Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 84
84 islam’s response to contemporary issues The first part of this verse is applicable more to the economic sphere than the social order. It paints a clear image of the Islamic concept of justice, fair play and benevolence in treating the less fortunate sections of society. The second part applies to the social image of a society, which Islam is committed to create. In this part, God forbids all that is considered wrong by universal standards, like indecent behaviour, affront, insult and indeed all social evils which, without reference to any religious teachings, are condemned by the general consensus of human society at large. Similarly, Islam strictly rejects and condemns every tendency, behaviour and attitude, which may lead to disorder, ‘rebellion’ and violence. The word rebellion should be understood in the connotation of any unjustified attempt to overthrow an established order. But that is not all. Whenever the Arabic word baghyi is used in the Holy Quran, it is applicable not only to an armed or political uprising but also to a rebellion in society against its noble traditions, ethical standards, religious teachings and moral value. In the end, a society is clearly warned that this admonition is for man’s own benefit. This completes the picture of the essential features of an Islamic social order. It may be added that the first part of this verse is also deeply intertwined with the Islamic social teachings. A society which is insensitive to the sufferings of other human beings and is not always inclined to serve the cause of humanity, cannot be described as an Islamic society howsoever it may adhere to other aspects of Islamic social teachings. Let us now turn to some other features of Islamic society envisaged in the Holy Quran. Islam emphasises integrity, loyalty, faithfulness and promotes all such measures as would create peace of mind and heart. It takes preventive measures against the society becoming