Islam emphasizes the importance of morality and ethics as illustrated by the author in the article: The Moral Aspect of Islam. To give some practical examples, the author recounts the following wonderful stories inspired by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
Putting Ethics into Practice
It has been related that when Sulayman, the Umayyad caliph (C.E. 715-717) and the son of `Abd-al-Malik, went to Al-Madinah for a visit, he sent for Abu Hazim and asked him to give a discourse. Abu Hazim dutifully obliged, addressing the Amir al-Muโminin (Commander of the Faithful) in these words:
โTake not possessions from other than their proper place, and deposit them not except with whom they belong.โ
The Caliph inquired, โAnd who is capable of so doing?โ
Abu Hazim replied, โHe whom Allah has granted control over the affairs of subjects as He has granted you.โ
The Caliph then said, โPreach to me, O Abu Hazim .โ
Abu Hazim proceeded: โKnow that this command fell to you upon the death of your predecessor, and it will depart from your hands in the same manner it came into them.โ
The Caliph then asked, โWhy do you not come to us?โ
Abu Hazm answered, โAnd what would I do if I came to you, O Commander of the Faithful? If you drew me nearer, I would be distracted from my way; and If you sent me away, you would disgrace me; and you do not possess what I would ask for, nor do I possess anything that I fear you for.โ
The Caliph then said, โAsk me, then, for what you want.โ
And Abu Hazm replied, โI have already asked Him Who is more capable than you; whatever He grants, I accept, and whatever He withholds pleases me.โ
Here we have an example of the imprint of Prophet Muhammadโs Message on the character of man, exalting and purifying it. The annals of Muhammadโs Companions and followers- for that matter, of Muslims everywhere-abound with fine examples of Godliness, kind treatment, the shunning of turpitude, and faithful counseling of Allahโs servants.
Ethics in Business
It is said that one Yunus ibn-`Ubayd sold tunics of different values; some were worth four hundred dirhams each, and others only two hundred each. Entrusting his nephew with the care of the shop, Yunus departed to offer his prayers.
A bedouin entered the shop and asked for a tunic priced at four hundred, but received one priced at two hundred instead. The bedouin liked it, was perfectly satisfied, bought it, and departed, carrying the tunic on his arm.
While on his way, he came upon Yunus, who recognized his tunic and asked the bedouin how much he had paid for it. The bedouin replied that he had paid four hundred dirhams.
โBut it is not worth more than two hundred,โ said Yunus. โCome with me and I will exchange it for you.โ
The bedouin replied, โThis is worth five hundred in my country, and I am pleased with it.โ
Yunus then declared, โDo not say that, for the counsel of religion is more rewarding than the provisions of this world.โ
Returning to the shop, he refunded two hundred dirhams to the bedouin, and scolded his nephew, saying, โAre you not ashamed? Do you have no fear of Allah? You would accept gold and abandon the counsel of the Muslims!โ
The nephew replied, โMay Allah be my witness, he accepted it only because he was pleased.โ The uncle then said, โBut have you pleased him as you would please yourself?โ
Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir and the Bedouin
It has been said about Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir that in his absence his servant sold a bedouin a piece of goods worth of only five dirhams for ten.
The master looked for the bedouin all day; when he found him he stated, โThe boy erred and sold you for ten what is worth only five.โ
The bedouin, astonished, replied, โBut I was pleased!โ
Muhammad replied, โEven if you were, we would please you only with what pleases us,โ and returned him five dirhams.
Such is the character of the person who has been truly influenced by the Message of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and who has abided by the Prophetโs dictum, โTruly, none of you believes until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself.โ The true Muslim does not deceive, cheat, or swindle.
The effect of Muhammadโs Message was decisive on those who followed its guidance. It called not for extravagance, pretentiousness, or boastfulness, but for faith and good deeds both openly and silently, for according to Islam it is more appropriate that man fears Allah than his fellow man.
The Real Test
A person was once asked to testify before the Caliph `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). The Caliph asked him to bring forth someone who knew of him. He produced a man who praised him generously. `Umar thereupon inquired, โAre you his closest neighbor who knows him inwardly and outwardly?โ
โNo,โ the man replied.
โWere you his companion on the journey which reveals a manโs character?โ
โNo,โ he again replied.
โPerhaps you deal with him in dinars and dirhams, which reveals the honesty and integrity of this man?โ โNo,โ was the answer.
โI think you behold him in the Mosque, whispering verses of the Qurโan, lowering and lifting his head in prayer.โ โYes,โ replied the man.
`Umar then snapped, โAway with you, for you know him not!โ And turning to the would-be witness, he commanded, โGo and bring forth someone who knows you.โ
References
Taken with slight editorial modifications from the Book: The Eternal Message of Muhammad.