Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Scholars have described the human being as a social being. A person does not live alone; they live within society. Building a peaceful and secure society is possible only through shared values and the agreements upon which society has reached agreement and acceptance. Morality and law are two fundamental values: morality safeguards the conscience of the individual, while law safeguards the order of society. Where these two elements complement one another, justice, trust and peace prevail. Islam addresses both morality and law within the framework of divine principles. In the Qur’an, Allah (swt) declares: “O you who believe! Stand firm for Allah and bear witness with justice. Do not let the hatred of a people lead you away from justice. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.”[1] Through this command, He has made known to us the fundamental principles of social life.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Law ensures that people’s rights are protected. Morality, however, enables those rights to be respected sincerely. Laws may prevent wrongdoing, but it is morality that plants goodness in the heart. Honouring a trust when no one is watching, avoiding the violation of others’ rights and remaining truthful are signs of strong moral character.

Our Prophet Muhammad (saw) established a social order in Madinah, founded upon justice and mutual responsibility, so that people of different religions and tribes could live together in peace. This order was crowned by the “Constitution of Madinah”, which continues even today to serve as an example for modern constitutions. His life is the clearest example of how the rule of law and noble character can be brought together. For where there is no justice, there can be no trust, and where there is no morality, there can be no lasting peace.

 

Dear Jama’ah!

Today, more than ever, we need to uphold moral values and observe the law in every part of society, beginning with our own families. In traffic, at work, in trade and in our relations with neighbours, in short, in all our dealings with society, public institutions and every living and non-living part of creation. Respecting rights and the law is a requirement of being a believer. A person who respects the rights of others, keeps their word, safeguards what has been entrusted to them and acts honestly earns the pleasure of Allah and helps build trust within society. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe, and a believer is one whom people trust with their lives and property.”[2] 

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Let us not forget that strong societies stand not through laws alone, but through moral values and the people who embody them. May Allah (swt) make us among His servants who never depart from justice, who observe the law and who take noble character as their guide in life. May He grant our society unity, peace and security. Ameen.

 

[1] ﺳﻮرة المائدة، ٨: ٥

[2] الترمذي، كتاب الإيمان، ١٢

 

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