ACJU English Newsletter Issue No.77

Social responsibility starts with the Muslim in his personal sphere of life, it extends to his family, to his neighbourhood, to the general Muslims and finally to larger humanity.
It is through the operation of Islâmic principles that the fullest development of man's potentialities can be achieved. Islâm has laid down some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed and respected under all circumstances.
Responsibility to Oneself
Every person is responsible for himself. He is responsible to keep himself pure, cultivate good manners, reform his faults, do good and refrain from evil. Allâh says: “By the soul and Him who perfected its proportions; then He showed him what is wrong for him and what is right. Indeed, he who purifies himself succeeds. And indeed, he who corrupts himself fails” (91: 7/9) Likewise, he is responsible to protect himself and to maintain his health. Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam has said: "Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you. (Bukhârî)
Social Responsibility to the Family
This responsibility starts with the husband and wife. They have a shared responsibility to carry out the obligations and duties of family life in a manner that Allâh has made each of them naturally disposed to carry out. Allâh's Messenger Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam said: “A man is a guardian over his household and he is responsible for those in his care. A woman is a guardian over her husband's household and she is responsible for those in her care.” (Bukhârî) Kinship or blood relationships are the strongest natural ties. There is no substitute for a mother's love for her child, and in return, a child's devotion and gratitude to loving and caring parents. The Islâmic family extends to include grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, and their progeny. By preserving the extended family, the natural and continuous link between generations is preserved, it provides for a sense of belonging and an identity.
Social Responsibility to Fellow Muslims
Believers – both men and women – form part of a distinct brotherhood wherein individuals work together to fulfil the general needs of society as well as the individual needs of its members. The rights of each individual are matched with a corresponding duty of discharging obligations. The Prophet Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam while describing the social responsibilities of Muslims towards each other said: “The believers, in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other, are like a single body; if one limb feels pain; the whole body becomes feverish and restless.” (Muslim) “The rights of one Muslim over another are five: returning the greeting of Salâm, saying 'Yarhamuk Allâh (may Allâh have mercy on you)' when he sneezes, accepting invitations, visiting the sick and attending funerals.” (Muslim) Muslims are particularly cautioned against compromising the integrity of their brethren. Allâh says: “O you who believe! Let not a group of you belittle another; it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let some women belittle other women; it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another with nicknames. How bad it is to charge someone with iniquity after they have believed. And whosoever does not repent, such are indeed transgressors. O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, nor backbite one another.” (49: 11/12)
Social Responsibility to Neighbours
“Worship Allâh and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkîn (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, and the companion by your side…” (4:36) The Prophet Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam said: 'Jibrâ’îl ‘Alaihis salâm kept on enjoining the good treatment of neighbours to the extent that I thought that he would include neighbours as heirs.” (Muslim) The rights of a neighbour include: visiting him if he is sick, offering condolences if a calamity befalls him, congratulating him at times of joy, overlooking his mistakes, concealing his faults, bearing his annoyance with patience, giving him gifts, lending him money if he needs it, lowering one's gaze from looking into his home, and guiding him to that which will benefit him in his religious and worldly affairs. Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam further stated that: “He will not enter Paradise from whose harm his neighbour is not safe.” (Muslim) Not only does the Muslim refrain from harming or disturbing his neighbour, he does not spare any effort to help his neighbour. He is careful not to fall short in his duties whenever he is called upon to take care of his neighbours, to honour them and treat them well.
Social Responsibility to the Broader Community
Social responsibility is not only confined to fellow Muslims but is extended to non-Muslims as well. “Allâh does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you because of your religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily Allâh loves those who deal justly” (60: 8) This must be done with affection and mercy, not by intimidation or degradation… Also, praying they receive guidance and [thus] join the ranks of the blessed with external reward, advising them in all worldly and spiritual matters, protecting their reputation if they are exposed to slander, and defending their property, families, rights, and concerns. Assisting them against oppression and promoting their rights"
May Allâh grant us the ability to discharge our responsibilities with sincerity and faith. Âmîn
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