Muslims, as individuals and groups, have to fulfill certain basic duties which summarize the universal values of Islam. When these duties are observed they bring justice, peace, and happiness in this world and they will indeed bring success and salvation in the Hereafter.
“In the Glorious Qur’an, Allah, Most High, says: “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. and that you be dutiful to your parents. If one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor.
And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they did bring me up when I was young.’ Your Lord knows best what is in your inner selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance.
“And give to the kinsman his due and to Miskin (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift.
Verily, the spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatin (devils) and the Shaitan (Devil-Satan)is ever ungrateful to his Lord.”
” And even if you (O Muhammad, peace be upon him) turn away from them (kindred, poor, wayfarer, whom We have ordered you to give their rights, but if you have no money at the time they ask for it) and you are awaiting mercy from you, Lord for which you hope, then, speak unto them a soft, kind word ( i.e. Allah will give me and I shall give you). (17: 23-28) ”
Surat al-Isra’ was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Makkah after his Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem. In this surah, Allah mentions some basic commitments of Muslims. Without fulfilling these commitments no individual or group can succeed. Muslims have to live by these values and should invite humanity to these principles. These principles are not limited to one race, tribe or group; they are universal in their scope and application. These are also called the Hikmah or the teachings of wisdom. It is wise for everyone to follow them. If followed properly they are capable of increasing the goodness and wisdom of all people.
These principles are:
1. To worship Allah alone: This means to recognize Allah as the ultimate reality and to recognize Allah as the Lord, to worship Him with all sincerity, and to submit to Him in every aspect of life. A Muslim’s life is nothing but a total commitment to Allah. We are not only monotheists (people of Tawhid) but we are also theocentric people. Allah is the center of our life and He is our total and ultimate concern.