Principles of Sociology in Islam

Introduction

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

A vital need in human society is fraternity and cordial relation between individuals. The basic problem of the world today is not of bread and butter but that of empathy in individuals as well as in society. How to maintain relations with each other is a problem which is worrying the countries of the world as well as the individuals.

As regards peaceful co-existence, neither any remedial measure can be adopted nor any result achieved without writing and discussion in this field. The flames of war are engulfing different parts of the world every day, devastating human lives and rendering families helpless and destitute. Even minor differences between persons of one town, quarter or a family lead to such complications. To be exact, unless human relations based on faith and nationality are not created, this problem will remain unsolved and the disease incurable.

Islam, which is a divine heavenly code, can solve this problem by bringing people together through faith in God, purification of the soul and preservation of humanity. Islam is a comprehensive code of life which, if really followed, may lead human society to the zenith of glory. Islam wants to acquaint people with the fact that all human beings are the offspring of the same parents and that there is no class distinction between one and another: black and white, colour and skin can never be criteria of greatness of one class over the other. Likewise difference in languages and style of speech cannot upgrade any nation.

According to Islamic law, the only criterion of individual or collective supremacy is faith and piety, knowledge and wisdom. The Holy Qur'an clearly says:

O people, We created you from a male and a female and made you into clans and tribes so that you may know each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious of you . . .( 49:13)

The Holy Qur'an further elaborates:

. . . Allah raises in rank those of you who believe and who have been given knowledge . . . (58:11)

The Holy Prophet (S) [^1] said: ‘There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab except by piety’. If this fact is accepted by the people it will bury deep differences and controversies and create feelings of fraternity in them. This system will eradicate enmity at family, international, universal and at all levels.

The aim of this discussion is to teach Muslims the principles of Islamic sociology which could knit and benefit them in their mutual social dealing and maintenance of cordial relations. Majority of people who have friends and social contacts are unaware of the basic principles of sociology, which then forces them to a life of isolation with no way out.

Maintaining cordial relations and balance in every walk of life is a vital subject itself. There are persons of an unusual lovely nature who attract people wherever they move. However we also find another group of unnoticed simple people. Why is there such a difference? The answer is probably that since the creation and nature of people is different, hence personalities make persons attractive or otherwise. However, while disagreeing with this reply, the experts plead that courtesy, virtue and personal qualities earn popularity or disaffection for them. It is not just a question of nature.

Such people have a sensible approach and discharge mutual obligations diligently, in order to gain affection and love from others.

[^1]: ‘S’ after the mention of the Prophet means peace be upon him and his holy family, to be recited whenever the Prophet is mentioned.