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Dancing and Other Erotic Arts: Similarly, Islâm does not permit sexually exciting dancing or any other
erotic activity, such as suggestive or obscene songs, provocative dramas, and every type of rubbish which
some people today term “art” and “progress.”
The fact is that Islâm prohibits every sort of sexual contact and sexual relationship outside marriage. This is
the secret behind the significant words of the Qur‘ân prohibiting fornication and adultery (both of which are
known as zina in Arabic). And do not come near zina; indeed, it is an abomination and an evil way. (17:32)
This indicates that not only is zina forbidden, but likewise anything which brings one near to it. Everything to
which we have referred above, as people are well aware, for example, provocative dances and songs,
constitutes “coming near zina;” these things are certainly intended to tempt, excite, and lead one toward
such sin. And what havoc they wreak in the lives of people!
Making Statues and Similar Articles: As we have already seen, Islâm prohibits the acquisition of statues
and even more strongly the making of them. Al-Bukhâri reported on the authority of Sa‘id ibn Abû al-Hasan
that the latter said, “I was with Ibn ‘Abbas when a man came and said to him, ‘O Ibn ‘Abbas, I earn my living
with my own hands. I make these figures.’ ‘I shall tell you,‘ said Ibn ‘Abbas ‘only what I heard from Allâh’s
Messenger (s.a.w.s.). I heard him say, ‘Allâh will punish anyone who makes figures until he breathes spirit
into them, which he can never do.’ Seeing the man extremely upset, Ibn ‘Abbas added, ‘What ails you? If
you must make figures, then make them of trees or of something which has no soul.’ ‘‘(Compiled by al-
Bukhâri.) And the same obviously applies to the making of idols and the like.
As for drawing, painting, or photography, we stated previously that they are either permitted or at worst
disapproved, depending on what comes closest to the spirit of the Islâmic legislation. Of course, as was
explained earlier, their subject matter should not be sexually provocative, as, for example, the erotic parts of
the female body or a man and woman in a state of intimacy, and should not be of someone sacred or
respected, such as the angels or the prophets.
Manufacturing Intoxicants and Drugs: Earlier we saw that Islâm prohibits any participation in the
promotion of alcoholic beverages, whether it be in their manufacture, distribution, or consumption, and that
anyone who participates in any of these is cursed by Allâh’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.). The case of other
intoxicants and drugs, such as hashish, cocaine, and the like, is the same; manufacturing, distributing, or
consuming any of them is haram. In short, Islâm prohibits the Muslim to work in any industry, business or
profession which deals in, or promotes, anything which is haram.
Trade
The Qur‘ân and the Hadith of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) urge Muslims to engage in trade and commerce, and to
undertake journeys for what the Qur‘ân refers to as “seeking the bounty of Allâh.” In fact, Allâh mentions
those who travel for the purpose of trade side by side with those who fight in His cause:...Others travel
through the land, seeking the bounty of Allâh, and still others fight in the cause of Allâh.... (73:20)
Allâh mentions merchant ships, which are the principal means of transporting goods throughout the world,
as one of His favors to mankind, encouraging people to engage in exports and imports. He says:...And thou
sees the ships in it (the ocean), cleaving the waves, that you may seek of His bounty and that you may be
thankful. (35:12)
In other places He describes the winds, associating them with the movement of ships: And among His signs
is that He sends the winds as heralds of good tidings and in order that you may taste His mercy, and that the
ships may sail by His command and that you may seek of His bounty, and in order that you may be thankful.
(30:46)
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The Qur‘ân mentions this at other places as a reminder of Allâh’s power and wisdom: Verily, in the creation
of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, and in the ships which sail upon the
ocean with what is of benefit to mankind...are signs.... (2:164) And among His signs are the ships on the
sea, like mountains. (42:32)
Allâh reminds the people of Makkah that He caused their city to become a commercial center of the Arabian
peninsula:...And have We not established for them a secure sanctuary, to which is brought produce of all
kinds, provision from Ourselves...? (28:57) Thus was answered Abraham’s prayer: Our Lord! Verily, I have
settled some of my progeny in a valley without cultivation by Thy Sacred House, Our Lord, in order that they
may establish salat. Then incline the hearts of some of the people with love toward them, and provide them
with fruits in order that they may be grateful. (14:37)
Allâh counted it as His favor upon the Quraish that He facilitated for them their two commercial journeys
each year, the journey to Yemen in winter and to Syria in summer; they traveled in security because of their
guardianship of the House (Ka‘aba). Accordingly, they should show their gratitude to the Rabb of the House
by acknowledging and worshipping Him alone: For the security of the Quraish, their security in journeying by
winter and summer, let them worship the Rabb of this House, Who provides them with food against hunger
and makes them safe against fear. (106:1-4)
Islâm has provided a great opportunity for international trade each year. The annual Hajj season brings
together at one place millions of Muslims from all over the world:...They will come to thee (Makkah) on foot
and on every (kind of) lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine, in order that they may witness the
benefits (provided) for them and celebrate the name of Allâh.... (22:27-28) Commercial activity is
unquestionably one of these benefits. Al-Bukhâri reported that the Muslims were reluctant to do business
during the hajj, fearing that this might compromise the sincerity of their intentions or the purity of their
worship. The verses of the Qur‘ân were then revealed, stating clearly and distinctly that It is no sin for youto
seek the bounty of your Rabb (during the hajj).... (2:198)
The Qur‘ân lauds those who go to the mosques often, glorifying their Rabb morning and evening: Men whom
neither business nor sale can divert from the remembrance of Allâh, nor from regularity in salat or from
giving zakat.... (24:37)
In the view of Islâm, the true believers are not those who remain in the mosques, nor the mystics or recluses
in their places of retreat. The true Believers are men of action, whose distinguishing characteristic is that the
affairs of the busy world do not make them forget their obligations to their Creator. These are some of the
teachings of the Qur‘ân concerning trade and commerce.
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.), by his words and deeds, delineated the rules of trade, encouraging, indeed, urging
the Muslims to engage in it. Among some of his sayings are the following: “An honest and trustworthy
merchant will be with the martyrs on the Day of Resurrection.” (Reported by Ibn Mâjah and al-Hakim, who
classified it as “sound.”) “An honest and trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the
martyrs.” (Reported by al-Hakim and al-Tirmidhî, with good transmitters.) It is not surprising that the
Prophet (s.a.w.s.) held the status of an honest merchant to be equal to that of a soldier or a martyr in the
cause of Allâh. His evaluation is confirmed by the experiences of life, since striving in the cause of Allâh is
not limited to the battlefield but extends to the economic front as well.
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) promised merchants a high status with Allâh and a great reward in the Hereafter. We
observe that the motivating force behind much trading activity is greed and profit-making by any means;
“Money makes money” and “Business begets business” are the motives of much trading activity. Any
merchant who remains within the bounds of honesty and fair-dealing in such an atmosphere is a fighter
against his desires, meriting the status of a warrior in the cause of Allâh.
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