1. Equality
“An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black over a white, except by piety and good action.” (Musnad Ahmad 22978)
Reflection: Every person deserves dignity, respect, and equal treatment regardless of race or ethnicity. We must cultivate self-awareness over our prejudices, actively redress them, and aim to increase our level of Taqwa (Allah-consciousness).
2. Sanctity of Life
“No doubt, your blood and your properties are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this town of yours, till the day you meet your Lord.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1741)
Reflection: Nabi ﷺ compared one’s blood and property to be as sacred as the city of Makkah in the month of Dhul Hijjah. We must honour what is entrusted to us, and strive to always be mindful of our duties.
3. Justice
Behold! Everything pertaining to the Days of Ignorance is under my feet, completely abolished. Abolished are also the blood-revenges of the Days of Jahiliyya (ignorance). (Sahih Muslim 1218)
Reflection: For true justice to prevail, destructive norms must be challenged. Nabi ﷺ abolished the injustices of the Days of Ignorance, signifying a new era. Are we perpetuating this righteousness, or enabling injustice in our communities?
4. Rights of Women
“Fear Allah regarding women. Verily, you have taken them as a trust from Allah…You have rights over your women and your women have rights over you.” (Sahih Muslim 1218 & Sunan Ibn Majah 1851)
Reflection: Islam emphasises respect, care, and dignity for women. They are the architects of society, and have rights to be upheld. When women are valued, the entire Ummah takes benefit.
5. Perpetual Guidance
“I have left you with two matters which will never lead you astray, as long as you hold to them: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet.” (Al-Muwatta 1661)
Reflection: The Qur’an and Sunnah are our perpetual guiding lights. The successful believer understands that moments of joy, moments of trial, and every moment in between requires us to seek these lights.
Darul Ihsan Humanitarian Centre