Concepts of Moral Teaching in Islam from Quran and Hadith

More than just a religion, Islam is also a way of life. Not only it contains guidance to worship Allah SWT and believe in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as His Messenger, Islam provide concepts and means to live everyday life through the Sharia law. Muslims must live with good manner. Thus, someone should receive moral teaching as early as possible.

In general, morality means proper behavior, character, and manner. Morality is an ideal code of conduct created by the society to keep everyone in order. But what is the original concept of moral teaching in Islam?

The best Muslims are those who possess good morality in life. It’s not something given, but obtained through education and hard work. While having good morals is obligatory, there are many Muslims who’s still far from it. Indeed, Islam is perfect but Muslims aren’t.

.     1. Prophet Muhammad was the Ultimate Example

“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” [68:4]

Speaking about good morals, there were only one role model in Islam. He was none other than Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet had concerned of Muslims’ behavior until his very last moment.

Before the Prophet passed away, he was worried whether his followers would be able to develop good morals or not. Thankfully he had shown us the guidance of how good morals in Islam should look like and we use it as example until today.

    

   2. Good Morals Should be Emphasized in Islam

“The best of you is the best among you in conduct.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) behavior has become the moral standard in Islam. If you want to have a good manner, then practice what the Prophet used to do. During the time when he lived, our Prophet (peace be upon him) has emphasized the importance of good manners for Muslim in everyday life

He had set the perfect example of good behavior for all Muslims to follow. Every questioned asked regarding manners in Islam can all be referred to our Prophet (peace be upon him). We can find the trace of his perfect behavior in the Holy Quran and Hadith.

    3. Morality Leads Muslims to Paradise

Someone once asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) what deed would lead a man to paradise, and he answered: “Piety and good conduct.”

Every Muslims know that worldly life is only temporary. To be able to enter the paradise, all they need is good manner in life, towards fellow human and Allah SWT. It’s one of the concept of moral teaching in Islam. Only Muslims who possess good behavior will be led to Paradise

    4. Excellent Behavior Defines Truest Believer

It’s easy you declare oneself as a believer, to prove that he’s a true believer requires a strong commitment.

In other narrations the Prophet (peace be upon him) made distinctions among Muslims based on their behavior; the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The most perfect man in his faith, among the believers, is the one whose behavior is the most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.” [Ahmad]

    5. Muslims with Good Morals is Closest to the Prophet

“The dearest and nearest among you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who is the best in conduct…” [Ibn An-Najjaar]

It’s the dream of every Muslims to meet the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself had said that only best Muslims with good manner will be able to do so.

    6. Islam Moral Source was Directly from Allah SWT

Moral system in Islam has solid source, as it was derived from Quran and Hadith. It makes the system absolute and must be obliged by any Muslim. It also cannot be changed and manipulated. Until the Day of Judgment, the Islamic moral system will stay the same. 

7. Basic Morality in Islam According to the Holy Quran

Islamic morality has solid sources. It either derived from the Holy Quran or Hadith. Here are the basic morality mentioned in both sources. Muslims should have obliged to these.

·         8. How a Muslim Should Walk and Talk

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in modesty, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.” [25:63]

Allah SWT loathe arrogance. A Muslim must stay humble everywhere and every time. Thus, he should walk with modesty and saying only good words. 

·        9. Etiquette of Visiting One Another

“O you who have believed! Do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded [i.e., advised].” [24:27]

Visiting fellow Muslims is among the sunnah and good deeds. But Islam has its own etiquette in visiting each other.

·         10. Right Behavior in a Gathering

“O you who have believed! When you are told: ‘Space yourselves’ in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you…” [58:11]

Islam encourages Muslims to gather with their brothers, especially for good causes. Even so, there are certain behaviors that must be shown when attending the gathering.

·         11. Treating the Animals

“Fear Allah when you treat the animals: take care of them, keep them in good health whether you ride on them or are raising them for their meat.” [Ahmad]

Animals are also living creatures in the world we should be taken care of. Both hadith explained well how we should treat the animals.

“…when you slaughter an animal, make your slaughter in the best manner. Let one of you sharpen his knife and give ease to the animal (in order to reduce the pain).” [Muslim]

Those are the basic concepts of moral teaching in Islam that a Muslim should receive in his life. Islam is a holistic religion that have distinctive moral guide. Many of Islamic morality is different with general order of the society.

As a good Muslim, it’s better for us to follow our religion.