Social values are the main pillars of any society and civilization. They are a moral compass, guiding people towards good behavior and what makes a nation progress. These values are the basis for determining educational goals for individuals and communities, making it a collective moral connection that defines the level of awareness reached by society.
Community’s Keeper
Educators in their societies, regardless of their time, place, and ideology, recognize the necessity of adhering to a system of values and ethical principles to preserve the identity of the community and strengthen it against emerging threats. This secures the nation as a whole by necessitating the instilling of these values religiously and philosophically, leading to their regulation, protected by deterrent penalties, to guard the community. It preserves its overall goals and ideals, protecting it from individualistic tendencies, recklessness, and disintegration, while providing it with a clear and transparent framework that regulates everyone’s behavior.
The Islamic Values System
The system of Islamic values was generally founded on heartfelt belief and a correct understanding of religion, based on righteous deeds. As Allah says, “Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds - those are the best of creatures.” (Al-Bayyinah: 7). The first Caliphate, the state of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was established on the basis of replacing tribal loyalty with religious and human brotherhood and adopting the principle of equality before the law. People are all equal, with no superiority except in piety. Under this state, non-Muslims enjoyed complete freedom, the slaves were protected from oppression and tyranny, Al-Muhajireen and Al-Ansar shared wealth, the former enemies (Aws and Khazraj) reconciled after fighting for years, and the rich shared with the poor. The system of masters and slaves, which was the oppressive law inherited for generations, disappeared in no time. The new state formed a comprehensive system containing dozens of values, spreading the call for goodness in a backward society, combating vices and evils, promoting virtues, and laying the foundation for a righteous nation based on enjoining what is good, forbidding what is evil, and taking the initiative to do good with the promise of reward for it: “So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it.” (Az-Zalzalah: 7-8).
A Grand Renaissance Project
This renaissance value-driven project, within the Caliphate society, is based on the pillars of general Islamic civilization, including: belief in Allah with all its branches, religious and civil knowledge, skilled craft, diligence, and innovation to liberate humanity from fears and illusions, securing a safe and dignified life fitting human dignity. Overall, the project aims to: liberate the Muslim mind from the shackles of stagnation and imitation; prioritize areas of reform; reform the fundamentals before the branches; purify beliefs from superstitions; reshape Islamic intellect and conscience; and prioritize the nation above the state. The main task of those responsible for it is to curb the dictatorial wave of materialism, confront the Western project that has greatly harmed our Islamic nations, and provide an alternative based on values and ethics.
Key Values
Various classifications have been made for Islamic values, with social values being a common ground. They are numerous and serve as a guarantee for a just and virtuous Islamic society. Among them are fundamental values that cannot be compromised when discussing the society of the Islamic state, or what can be called the “Caliphate society.” These include:
- Honesty is aligning what is said with what is deeply rooted in the heart and conscience, the opposite of deceit and lying. The Quran encourages it, as stated in the ayah: “O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.” (At-Tawbah: 119)
- Selflessness is an advanced behavioral value where individuals sacrifice what they love for the benefit of others, seeking reward in the Hereafter. As Allah said, “But give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.” (Al-Hashr: 9)
- Cooperation in Righteousness involves collaborating in acts of goodness for the public interest to elevate society. It includes supporting the oppressed, deterring the oppressor, combating corruption, immorality, and vice, fulfilling the needs of the poor, relieving the distressed, etc. Allah says, “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.” (Al-Ma'idah: 20)
- Modesty is among the important values in Caliphate society, regulating behavior in the Islamic environment. It is the head of ethical virtues and the guide of society towards goodness and guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “All of shyness is good.” (Muslim)
- Trustworthiness and loyalty are both of great importance in social and human relations. The Quran strongly emphasizes them, for trustworthiness means security, unlike betrayal, and signifies justice in its finest form. “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.” (An-Nisa: 58). Loyalty means perfect character, honoring responsibility, and respecting rightful individuals.
The Duties of the Caliph in Protecting Society’s Values
In addition to the roles unanimously agreed upon by the Salaf of the Muslim Ummah in safeguarding religion, establishing boundaries, preserving the sanctities, protecting the state, etc., it is necessary for the chosen Caliph of the Ummah to act as a guardian of society's values. They must delegate individuals to oversee and promote these values; otherwise, they are considered sinners and neglectful of their duty by not acting upon the hadith: “All of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards. The ruler is a guardian and responsible for his subjects.” (Agreed upon). Preserving these values and nurturing the youth upon them protects the Ummah from the dangers of disintegration and identity erasure and prevents societal imbalance caused by the spread of corruption, poverty, and vices. This does not exempt individuals or institutions within society from adopting these values as a shared responsibility driven by religion. Allah says, “No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right or conciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking means to the approval of Allah - then We are going to give him a great reward.” (An-Nisa: 114).
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Egyptian journalist and researcher
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