Human Values in Islam

A. Hilmy Mohideen

HUMAN VALUES: Values, mean the desirability in a thing or its intrinsic worth. It is something desirable, something worthy, something right, as a precept, or as standard, or as a belief.

Human values in Islam then must mean what a human society, if it is Islamic holds high in esteem or regard and deemed as desirable, worthy and right, and are established as a belief, or standard or precept.

But the term Human Values characterizes man or mankind, and what pertains to mankind or what is possessed by mankind without any suggestion as to whether these values are “good” or “khyr”, “bad” or “sharr”. Thus when we speak of human values in man or mankind, we mean both the “good” or “khyr” values or “bad” or “sharr” values. In Islam, these human values are ordained Quranic values.

We may define for our purpose the “good” or “khyr” values as gracious humane values emplaced in the qualb or heart of man from whence they occur, and likewise, the “bad” or “sharr” values originating from the evil in man, or inhumane values, flowing from man’s satanic, anomalistic or illusory nature. The Quran is thus emphatic:

(4.79) “Whatsoever of good befalleth thee, (Oh man) it is from Allah; and whatsoever of evil befalleth thee, it is from thyself”.

(43.36) “And he who’s sight is dim to the remembrance of the Beneficent, We assign unto him a devil, who becometh his comrade”.

(41.34) “The good deed and the deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better” (with the conscience).

Thus the value which fall into the category “good” or “khyr” are part of the Islamic values system, which the Islamic society, the family, the community, the school, and the society of muslimeen, and the religion of Islam, imperceptibly cultivates, cherishes, develops, indoctrinates, and implants in Insan, or man, while the or “bad” or “sharr” values are assiduously, deliberately and conscientiously, cut away, excised and eliminated, as ordained in the Quran.

It is the nature of the Divine Will that Insan shall exercise his God given analytical conscience and wisdom and use his own intelligence to identify the “khyr” within him and so grow in his purity and perfection, at the same time he is enjoined to do battle with the evil within him, and so eliminate the satanic, the anomalistic, and the illusory in him.

By the very nature of his birth, both the “khyr” and the “sharr” are inherent in man, and are born with him, and these values are intrinsically and absolutely unique to that particular Insan (man) alone.

That is to say the values which an insan holds are uniquely his very own as against any other. It is these unique human values which inspires his individual conduct, his life and his behaviour, whether good or bad. These values then are part of the human psyche, and are innate and inborn, and are embedded in each single life.

Let us consider the “sharr” (bad) and the “khyr” (good) Quranic values:

The “Sharr” Values

At the inception of our every prayer we utter the invocation “I seek refuge in Allah from the Shaitan” (Aoosubillahi minasshaitan ir rajeem). Implicit in this invocation is the duty to cleanse the human psyche of the satanic, the anomalistic, and the illusory whisperings of the shaitan, the evil in us.

It becomes necessary to identify the inherent satanic, anomalistic, and illusory nafs for their elimination at every prayer, as a preliminary step before we invoke the “khyr” or the “good” from Allah.

(4.79) “Whatsoever of good befalleth thee, Oh man it is from Allah”

Speaking allegorically, we believe that we inherit the “sharr” or the “bad” from the spittle of shaitan, which fell on Adam, the father of man, and so poisoned his being with. It is this satanic poison which we as Adam’s children, scientifically speaking, inherit through our genes.

This genetic devolution from our ancestors, generation after generation of humanity, cycle after cycle from the wombs or our mothers, manifest today as our inherent, inherited satanic, anomalistic and illusory conglomerates (that is, our Shaitaniyath, the Haiwanaiyath and the Nafsanyath). We cannot deny that we, one and all possess in varying degrees as human beings such base qualities and values.

(4.79) “...whatsoever of evil befalleth thee, it is from thyself” asserts the Quran. This means that the ills which pass as out suffering, our hell on earth and beyond, according to the Quran, are from ourselves arising from the “sharr” in us and not from Allah.

Hence the “sharr” values rooted in us are satanic, anomalistic, and the illusory nafs. These are the very antithesis of and distinctly opposed to our humane, or “khyr” values.

Thus the “sharr” in us includes barbarity, brutality, cruelty, ferocity inhuman, merciless, pitiless, ruthless, savage, selfish, unmerciful, unpitying...... In another sense they arise from our ego, our egoistic pride (of satan), our “I” consciousness, our selfishness, our self glorification, our conceit, our arrogance, our falsehood, our lies, our treachery to family, kith and kin, our friends and all others, our unbridled greed for wealth, power and fame, our lust and desires for worldly attractions, our status and temporal attachments.

The Quran outlines the ‘states’ from which the “Sharr” values arise. These are the evils in man, particularly the evil of darkness, the evil or malignant witchcraft (113.2,3,4); slandering, traducing (104.1); greed for worldly wealth (104.2), (102.1), (100.8), (87.16), (89.18,19), (74.15), (47.16), (54.7,33), (64.16), (45.23); Ingratitude (100.6) unto Allah (50.24), (39.3,7), (80.17), (100.6); persecuting believers with hate, jealousy, envy, sorcery, (85.10); belieth religion, repelling the orphan, denying the feeding of the needy, being heedless of prayer, refusing small kindness, (107.1, 2,3,4,5,7), (89.17, 19,20), (93.9), (107.2,3,); lying, (61.37), (*54.23), (45.7), (39.3); disbelieving, (76.3); Pride (74.23), (45.8), (38.3), (31.18); scorn, pertness, braggart, boasting; conceit (80.5), (45.15); conjecturing, doubting (51.10); Transgressing (50.25); Deriding a folk, defaming, back-biting (49.11); Jealousy (49.11); Hating secretly (47.29); Miserliness, hoarding (47.38); Forgetting Allah and your soul (59.19); Choosing the life of the world (79.37); Violent in the love of wealth (87.16); Being arrogant (41.15);

Thus we often refer to and identify those who possess such debasing “sharr” values as shaitans and haiwans (animals) in human form or as dogs of desire, or lustful swine, or venomous serpents, or for those who break a pledge or promise, as treacherous, to family, friend, religion, race, or who are in torpor as apes in human form, or who’s hearts are as rock through which no Light of wisdom and conscience can penetrate; their hearts are rock hard, against humanity in any form in their arrogance and are blind to truth, to justice, to fair play and honesty, or who malign and backbite, and so devour the flesh of his brother (Quran), the liar, the adulterer, the rapist, the thief.....

The “Khyr” or “good” values, the “Humane”: Human values must not be confused with Human Rights. Generally when we speak of human values, we refer to the “khyr” or “Good” values, when actually we mean the humane or ennobling values, sacred to the Insan man. They are the “Khyr” or “Good” values which arise from their roots mentioned in the Quran.

They become sacred to the God fearing man, and the God loving man seeking perfection, purity, peace and nobility of character, and spiritual elevation and attainments.

(To be continued)

Forgotten treasures

WATER GEYSERS: The twin cold water geysers of Chincholi are a rare occurrence. Unfortunately, they are neglected for unknown reasons, writes Ananda Teertha Pyati.

This is the loud and unpleasant cry of the wonderful creations of Nature. The twin cold water geysers at Chincholi in Gulbarga, considered to be rare occurrences in drylands, are counting their last days, reflecting the apathetic attitude of the district administration in-charge of their protection.

Geysers or natural fountains are frequent in the deep forests of our country. These natural fountains fling up jets of hot water (sometimes cold water too) at regular intervals through a vent in the surface.

In addition to this, in some areas rainwater oozes through cracks in the rocks and drains into crevices and fissures or large cave-like chambers. Since such geysers or springs are very rare in a region like Gulbarga, the twin geysers of Chincholi grabbed the attraction of nature lovers, environmentalists and scientists alike.

Unfortunately, Gulbarga district administration has failed to recognise the significance of these natural wonders.

These twin cold water geysers have never gone dry, say the locals. In the year 1972, when North Karnataka was reeling under severe drought, the district administration had supplied water from these geysers to 25 villages around Chincholi.

These geysers have two tanks, where five ‘Shivalingas’ and one ‘Nandi’ are placed. Water rises in these tanks round the clock, and people utilise it for their routine needs. These geysers even double up as swimming pools for children.

However, no details about the geysers, including history and the source of the water are available. People assume River Mullamari, which flows near these geysers, to be the source of the water in these geysers.

Protection needed

These historical and amazing creations of Nature need proper protection as illegal activities are going on indiscriminately at the site of these geysers. Leaders of political parties and the officials concerned have completely neglected these geysers, regrets Jagannatha Sherikar, a resident of Chincholi.

A few years ago, people of Bidar developed the Nanak Zara Geyser with able assistance from the local administration of Bidar and the elected representatives.

The geysers at Chincholi too expect similar treatment.

(Courtesy: Deccan Herald

Dudley Fernando completes 60 years as Annavi

W.A. Lionel Rodrigo

DEDICATED SERVICE: Dudley Fernando completed 60 years as the Annavi of St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade, Colombo 13, on June 13. Fernando’s ancestors, living in their ancestral homes opposite the church, the present Newnham Square, were the Annavis from the beginning of the church.

His grand father Migel Mandadige Gabriel Fernando was Annavi from 1855. His father William Joachim Fernando was Annavi from 1897. Dudley Fernando took over from his ailing father as Annavi in 1947 as a schoolboy and continued the dedicated as selfless voluntary services as his grand parents to date.

Fernando first started working for St. Anthony’s Church with his parents, brothers, uncles and other relations who were the descendents of the pioneers of St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade, at the carnival held in 1936, at St. Joseph’s College, Darley Road to raise funds to enlarge the then church.

The Shrine what it is today, is the result of that carnival. Fernando worked in the ‘Aunt Sally & Hoop-La’ stall with his father. Since 1936, Fernando has been actively engaged in all the activities of the church, over 70 years. In addition to the work at St. Anthony’s Shrine during the past few years he has been working with the Procurator General at Archbishop’s House.

Fernando has been the live wire of St. Anthony’s Association, Kochchikade, has been its Secretary and Treasurer for over 25 years.

Educated at St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa, Fernando has been very active and a leader in religious, sports and other social activities of the college and town. At school, he was the senior athletic champion and was the captain of the college Cricket First Eleven for two consecutive years.

He played for the Moratuwa Cricket Sports Club in the ‘Sara’ Trophy Tournament and was also the Cricket Captain and Hony. Secretary of the Post and Telecommunications Department Cricket Sports Club for many years.

An old boy, he extended his fullest support to the Christian Brothers at all times and was the Sports Secretary and a Vice President of the Old Boys Association. He took a keen interest in the Old Boys Federation of the Christian Brothers in Sri Lanka and was the Hony. Treasurer for many years.

After coming to Manning Town Government Quarters in 1972 he was the Secretary and President of Manning Town Government Officers Sports Club and organised the sports activities, tournaments and other social activities, where all the occupants of the 58 Quarters participated.

During his tenure of office, Manning Town Government Officers Sports Club was not second to any other Public Services Sports Club. The message of brotherhood and oneness among the occupants was his success.

He was instrumental in revoking the Five Year Rule imposed on Government Quarters. Today the occupants of the Quarters are the owners of the Quarters. However, he was unfortunate after living in the Quarters for 18 years, not to be a lucky owner, as he had to leave the Quarters on retirement, before they were vested on the present occupants.

Fernando has been a very silent religious and social service worker, an inspiring leader, and a good organiser from his childhood. He has the special knack to win the hearts of others and to get altogether and work as one, for the betterment of any association or organisation. God will grant him good health and long life to carry on the good work he has done all these years.

A glimpse of Old Testament times

Caryl Nugara

GLIMPSE: The spectrum of life as it was in the Old Testament epoch is an enthralling expression, a repertoire that can be attributed to their feelings and various moods. People lived in different tribes, speaking different languages. They settled in the plains of the River Jordan and ralleys such as the Hebron and Hinnom Valley where the Enrogel Spring bestowed clear water to the dwellers.

Shepherds tended livestock and farmers had fields of barley and wheat. Their vineyards at Engedi were laden with grapes at the time of harvesting. Beneath spreading olive trees people could rest a while. The wealthier folk owned flocks of sheep, goats, camels and donkeys but they all lived in tents.

There were various trees such as pomegranate, apples, almonds and figs. Poplar, cypress, cedar and plane trees grew in the Hinnom valley where people placed their idols. The sacred tree of Moreh put out lovely branches under a silver gleaming sky where they gathered together to pray to gods.

Women had to draw water from deep wells, filled their jars and carried them home. Her long robe was women out of flax but a widow had a special garment. They ate home-backed bread with bean soup. Spices like cinnamon and cardamons were used to flavour date cake and thin raisin biscuits which they relished.

They drank fresh milk, cream with honey and boiled different kinds of grains. Little clay oil-lamps were lit at night and then they burnt sweet-smelling incense.

As years went by, their lifestyle improved. Maidens braided their hair and wore ornaments. Perfume from Havilah where the River Pishon flowed was used and anklets jingled on bore feet as they walked about. At a celebration they rejoiced, sang and danced to the music of tambourines. When their days work was done, they settled down to weave cloth with which garments were sewn.

Later on people built flat-roofed houses of baked brick which were better abodes for the family. Then came a lawless period in Israel’s history when rebellions and battles erupted leading to invasions from nearby lands.

Cities like Jerusalem and Hebron were conquered and women intermarried. In the Book of Judges, there is the story of Samson who had great physical power. He fell in love with a Philistine woman named Delilah who deceived him for eleven hundred pieces of silver.

The wonderful story of Ruth, a Moabite girl who married an Israelite is a touching episode of faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, even though her husband died. She later married Boaz, the owner of a field but never forgot Naomi.

When king Solomon reigned he built a magnificent temple with cader, pine logs and sycamore. To his impressive palace named “Hall of Forest” other kings came from the region of the River Euphrates to the Egyptian border for Lebanon because they wanted to meet this wise, supreme ruler.

The Queen of Sheba came in her caravan with attendants, travelling all the way to Jerusalem. She brought expensive gifts, jewels and gold from Ophir. She was owed by Solomon’s wealth. He treated her graciously and sent her back with customary gifts. He reigned for 40 years and when he died, he was buried in David’s City.

Religious festivals were celebrated like the ‘Passover’ to remind the Israelites how the Lord God saved their baby sons. At the ‘Feast of Unleavened Bread,’ the people ate bread (baked without yeast) with bitter herbs. No work was done but they all met to worship.

When the farmers harvested their crops, the first grain was offered to the temple. This was called the “Harvest Festival” when people thanked the Lord. In autumn, they celebrated the “Festival of Shelters” when they gathered the fruit from vineyards and orchards. The “New Year Festival” was observed on the first day of the seventh month. Trumpets sounded and people came to worship and honour the Lord.

There were fifteen Israelite tribes. A census was taken in the plains of Moab across the River Jordan from Jericho. They were given laws and regulations, they cherished it and taught it to children as well. Experienced judges were chosen. Prophets among them saw visions and dreams and the people were forbidden to worship idols.

When kings began to rule, they appointed skilled workmen to fortify the cities with high walls and iron gates such as the Water Gate and Ephraim Gate. Craftsmen fashioned lamp stands of pure gold with flower decorations and goldsmiths cut jewels and made gold ornaments for royal women who needed decorative pins, carnelians, bronze, silver and gold.

The Imperial Court was splendid with couches, silk draperies and had its courtyard paved in shining Mother-of-Pearl and blue turquoise.

From the harem in Susa (capital of Persia) King Xerxes chose a Hebrew girl Esther to be his wife. She was given beauty treatment with oil of myrrh and balsam massage and then presented to the king. She was fragrant with perfume from Lebanon and her beauty won his heart.

Certain locations had scenic loveliness like the Hills of Samaria, Ephraim with its bountiful vineyards, the cloud enveloped Mt. Sinai where God’s covenant was given and the Lebanon Mountains in the land of Gilead. There was Potsherd Gate leading to the Hinnom Valley.

It was a nice area but evil deeds such as burning incense to the stars and wine was poured as an offering to unknown gods. The hill country was lovely and canaanites occupied the foot-hills.

The pool of Siloam held healing waters, silken and silent while ships in the sea of Tiberia brushed the horizon and boat sails burning in sunset shades made a magnificent tapestry.

Jerusalem became a great gateway for teeming crowds and caravans from Midian and Ephah brought gold and incense. Ships from the Mediterranean Sea skimmed along like clouds with cargoes of precious material and wood for the temples.

Several fairs were held in which merchants and traders sold a variety of articles. At the Syrian fair women purchased coral, agates, emeralds, broidered work and silk. There were ivory horns and ebony goods as well. In the fair at Judah merchants sold wheat, honey oil and balm.

Wine from Hebron, white wool, bright iron, cassia and calamus were also for sale. Arabians gathered together at the Damascus Fair to sell lambs, goats, incense and myrrh.

From the Fair at Sheba women bought sapphires and topaz, gold and spices. Maidens needed lovely blue cloths, rich apparel to enhance their beauty. Musicians came to buy cornets, flutes and such instruments while Israelite mothers needed household utensils, ointments and candles.

This is only a glimpse of life as it is revealed in the Old Testament, before the coming of Jesus Christ.

Bishops of Lanka An Episcopal Eulogy

God’s twelve exalted Apostles,
Representing a dozen dioceses,
As blessed by Benedict, the sixteenth,
Lanka’s apostles of peace,
Facing stormy oceans of conflict,
Riding over waves of promises.

The episcopalians enfold,
All Christ’s children of Lanka,
They guide us towards peace,
Showing all the truthful ways,
Lending their helpful arms,
To straighten our varied ways.

Preaching in every city,
Traversing the lands four corners,
Dutifully obliging the rulers,
Their call for assistance in Peace,
Striving hard to put right.

The fragile crumbling values,
Teaching us, strictly reminding us,
Our way, Christ, his teachings,
Towards the salvation of all,
Together with other leaders of varied faith
Uniting, heeding calls for peace.

To renew and remind us Lankans
All our duties towards our nation
O’Bishops of dear Sri Lanka
Unseen, unknown you labour

For peace, unity and prosperity
With all clergy of other religions
Hand in hand with our populace
Our envy is for your services

To dispel fears of war and conflict
Accept our gratitude on this day
As realised Christ has found
His way.

Miran Perera

Mother’s prayer for little boys

by Anne Daughty

They are so full of roughness vim and noise,
They need you most, God of all little boys.

Because they wont keep sweetly clean when dressed,
They need you, God, much more than all the rest.

They need protection from unjust commands,
Against the sting of hasty parents’ hands.

To soothe the stubs of grubby weary feet,
To go before them down lifes hectic street.

And so, God give us grown-ups greater poise,
That we may love all dirty little boys.

Sylvia Peiris