Tajdeed

What is righteousness according to the Qur’an?

‘Righteousness is not in turning your faces towards the east or the west. Rather, the righteous are those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Books, and the prophets; who give charity out of their cherished wealth to relatives, orphans, the poor, ˹needy˺ travellers, beggars, and for freeing captives; who establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and keep the pledges they make; and who are patient in times of suffering, adversity, and in ˹the heat of˺ battle. It is they who are true ˹in faith˺, and it is they who are mindful ˹of Allah˺.’ (Surah 2:177)

The verse reminds all Muslims that although necessary, righteousness is not about being too fixed on fine & small details of religion. Unfortunately , you would find many Muslims giving excessive significance too smaller details & even causing dispute & splitting up due to subtle & valid differences of opinions!

Instead, the most fundamental thing is to prioritise and establish the essentials of Din, which are the correct tenets & doctrines of faith, and to sincerely commit the best & most virtuous of actions. Some mentioned examples are giving charity, helping the needy, being honest, being patient & steadfast during trials & afflictions of life.

As seen, a great emphasis in this verse is regarding giving & helping, & being charitable. This is an indication that being charitable & helpful is amongst the most fundamental things of Islam.

In conclusion, these are things that will get you closer to God and allow you to be righteous (God-willing).

By Abul Hasan al-Gabikani al-Shadi al-Shaddadi al-Hadhabani -al-Kurdi