Through Force or Faith? — Page 269
Chapter 7 — Novelty in the Teachings of Muhammad 269 24:29). Enter the houses through the doors ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:190). Return someone’s greeting (or gift) with a better greeting (or gift) ( S u rah an-Nis a ’, 4:87). Avoid all intoxicants because their harm is greater than the benefit ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:220; S u rah al-Ma’idah, 5:91–92). Say straightforward and truthful words, it will reform you ( S u rah al-A h z ā b, 33:71). Return the trusts ( S u rah an-Nis a’ , 4:59; S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:284). Keep your covenants and promises ( S u rah al-Mu’min ū n, 23:9). Use moderation in eat- ing and drinking ( S u rah al-A‘r ā f, 7:32). Eat not only what is law- ful, but that which is also wholesome ( S u rah al-Mā’idah, 5:89). Do not be extravagant ( S u rah Ban ī Isr ā ’ ī l, 17:27). Help those who ask for help and those who do not ( S u rah adh-Dhāriyāt, 51:20). Do not create disorder in the land ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:205– 206). Do not kill an innocent person ( S u rah Banī Isrā’īl, 17:34). Do not even go near adultery ( S u rah Banī Isrā’īl, 17:33). Do justice even to your enemy ( S u rah al-Mā’idah, 5:9). Be kind to your par- ents ( S u rah Banī Isrā’īl, 17:24). Promote virtues and forbid vices ( S u rah Luqmān, 31:18). Speak softly ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:84). Collaborate in good deeds but not in sin ( S u rah al-Mā’idah, 5: 3). Do not conspire ( S u rah al-Mujādalah, 58:10). These are only a few examples from Islam’s comprehensive moral teachings. These are matters that have fundamental significance in transforming a man into a moral human and in establishing a peaceful society. Without them, a strong social order cannot take shape. However, even in these fundamentals, other religions cannot compete with Islam. Today, through their own experience, the entire mankind recognizes the validity of these teachings; but