hussain
MBA Program Coordinator
Department of Management
CEMIS, University of Nizwa
"In today's complex and diverse society, embracing ethical principles and social etiquettes is essential for nurturing unity and fostering meaningful relationships." (Dr Syed Munassir Hussain, DBA)
In the Holy Quran, there exists a chapter dedicated to social etiquettes, known as Surah Al-Fujurat (the compartments), aiming to offer guidance to both men and women on navigating their social interactions. The title of the surah itself encapsulates its intended message. Surah Al-Fujurat was revealed in Al-Madinah.
Dr. Sh.Haifa Younus, the Founder and Chairman of Jannah Institute, highlighted the fundamental guiding principles embedded within Surah Al-Fujurat in one of her public speaking. She emphasized that the surah revolves around four key topics, all centered on etiquettes. . Firstly, it underscores the importance of etiquette with Allah, “ Do not say or do something, Allah say, don’t say or don’t do” advising against words or actions contrary to what Allah has ordained. When Allah asks us to do anything we should not question, argue or doubt with our creator. The order in the Quran means an obligation. Similarly, adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is paramount, ensuring the fulfillment of his rights by faithfully following his sunnah without arguing.
The remaining two-thirds of Surah Al-Fujarat are dedicated to outlining the etiquettes within the Muslim community. These etiquettes serve to guide interactions and behaviors among members of the community.
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Allah says, “When you hear some news about someone, check it out, make sure it is true, make sure it is the way it is, and take a pause before you spread it out”. Allah instructs us to verify any news we hear about others before spreading it, emphasizing the importance of ensuring its truthfulness and accuracy to avoid unintentionally harming someone. In today's age of rampant social media forwards, it's crucial to exercise caution and refrain from contributing to the dissemination of false information.
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Allah says, “ Don’t you make fun of each other. They could be way better than you at the day of judgement. Stay away from a lot of suspicion. Don’t think ill. It’s a sin”. Allah admonishes against mocking or belittling others, reminding us that they may surpass us in righteousness on the Day of Judgment. We're urged to avoid harboring baseless suspicions and sinful thoughts. The Prophet (PBUH) advised against spying on one another. Instead, we're encouraged to be agents of goodness and trust among people.
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Allah says, “ do not backbite each other. Do you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother”? Allah prohibits backbiting, likening it to consuming the flesh of one's deceased brother. Mentioning something about your brother or sister which they don’t like if they hear it is considered as backbiting. If you talk about someone behind them, if it is true, it is backbiting and if it is false it is slandering. And in Shariah the punishment for slandering is severe, amounting to 80 lashes publicly.
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Allah says, “the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is the one who is Allah Conscious”.
The essence of Surah Al Fujarat underscores Allah knows all the unseen in the heavens and earth. Believers who uphold righteousness will be rewarded with forgiveness and a great recompense. May Allah grant us the wisdom to discern what is beneficial and the strength to implement these teachings in our lives, while seeking forgiveness for our shortcomings. Wa akhiru dawana anilhamdulillahe rabbil a’lameen!