The Moral Aspect of Islam

Introduction

Islam has perfected morals and elevated them to the highest standard. It encourages every good manner and prohibits every evil and lewd one. The Prophet ﷺ said: "I have been raised to perfect and complete righteous character and morals." [al-Haakim]

A true Muslim is he whom other Muslims are safe from — both his tongue and his hand. Islam does not merely command ritual worship; it governs how we speak, trade, eat, sleep, greet, and treat every living being. The result is a well-knit society bound by mutual love, mercy, and justice.

Major Moral Prohibitions

Islam forbids destructive sins that corrupt the individual and tear society apart. The following are among the gravest transgressions warned against in the Qur'an and Sunnah.

1. Associating Partners with Allah (Shirk)

Allah says: "Verily, Allah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners in worship with Him, but He forgives whom He pleases sins other than that." [4:116] This is the greatest injustice and the root of all corruption.

2. Sorcery and Superstition

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Stay far away from the destructive sins: associating partners with Allah and sorcery." [al-Bukhari]

3. Oppression and Transgression

Allah says: "Say: '(But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are licentious sins whether committed openly or secretly, [all other] sins, unrighteous oppression...'" [7:33] The Prophet ﷺ warned: "Avoid cruelty and injustice, for on the Day of Requital, injustice will be a reason that one will be cast into several types of darkness." [Muslim]

4. Murder and Unlawful Killing

Allah says: "And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the Wrath and the Curse of Allah are upon him." [4:93] However, one killed defending his life, wealth, family, or religion is a martyr.

5. Severing Ties of Kinship

Allah says: "Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? Such are they whom Allah has cursed..." [47:22-23] The Prophet ﷺ said: "One who severs ties of kinship will not enter Paradise." [Muslim]

6. Fornication, Adultery, and Homosexuality

Allah says: "And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a great and licentious sin, and an evil way." [17:32] The unmarried fornicator receives one hundred lashes, while the married adulterer is stoned. The Prophet ﷺ said: "If you are afflicted with five things... no licentious sin is committed openly in a society except that Allah causes diseases and plagues which never previously existed to spread amongst them." [Ibn Maajah]

Islam also prohibits homosexuality. Allah destroyed the People of Lot for this sin, raining upon them stones of baked clay. [11:82-83]

7. Usurping Orphan Wealth

Allah says: "Verily, those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, they eat up only a fire into their bellies, and they will be burnt in the blazing Fire!" [4:10]

8. False Testimony and Perjury

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Shall I not tell you the greatest of the grave sins? ... Associating partners with Allah, ill-treatment of parents... and bearing false witness." [al-Bukhari]

9. Gambling and Intoxicants

Allah says: "O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, al-ansaab, and al-azlaam are an abomination of Satan's handiwork. So avoid strictly all that (abomination) in order that you may be successful." [5:90]

10. Highway Robbery and Spreading Terror

Allah says: "The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and do mischief in the land is only that they shall be killed or crucified or their hands and their feet be cut off on the opposite sides, or be exiled from the land." [5:33]

11. False Oaths to Usurp Rights

Allah says: "Verily, those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah's Covenant and their oaths, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter." [3:77] The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever usurps the right of a Muslim by swearing a false oath, Allah has obligated for him the Hellfire and prohibited for him Paradise — even if it were a twig of an Araak tree." [Muslim]

12. Suicide

Allah says: "And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you." [4:29] The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever kills himself with something will be punished with that thing on the Day of Requital." [Muslim]

13. Lying, Treachery, and Breaking Promises

The Prophet ﷺ said: "If four traits are found in a person, he is a pure hypocrite: when he is entrusted, he proves treacherous; when he speaks, he lies; when he makes an oath, he betrays it; and when he argues, he is obscene." [Muslim]

14. Boycotting, Envy, and Hatred Among Muslims

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not hate each other, do not envy each other, and do not turn your backs upon each other; but rather be the slaves of Allah and be brothers. It is impermissible for a Muslim to abandon his brother for more than three days." [Muslim]

15. Cursing, Vulgarity, and Scoffing

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Indeed a believer does not curse or insult and he is not foul and obscene in speech." [Ahmad] And: "I was not raised to curse, but rather (sent) as a mercy." [Muslim] Allah says: "O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group... nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames." [49:11]

16. Miserliness and Extravagance

The Prophet ﷺ sought refuge from miserliness, explaining: "Guard yourselves against miserliness; for indeed it destroyed nations before you. It led them to bloodshed and to treat unlawful as lawful." [Muslim] Allah says: "Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of devils." [17:27]

17. Extremism in Religion

Allah says: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you." [2:185] The Prophet ﷺ said: "Indeed the Religion is one of ease. None shall make the Religion strict except that it will overcome him. So be upright and moderate." [al-Bukhari]

18. Pride, Vanity, and Arrogance

Allah says: "And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not each arrogant boaster." [31:18] The Prophet ﷺ said: "A person who has a seed's worth of pride in his heart will not enter Paradise." [Muslim]

19. Spying, Backbiting, and Eavesdropping

Allah says: "And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it." [49:12] The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever listens to others' conversation while they do not like him to, (molten) lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Resurrection." [al-Bukhari]

20. Tale-Carrying and Slander

The Prophet ﷺ said: "One who carries tales will not enter Paradise." [Muslim] And: "It is not permissible for a person to abandon his brother for more than three nights." [al-Bukhari]

The Commandments of Islam

Just as Islam prohibits evil, it commands every virtue that builds character and strengthens society.

1. Justice and Equity

Allah says: "Verily, Allah enjoins justice and doing deeds of righteousness perfectly, and giving (help) to kith and kin; and forbids all licentious acts, evil, and oppression." [16:90] Justice must be shown to relative and stranger, Muslim and non-Muslim, in pleasure and in anger.

2. Preferring Others Over Oneself

Allah praises the righteous: "...and they give others preference over themselves, even though they were in need." [59:9]

3. Good Companionship

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The example of a righteous and evil companion is like one who carries perfume and another who is a blacksmith. As for the one who carries perfume, he will either give you some perfume, or you will find a pleasing scent with him. As for the blacksmith, either he will burn his clothes, or you will find a hideous odor from him." [al-Bukhari]

4. Reconciling Between People

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Shall I not inform you of a level even better than the Fast, the Prayer, and charity? Reconciling between people, for indeed disunity between people is what uproots the Religion." [Abu Dawood]

5. Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever of you sees an evil act, let him change it with his hand, if he is not able, then with his tongue, and if he is not able, then with his heart, and that is the weakest (level) of Imaan." [Muslim]

6. Good Manners and Kindness

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most complete Believers in terms of faith are those who have the best manners, and the best of you is the best to his family." [at-Tirmidhi] And: "Nothing is done with kindness except that it is beautified, and nothing is devoid of kindness except that it is disfigured." [Muslim]

7. Sincerity

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The Religion is sincerity." We asked, "To whom?" He replied, "To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their general folk." [Muslim]

8. Generosity

Allah says: "And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift)." [17:29] The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever eases some distress of a Muslim in this world, Allah will ease some distress of his on the Day of Recompense." [Muslim]

9. Patience and Suppressing Anger

Allah says: "Those who spend in times of prosperity and adversity, who repress their anger, and who pardon others; verily, Allah loves the doers of good." [3:134] And: "The good deed and the evil deed are not equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better. Then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend." [41:34]

Prohibitions Regarding Food, Drink & Clothing

Intoxicants and Harmful Substances

Allah says: "O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, stone altars... are an abomination of Satan's handiwork; so avoid strictly all that (abomination) in order that you may be successful." [5:90] The Prophet ﷺ cursed wine and every person involved in its production, sale, or consumption. This includes all addictive drugs.

Forbidden Foods

Allah says: "Forbidden to you (for food) are: al-maytah (dead animals), blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which Allah's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering..." [5:3] Also forbidden are animals with canine teeth (lions, wolves, etc.) and birds with talons (eagles, hawks). Anything harmful to health is also prohibited.

Clothing and Adornment

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Indeed Allah made the wearing of silk and gold permissible for the women of my Ummah, but forbidden for its men." [Nasaa'i] It is also forbidden for both men and women to eat or drink from utensils made of gold or silver.

Islamic Etiquettes of Daily Life

Islam has introduced refined manners for every moment of the day — from eating and sleeping to trading and traveling. No matter is too small for divine guidance.

Dining Etiquettes

Begin with Bismillaah and end with Alhamdulillaah. Eat with the right hand from what is nearest. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Man does not fill a container worse than the stomach. It is enough that a human takes a few morsels with which he can straighten his back." [at-Tirmidhi] Never criticize food. Eat together, for the Prophet ﷺ said gathering for meals brings blessing.

Manners of Relieving Oneself

Enter with the supplication: "Bismillaah. Allahumma inni a'oodhu bika min al-kubthi wal-khabaa'ith" (In the name of Allah, I seek refuge with You from the male and female devils). Exit saying: "Ghufraanak" (I seek Your forgiveness). Do not face or turn your back to the Qiblah. Cleanse with the left hand and conceal yourself.

Seeking Permission

Allah says: "O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have sought permission and greeted those in them." [24:27] Seek permission three times; if not granted, depart. Make yourself known when knocking.

Greeting with Salaam

The Prophet ﷺ said: "You will never enter Paradise until you believe, and you will never believe fully until you love each other. Shall I not lead you to something that if you do it, you will love each other? Spread the greetings of 'Salaam' amongst yourselves." [Muslim] Allah says: "When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally." [4:86]

Gatherings and Sitting

Greet those present when entering and exiting. Make room for others. Do not separate two people sitting together without permission. Do not whisper privately in the presence of a third person. The Prophet ﷺ said: "No people rise from an assembly in which the name of Allah was not mentioned, except that they are like those who rise from around a donkey's carcass." [Abu Dawood]

Conversation and Joking

Be attentive without interrupting. Speak clearly and truthfully. The Prophet ﷺ said: "I joke, but I do not speak except that which is correct and true." [at-Tirmidhi] Never scare a Muslim, harm another through jest, or lie to make people laugh. The Prophet ﷺ warned: "Woe to the one who lies in his speech to make people laugh. Woe to him! Woe to him!" [Ahmad]

Visiting the Sick and Condolences

Visiting the sick is a right of every Muslim. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever visits a sick person, he would receive continuous reward until he returns." [Muslim] Console the bereaved with patience and supplication. Prepare food for the family of the deceased. The Prophet ﷺ wept when his grandson died and said: "This is mercy which Allah instilled in the hearts of His slaves." [al-Bukhari & Muslim]

Sleeping

Before sleep, dust off the bed, lie on the right side, and say: "Bismika amootu wa ahyaa" (With Your Name I die and I live). Upon waking: "Alhamdulillaah-illadhi ahyaanaa ba'da maa amaatanaa" (All praise to the One who brought us to life after having caused us to die). Do not sleep on the stomach, and extinguish fire before sleeping.

Marital Relations

Begin with the supplication: "Bismillaah. Allahumma jannibna ash-shaytaan wa jannib ash-shaytaan maa razaqtanaa" (With the Name of Allah; O Allah, keep Satan away from us and from what You grant us). Spouses should enjoy one another with modesty and keep intimate matters private. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Indeed from the worst stations of people on the Day of Resurrection is one who has marital relations with his wife and then spreads her private matters." [Muslim]

Traveling

Before traveling, return trusts, settle debts, and leave sufficient provision for family. Do not travel alone — the Prophet ﷺ said: "A lone traveler is a devil, two are two devils, and three is a traveling group." [al-Haakim] Choose good company, appoint a leader, and return home promptly when business is finished. Inform your family of your expected return.

Public Property and Roads

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Be careful and stay away from sitting on the paths... The right of the path is: lowering one's gaze, not bringing harm to others, replying to salutations, enjoining good and forbidding evil, helping those in need, and guiding the lost." [al-Bukhari & Muslim] Do not relieve yourself where people walk or seek shade.

Manners of Trade

Trade is lawful and its profits are among the purest earnings when conducted honestly. The Prophet ﷺ said: "A Muslim merchant who is truthful and trustworthy will be with the martyrs on the Day of Requital." [al-Haakim] Explain any faults in merchandise. Do not cheat, swear false oaths, or conceal defects. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever deceives (people) is not from us." [Muslim] Be easygoing when buying, selling, or collecting debts.

Conclusion

The moral aspect of Islam is not a separate chapter of the religion — it is the very fabric that weaves together belief and action. From the grandest prohibition of shirk to the smallest etiquette of sneezing, Islam provides guidance that purifies the heart and elevates human interaction.

When a Muslim embodies these teachings — shunning lies, oppression, and envy while embracing justice, patience, and kindness — he becomes a living testament to the message of the Prophet ﷺ. His entire life becomes an act of worship: his sleep, his speech, his trade, his food, and his treatment of family and strangers alike.

In a world drowning in moral relativism, Islam offers clarity. It does not leave the human soul to wander according to whim; it anchors it to divine guidance. And the result is not hardship, but ease, not restriction, but liberation — the liberation of the soul from the tyranny of desire and the darkness of sin.