Q: Are the features of Islamic society prevailing in
these days in Muslim States. Explain with examples. 10 marks Ans: At the time of the birth of Holy Prophet and before Islam came into this world, Arabia was stepped in the worst form of idolatry. They were called the Idol-worshipers. The Holy Kaaba was full of idols and every house hold its own idols. Women were looked upon as property without having any right to inheritance. A man could marry and keep as many women as he could afford. There was no settled government and no law in the land. The affairs of each tribe were governed by its own chief. There were rivalries among them side by side Arabs had the qualities of heroism, love for liberty, hospitality and eloquence. This period is known as age of ignorance in Arabs history. Islam is the word taken from Salem which means peace, justice, equality, fraternity and brotherhood. Islamic society is based on the belief in the unity of Allah, His worship, and belief in the articles of faith and practices of the pillars of Islam. Muslim society is that society which worships one Allah and denies idol- worshipping of Gods and goddesses. Quran says, Say He is Allah the one and only; Allah, the eternal, absolute; He does not beget, nor is he begotten, and there is none like Him (112:1-4) Islamic society is based the belief in Articles of Faith. They are the form of Ibadahs done after being Muslim. These Ibadahs are also called Haquq-ul-Ibad, for example Fasting. Fasting is not only for Allah but it also teaches man tolerance, patience when the person gets the feeling of hunger. Prayer offers and shows the sign of one Muslim ummah in muslin society which makes the believer not only to help but also to guide him on right path. Allah says, And be steadfast in prayers, practice charity (2:43) Another feature of Muslim society is respect for women. Islam elevated the position of women as a mother, daughter and wife and conferred rights to them. Prophet (PBUH) declared, The best among you is the one who is best toward his wife. (Tirmizi) Muslim society guarantees protection of life, property and honour of a person irrespective of class, colour or creed. The Prophet (SAW) on the occasion of the last pilgrimage said, Most surely your life, property and honour are sacred on this day of pilgrimage (Sahih Bukhari) On another occasion, whoever is living in the society should have respect and honour irrespective of class, race or creed (Sahih) Every member of the Islamic society is free to practise nay faith or religion. The Holy Prophet (SAW) guaranteed complete freedom of faith o the Jews by signing peace treaty of Madinah and Christians of Najran. Allah says, There is no compulsion in religion (2:250) Islamic society also provides rights to basic needs. Every individual is entitled to have the minimum basic requirements of his family, for e.g. food, water, clothes. Islamic society shoulders the responsibility of providing the basic needs of those families whose needs are not fulfilled by the system of Zakat and Sadqat. Zakat is only for Muslims whereas Sadqah is for non-Muslims. Quran says, And their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy) him who asked and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking) (54:19) Islamic society is based on fraternity and brotherhood. Muslims are genuinely interested in the welfare of fellow beings. Muslim brotherhood is a unifying factor of different races, colour and nationality. Holy Prophet said, The believers are like a single man; if his eye is affected he is affected and if his head is affected he is all affected. (Sahih Bukhari) Islamic society is based on piety and righteousness. Vices are prohibited. Drinking, stealing, adultery and gambling are declared unlawful. Acquiring wealth through unlawful means was declared illegal while lawful means of earning was encouraged. Quran says, Allah has allowed trading and forbidden usury (2:275) The community setup by Muhammad (SAW) was based on equality and justice irrespective of cast, colour, creed etc. Non-muslims are also enjoyed equal civil rights along with the Muslims and the same laws applied on both. Once Hazrat Usman (RA) tried to intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Muhammad (SAW); He became angry and said, I swear by God that even if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad should steal, I would have her hands cut off. (Nasai) If these features are followed not only the society will be in peace and harmony even Allah will bless the inhabitants.
(Gender, Theology and Spirituality) Melissa Raphael - Religion, Feminism, and Idoloclasm - Being and Becoming in The Women's Liberation Movement-Routledge (2019)