Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 154
154 islam’s response to contemporary issues likely to trespass into the domain of the rights of others than to remain within its own boundaries. On the other hand, a society, which is constantly reminded and trained to give to others more than their dues, should be furthest from usurping the rights of others. It is hard to imagine how exploitation can flourish in such a climate. Service to Others The principle of the Islamic concept of service is described in a single verse so beautifully and comprehensively. It states: O people of Islam! You are the best people ever raised for the good of mankind because you have been raised to serve others; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah. 21 You will remain the best as long as you are service-minded. If you fail to serve others then you no longer have a right to boast of the superiority of Islam and the Muslim umma. Prohibition of Drinking and Gambling When one talks of addiction, generally, drugs come to mind. There is another connotation of addiction in a wider sense, which is seldom associated with the word addiction. I refer to society’s regard for