السَّمْتُ.. بَيـنَ مِيثَاقِ الأَخْلاقِ وَتـَزكـِيَةِ رَمَضَانَ : The way... between the covenant of ethics and the purification of Ramadan

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the name of ALLAH, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

السَّمْتُ.. بَيـنَ مِيثَاقِ الأَخْلاقِ وَتـَزكـِيَةِ رَمَضَانَ

The way... between the covenant of ethics and the purification of Ramadan

Praise be to ALLAH, who purified hearts with piety, adorned souls with guidance, made good conduct the emblem of faith, and upright behavior the proof of righteousness. We bear witness that there is no god but ALLAH alone, without partner, who called to noble morals and made them the measure of distinction among mankind. We bear witness that our master and prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the servant of ALLAH and His messenger, the most perfect of people in character. And the highest in rank and the best in guidance, may ALLAH's prayers and peace be upon him, his family and companions, and those who follow his path and are guided by his guidance until the Day of Judgment. This is the translation of the recited verses from Surah Al Hujrat:

أَمَّا بَعْدُ، فاعوذ باللہ من الشیطان الرجیم- بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا يَسۡخَرۡ قَوۡمٌ۬ مِّن قَوۡمٍ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونُواْ خَيۡرً۬ا مِّنۡہُمۡ وَلَا نِسَآءٌ۬ مِّن نِّسَآءٍ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيۡرً۬ا مِّنۡہُنَّ‌ۖ وَلَا تَلۡمِزُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ وَلَا تَنَابَزُواْ بِٱلۡأَلۡقَـٰبِ‌ۖ بِئۡسَ ٱلِٱسۡمُ ٱلۡفُسُوقُ بَعۡدَ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ‌ۚ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَتُبۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ (١١) يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱجۡتَنِبُواْ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعۡضَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِثۡمٌ۬‌ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُواْ وَلَا يَغۡتَب بَّعۡضُكُم بَعۡضًا‌ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُڪُمۡ أَن يَأۡڪُلَ لَحۡمَ أَخِيهِ مَيۡتً۬ا فَكَرِهۡتُمُوهُ‌ۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ (١٢) يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ۬ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبً۬ا وَقَبَآٮِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬

Surah Al Hujurat – 11-13

O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; Nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one's brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: "O sinner", or "O wicked"]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zâlimûn (wrong-doers). (11) O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting)[] . And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (12) O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2). Verily, Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (13)

Surah Al Hujuraat – 11-13

O servants of ALLAH: fear ALLAH and adopt piety and obey ALLAH, and know that nations have characteristics by which they are known, and peoples have features that distinguish them. And among the most splendid things for which Oman has been famous throughout its long history is a dignified demeanor, authentic morals, and a composed conduct. These qualities blossomed in the shade of faith and grew in the flourishing gatherings and the thriving schools. And the circles of knowledge and the Qur’an, until the Omani character became a speaking image of the values of Islam, and a practical embodiment of its principles in the reality of life.

And if we look - O servants of ALLAH - at the reality of demeanor, we find it to be a state of inner balance, residing in the heart, overflowing with dignity in appearance, composure in movement, tranquility in speech, and discipline in stance. The Qur’an has outlined this meaning when it described the servants of the Most Merciful, saying in Surah Al Furqan:

وَعِبَادُ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَمۡشُونَ عَلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ هَوۡنً۬ا وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ ٱلۡجَـٰهِلُونَ قَالُواْ سَلَـٰمً۬ا

And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allâh) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.

Surah Al Furqan – 63

The walk here is a translation of a refined soul that knew its Lord, so it knew its worth and understood its mission. The Companions, may ALLAH be pleased with them, realized that character was a trace of following the Messenger of ALLAH, so they asked Seyyedina Hudhayfah, may ALLAH be pleased with him, about a man whose character and conduct were close to the Prophet’s, peace be upon him, so that they might learn from him and emulate him. He said: “I do not know anyone whose character, conduct, and mannerisms were closer to the Prophet’s than Ibn Umm Abd.” This indicates that character is a Prophetic inheritance. It is acquired through consistent practice and emulation, and its effects appear in speech, movement, and interaction.

O servants of ALLAH, the Prophetic Sunnah has testified to the civilized tranquility of the people of Oman, when the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “If you had come to the people of Oman, they would not have insulted you or struck you.” This is a testimony that goes beyond historical praise to establish a moral standard that has become part of the identity of this society: the soundness of speech, the trustworthiness of the hand, and the balance of behavior. Hence, the Omani demeanor became a symbol of self-respect, in which modesty is evident in dress, dignity in presence, and calmness in dealings. Thus, a person carries his religion in his morals and his homeland in his behavior, without affectation or pretense.

O Muslims: the way of life extends to encompass all the details of life; so that noble character becomes a practical system that organizes the relationship of man with his Lord, with himself, and with the people around him. Good conduct begins at home before it extends to the road, where it manifests itself in kindness to parents, gentleness in dealings, and mercy towards children, raising them with respect and tranquility, in fulfillment of the Almighty's saying in Surah Al Isra:

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَـٰنًا‌ۚ

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents.

Surah Al Isra – 23-Part

Its effect extends to the relationship between spouses, fostering affection, mercy, and a sense of peace that spreads tranquility throughout the home, in compliance with the words of the Almighty as in Surah Al Room:

وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَڪُم مَّوَدَّةً۬ وَرَحۡمَةً‌ۚ

and He has put between you affection and mercy.

Surah Al Room – 21-Part

Then the character goes out with its owner to the fields of life. When he enters the markets, he shows honesty in selling, truthfulness in dealing, and awareness of the saying of the Prophet ((The honest and trustworthy merchant is with the prophets, the truthful ones, and the martyrs)). And when he walked in the streets, his demeanor was characterized by gentleness towards people, lowering his voice, and controlling his emotions, in compliance with the words of the Almighty as mentioned in Surah Luqman:

وَٱقۡصِدۡ فِى مَشۡيِكَ وَٱغۡضُضۡ مِن صَوۡتِكَ‌ۚ

"And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice.

Surah Luqman – 19-Part

In gatherings, good manners are embodied in polite listening, wisdom in conversation, and protection of reputations. Since Islam has made speech a great moral responsibility, it says, “Whoever believes in ALLAH and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” Thus, the Omani person becomes a bearer of the values of his religion and his homeland wherever he may be, with tranquility in his presence, moderation in his behavior, and noble character that testifies to the civilization behind this conduct and deeply rooted in morality.

O believers: As we live through the middle of the blessed month of Ramadan, the greatest school for reviving this character and establishing it in our souls is renewed before us. Fasting is a complete training in self-control, guarding the limbs, and refining behavior. The Prophet, peace be upon him said, “When one of you is fasting, let him not speak obscenely or raise his voice.” This includes the negligence of some in using the various tools and means of expression to express themselves and their opinions in irresponsible ways and forms. It is a negligence that a Muslim should not fall into. The Muslim is commanded to adorn himself with noble morals, and to strive for excellence in word and deed, as it has come in the clear revelation, the Almighty says in Surah Al Baqara:

وَقُولُواْ لِلنَّاسِ حُسۡنً۬ا

and speak good to people [i.e. enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, and say the truth about Muhammad Peace be upon him ]

Surah Al Baqara – 83-Part

Self-expression, whether spoken or written—while a natural human right—is a right like any other, but it comes with responsibilities and duties that must be respected and fulfilled. Freedom in this area should not exist if it infringes upon other rights, duties, and responsibilities, such as violating human dignity, or... Stability of societies and homelands; Freedom of expression, if misused by individuals and given free rein without moderation and balance, becomes a cause of strife and the stirring up of disputes and conflicts between individuals and societies. ALLAH Almighty says in Surah Al Isra:

وَقُل لِّعِبَادِى يَقُولُواْ ٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ يَنزَغُ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ كَانَ لِلۡإِنسَـٰنِ عَدُوًّ۬ا مُّبِينً۬ا

And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaitân (Satan) verily, sows state of conflicit and disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitân (Satan) is to man a plain enemy.

Surah Al Isra – 53

Therefore, one of the most important social values is for society to be keen on the meanings of unity, harmony, cohesion, and solidarity, concerned with bringing people together, fostering closeness and coexistence, and cultivating affection among them, while avoiding bad morals that lead to the epidemic of discord and bring about division and alienation. This is also what society and its members should do. That they should be far removed from anything that might disturb the peace and prosperity of his security. ALLAH says in Surah Saba

بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬

A fair land and an Oft¬Forgiving Lord!

Surah Saba – 15-Part

Fear ALLAH, O servants of ALLAH, and purify yourselves, and let your demeanor be dignified in your appearance and conduct, and let tranquility be in your hearts and deeds.

أقولُ مَا تَسْمَعُونَ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ العَظِيمَ لِي وَلَكُمْ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ يَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ، إِنَّهُ هُوَ الغَفُورُالرَّحِيمُ، وَادْعُوهُ يَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ، إِنَّهُ هُوَ البَرُّ الكَرِيمُ

I say what you hear, and I ask forgiveness from ALLAH Almighty for me and for you, so ask forgiveness from Him and He will forgive you, for He is the Forgiving and Merciful, and pray to Him and He will answer you, for He is The noble righteousness

الحَمْدُ للَّهِ مُقَلِّبِ القُلُوبِ، وَمُزَكِّي النُّفُوسِ، وَمُبَلِّغِ عِبَادِهِ مَوَاسِمَ الفَضْلِ وَالأُنْسِ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَنَا مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، اسْتَقَامَ عَلَى الطَّاعَةِ، وَزَكَّى نَفْسَهُ فَسَمَتْ أَخْلاقُهُ، صَلاةً وَسَلامًا دَائِمَيْنِ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ الطَّيِّبِينَ الطَّاهِرِينَ، وَمَنْ تَبِعَهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

Praise be to Allah, the Turner of hearts, the Purifier of souls, and the One who grants His servants seasons of grace and joy. We bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, without partner, and we bear witness that our master Muhammad, peace be upon him, is His servant and messenger, who remained steadfast in obedience and purified his soul, so his character became sublime. May ALLAH’s prayers and peace be upon him, upon his family and good companions, and whoever follows their path until the Day of Judgment.

O servants of ALLAH: After a few days, the last ten days of Ramadan will come upon us, and they are the peak of this blessed month, and the conclusion of its course. In them, mercy descends, good deeds are multiplied, and a night is hoped for that is better than a thousand months. Therefore, when these nights arrived, your Prophet, peace be upon him, would tighten his waistcloth, stay up all night in prayer, awaken his family, and exert himself in worship with a zeal he never displayed at other times. His days were spent in prayer, his nights in supplication, and his private moments in seclusion in devotion and complete devotion to ALLAH. So seize these opportunities. -May ALLAH have mercy on you- through frequent standing in prayer, lengthy supplication, recitation of the Qur’an, and frequenting mosques for those who are able to perform Itikaf; For it is a school of purity, and a purification of the heart from worldly distractions. In it, the true nature of faith is revealed when the stillness of the limbs is combined with the presence of the heart, so that inner thoughts become pure, souls soften, morals are elevated, hands are extended with secret charity, and hearts are moved with mercy for the needy, in fulfillment of the Almighty’s saying in Surah Al Baqara:

وَمَا تُقَدِّمُواْ لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنۡ خَيۡرٍ۬ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ

and whatever of good (deeds that Allâh loves) you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with Allâh.

Surah Al Baqara – 110-Part

These nights are the arena for the race towards forgiveness, and the station for renewing the covenant with ALLAH, and magnifying His rites, as He, Glory be to Him, says in Surah Al Hajj:

ذَٲلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمۡ شَعَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقۡوَى ٱلۡقُلُوبِ

Thus it is [what has been mentioned in the above said Verses (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) is an obligation that mankind owes to Allâh]. and whosoever honours the Symbols of Allâh, then it is truly from the piety of the hearts.

Surah Al Hajj – 32

May these days be a station for rebuilding the soul upon tranquility, renewing the covenant with ALLAH upon righteousness, and establishing the character that combines worship of the heart with good conduct, so that a person may emerge from Ramadan having grown closer to his Lord, more firmly rooted in his morals, and more steadfast in his identity.

Fear ALLAH, O servants of ALLAH, and make what remains of Ramadan a season for reviving hearts before the days end. Perhaps a humble prayer, a sincere supplication, or a pure moment of seclusion will be a reason for winning ALLAH's pleasure and raising ranks.

O servants of ALLAH, remember this command of ALLAH:

قُلۡ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡرَفُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُواْ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

Say: "O 'Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh, verily Allâh forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Surah Az Zumr – 53