The two basic source books of Islam are the Quran and the Hadith. The Quran is believed to be the word of God, and the Hadith is the compilation of the sayings of the Prophet of Islam. The Quran contains about 6,500 verses while the Hadith contains about 25,000 sayings of the Prophet of Islam. Islamic teachings cover almost all the aspects of human life like belief, worship, morality, spirituality, social structure, etc.
Here are ten references from the Quran and Hadith that may be considered universal principles suitable for every man and woman, irrespective of religion and/or culture. They are formulae for life or an art of life management.
Mutual Respect
How to live in a multi-religious society? The Quranic answer to this question is found in this verse: “For you your religion; for me mine.” This principle is based on religious tolerance. It may be formulated in a sentence as ‘Follow one and respect all.’
Reconciliation and Adjustment
How to behave at the time of conflict? The Quran says, “Reconciliation is the best.” It means that at the time of conflict, we have to adopt a conciliatory rather than confrontational course of action.
Peace
The Prophet of Islam said, “God grants to non-violence what He does not grant to violence.” In other words, peaceful methods are always far more effective than violent methods.
Practical Wisdom
According to a Hadith the general policy of the Prophet of Islam was that whenever the Prophet of Islam had to choose between two options he always chose the easier option rather than the harder one. This was the general policy of Islam in every matter.
Positive Response
A person once came to the Prophet of Islam and asked, “O Prophet, give me some master advice by which I may be able to manage all the affairs of my life.” The Prophet replied, “Do not be angry.” It means that we must not react with anger even when provoked. Respond positively to negative situations. Always adopt positive thinking.
Modesty
The Prophet of Islam said, “God elevates the modest.” In other words, modesty is the way to high success.
Result-oriented Action
The Prophet of Islam said, “The beauty of a man is to keep himself away from futile activities, which produce no results.” Our actions should be always result-oriented.
Friendly Behaviour
The Prophet of Islam said, “He is not a believer who creates problems for his neighbours.”
Unilateral Good Character
The Quran says: “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is good, then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.” Our behaviour in society should not be retaliatory but good under all circumstances.
Universal Brotherhood
The Prophet of Islam said, ”I bear witness that all human beings are brothers and sisters to each other.” This concept inculcates the feeling of universal brotherhood in all of us, and it is on this basis that a better society can be formed.
