Merits of Islam in Social Relations
Merits of Islam in Social Relations
1- Islam does not discriminate between Muslims and others when giving charity, and gives relatives and neighbors great rights, even if they are not Muslims.
4: 36. Worship Allâh and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allâh does not like such as are proud and boastful;
29: 8. And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents, but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.
2 - Islam encourages strong relations between relatives and friends including allowing them to eat from their homes given advanced knowledge of their permission.
24: 61. There is no restriction on the blind, nor any restriction on the lame, nor any restriction on the sick, nor on yourselves, if you eat from your houses, or the houses of your fathers, or the houses of your mothers, or the houses of your brothers, or the houses of your sisters, or the houses of your father's brothers, or the houses of your father's sisters, or the houses of your mother's brothers, or the houses of your mother's sisters, or (from that) whereof you hold keys, or (from the house) of a friend. No sin on you whether you eat together or apart. But when you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allâh (i.e. say: As-Salâmu 'Alaikum - peace be on you) blessed and good. Thus Allâh makes clear the Ayât (these Verses or your religious symbols and signs, etc.) to you that you may understand.
3- Islam requires authorization to enter a house when the owners are in it, this is because they may not be in a position to receive guests.
24: 27. O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them, that is better for you, in order that you may remember. 28. And if you find no one therein, still, enter not until permission has been given. And if you are asked to go back, go back, for it is purer for you, and Allâh is All-Knower of what you do.
4- Islam calls for respecting the elderly and being compassionate towards the young.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and show respect to our old ones.”
5- Islam encourages fostering orphans.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The one who sponsors an orphan, whether he belongs to him or to someone else, and I will be like these two in Paradise”
6- Islam prohibits harming neighbors.
The Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings of Allāh be on him, said:"Whoever believes in Allāh and the latter day should not harm his neighbour, and whoever believes in Allāh and the latter day should honour his guest."
7- Islam imposes rights and duties upon Muslims toward other Muslims.
The Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings of Allāh be on him, said:"A Muslim owes to a Muslim six (duties) to be bestowed liberally--he should offer him salutation when he meets him,12 and he should accept when he invites him, and he should pray for him when he sneezes, and he should visit him when he is sick, and he should follow his bier when he dies, and he should love for him what he loves for himself."