MORAL AND ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIETY

terms of moral teachings, there are great similarities between them, and likewise with Islam. For example: Mankind as one family Islam teaches that all mankind is a single family. The Quran declares: O mankind! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul. He created its mate from it and from the two of them spread countless men and women [throughout the earth]. (4: 1) It means that all men and women share a common ancestor. That is, all men and women are brothers and sisters to one another. There is complete commonality between different races and groups of people. The Prophet of Islam declared: Mankind is a divine family. (Al-Baihaqi) The Prophet of Islam used to rise early in the morning and say after his morning prayer: “O God, I bear witness that all men and women are sisters and brothers to each other.” (Abu Daud) The above quoted teachings from Islamic scriptures are also found in other religions such as Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity etc. They provide the initial base of a good relationship between people. The best culture to emulate in this regard is the family culture where all its members inspite of their differences live with a sense of oneness. This family culture is desirable on a global level among all nations and races. This kind of universal relationship is endorsed by almost all religions. There may be some differences in belief, but in terms of social life, every religious individual—irrespective of his personal traditions— should live in society just as he is living in his family. Love and Compassion There is a famous saying of Jesus Christ: Love your enemy. (Luke 6: 35) It means; love all, including your enemy. Likewise, the same teaching is to be found in the Quran. The Quran in one of its chapters gives the following guidance to its believers: Every religion has a standard of moral conduct. In this area, there is little difference between religions. Almost all the religions preach the same moral values to be followed in daily life.