The Sunnah: A Source of Civilization

The Prophet's Sunnah - along with the Qur'an - clarified the characteristic traits of Civilized Fiqh. Moreover, it complements this Fiqh for us by elucidating those characteristic of Civilized Manner which befits a civilized person in a civilized nation. Civilized Fiqh is meaningless without Civilized Manner. If Fiqh or any field of knowledge did not bear fruit, then it would be worthless. Our ancestors used to say knowledge without benefits like a tree without fruit. The Qur'an states the worst example of the human being whom Allah has bestowed knowledge on yet he abandons it and does not act upon it, and even chooses to go astray and do the opposite of it. Allah says:

"And relate to them the story of the man to whom We sent Our Signs, but he passed them by: so Satan followed him up, and he went astray. If it had been Our Will, We would have elevated him with Our Signs: but he inclined to the earth, and followed his own vain desires. His similitude is that of a dog: if you attack him, he lolls out his tongue, or if you leave him alone, he (still) lolls out his tongue. (7:175-176)

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) sought refuge in Allah from the knowledge which is of no benefit, and the very fruit of knowledge is to elevate one's manners and refine his morals. The Prophet said:

"O Allah! I seek refuge in you from the knowledge which is of no benefit, from a , heart that does not fear You, from a soul which is uncontended, and from supplication to which You do not respond to. [Note: Reported by Ahmad, `Abd lbn Hamid, Muslim and Al-Nasa'i on the authority of Zaid Ibn Arqam. Sahih: Al-Jami' Al -saghir, No 1286. It is also reported in its meaning by Al-Tirmidhi and Al-Nasa'i on the authority of Ibn `Umar, also by Abu Dawud, Al-Nasa'i. Ibn Majah and Al-Hakim on the authority of Abu Hurairah and Al-Nasa'i on the authority of Anas, Sahih Al-Jami' Al-Saghir, 1297]

Civilized Manner represents all the things that elevate the individual as well as the society. It elevates the soul through worship, the intellect through knowledge, the financial status through work, manners through virtue, the body through exercise, social status through cooperation and abilities through the construction of the land.

Such refined manners built upon a number of strong holds or characteristics, the most important of which are:
 

• 1- Adherence to Virtues.
• 2- Doing What Is Good.
• 3- Discipline and Public Conduct.
• 4- Cleaniness and Beautification.
• 5- Tolerance with Opponents.
• 6- Mercy Towards Allah's Creatures.