15. Comprehensive Moral Guidance

In Surah An-Nahl, Allah (swt) provides one of the most comprehensive moral frameworks found in the Quran. At the heart of this guidance is verse 90, which is considered by many scholars to be among the most comprehensive verses in the Quran, encapsulating all goodness and prohibiting all evil in a remarkably concise statement:

The perfection of this verse was acknowledged even by the enemies of Islam. It is reported that Al-Walid, one of the staunch opponents of Islam, could not help but express admiration when he heard this verse, noting how remarkably comprehensive it was in encapsulating moral guidance.

This verse establishes three fundamental commands and three prohibitions that form the pillars of Islamic ethics. First among the commands is adl (justice), which encompasses every aspect of human interaction. Justice must be observed in all affairs – in rulings, in dealings with family and strangers, in transactions, and even with enemies. Justice means giving everyone their due rights without excess or deficiency, maintaining perfect balance in all relationships and responsibilities.

The second command is ihsan, which goes beyond mere justice to excellence and beautification in one's actions. Ihsan encompasses doing things with excellence for Allah (swt), for other people, and for oneself. It applies to religious practices, social interactions, environmental stewardship, and even care for one's possessions. Whether in prayer, treating neighbors, or maintaining one's clothing, ihsan demands the best possible conduct.

The third command focuses specifically on ita' dhil-qurba (giving to relatives), emphasizing the special importance of fulfilling the rights of kinship. While beneficence toward all is encouraged, maintaining family ties and supporting relatives has a particular significance in strengthening the fundamental unit of society.

As for the prohibitions, Allah (swt) first forbids fahsha' (shameful acts), which primarily refers to sexual immorality and indecency. This includes fornication, adultery, and all sexual conduct outside the bounds of marriage that Islam prohibits.

The second prohibition is against munkar (evil deeds), which encompasses two aspects: actions explicitly forbidden by Sharia, and conduct considered repugnant according to sound human nature and societal standards. Thus, munkar includes both religious prohibitions and actions that violate natural human dignity and decency.

The third prohibition is against baghy (transgression), which means exceeding proper bounds in any matter. This could manifest as oppression against others, overstepping limitations in relationships, or taking more than one's due share.

This single verse provides a comprehensive ethical framework that, if implemented, would result in a perfectly balanced society characterized by justice, excellence, care for family, moral purity, goodness, and moderation. The profound wisdom in this verse serves as a testament to the divine origin of the Quran, as it distills complex moral principles into a concise, accessible guidance applicable across all times and cultures.