Introduction

Islam is a comprehensive and complete way of life that provides guidance not only for individual and spiritual aspects but also for social interactions, communal responsibilities, and the collective welfare of society. It does not focus solely on personal growth but emphasizes the importance of social harmony and community engagement.

Islam integrates both individual fulfillment and social responsibility. It teaches that success and prosperity are not just personal or spiritual but are also linked to the betterment of the society one lives in. The teachings of Islam encourage individuals to work towards a harmonious society, where justice, love, and cooperation form the foundation. Moreover, acts of worship in Islam, such as prayer, Zakat, and Hajj, are not only for spiritual growth but also play a significant role in strengthening social bonds.

This characteristic of Islam sets it apart from many other religions, which often focus on individual practices. In contrast, Islam combines worship with societal involvement, advocating for collective welfare. The ultimate goal is to build a community where both individual success and the success of the society are intertwined, leading to a society of mutual respect, compassion, and collective growth.

The Concept of Social Responsibility in Islam

One of the distinguishing features of Islam, compared to other religions, is its comprehensive social framework. Islam not only addresses individual needs, spiritual aspects, and personal desires but also provides guidelines for living harmoniously with others in society.

It is essential to highlight that all human beings share a universal aspiration: to achieve success and prosperity. Everyone desires to be superior, possess the finest things in life, attain the highest ranks, and reach the pinnacle of development and perfection without facing any shortcomings. This innate drive, termed the “love of excellence” by Islamic scholars, is embedded in human nature. Any hindrance in this pursuit often leads to sorrow and disappointment.

No human being, regardless of their faith or culture, denies this natural inclination. This universal trait is acknowledged by all religions and philosophies, which strive to guide humanity toward true prosperity and perfection. However, the difference lies in defining the concept of ultimate success and the path to achieving it.

Islam invites humanity to strive for ultimate excellence by attaining closeness to Allah (God). Since Allah is the source of absolute perfection, the only way to achieve true fulfillment is through proximity to Him. This requires adhering to His commandments, abstaining from prohibitions, and seeking His pleasure. Everything besides Allah is transient, and thus, wealth, power, or material possessions cannot fulfill the human desire for eternal happiness. These are finite and often fail to address life’s challenges.

On the other hand, Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of all, the source of all beauty, perfection, and goodness, and He remains eternal even as everything else perishes. Relying on Him alone enables one to attain genuine independence and everlasting contentment.

“In this regard, the Qur’an declares.”
*يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَنتُمُ الْفُقَرَاءُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ هُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ
O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy.” (Surah Fatir, 35:15)
*”In this regard, the Quran declares: ‘O mankind, you are the ones who are in need of Allah, and Allah is the Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.’ (Sura Fatir, 35:15)*

Therefore, it can be concluded that a human being is not merely a beggar before God (the Self-Sufficient) but is the embodiment of poverty itself. Imam Hussain, in his prayer of Arafah, requests from the Almighty: ‘Why has he found what he has lost, and what has he lost who has found You?’ This sentence highlights an essential truth — that the existence of the Lord of the Universe is the most perfect and complete existence. Thus, anyone who turns away from God will fall into the abyss of misguidance and nothingness, while one who remains connected to God will continue towards perfection, reaching a state of detachment where there will be no sense of deficiency or inadequacy.

When Islam defines proximity to God as the highest goal of human perfection and success, the question arises: What path has Islam prescribed to attain this state? The answer is found in this noble verse: ‘So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.’ (Quran, 18:110). This verse establishes two conditions for humanity to reach God:
1. Performing righteous deeds.
2. Sincerity and avoiding any form of polytheism in the worship of God.

In Islam, true happiness is achieved when one fully adheres to God’s commands and prohibitions, that is, by fulfilling obligations and refraining from prohibitions, as this pleases God. This is the essence of true servitude to God, which allows a person to attain true freedom. Upon examining any divine command, we always find its connection with society and community. It is rare to find any religious command that applies to an individual without considering others, or in other words, Islam has made worship the sole means to reach God’s vast mercy.”

*”However, this does not mean in any way that because of this worship, a person should completely detach from the society and community in which they were born and raised, or retreat into mountains, forests, and caves, cutting off all connections with the rest of the world. On the contrary, serving people, helping with their difficulties, cooperating with others, and fostering brotherhood among them also brings one closer to God, and this too is an act of worship. In Islam, while many commandments are directly related to social and communal affairs, many acts of worship are also commanded to be performed in congregation (or together in a collective manner). For example, even I’tikaf, which is a recommended act, and seemingly benefits only the individual, is considered correct only if performed in a mosque. If the person leaves the mosque, their I’tikaf becomes invalid, but for certain necessities, such as visiting the sick, permission to leave the mosque is granted. These necessities are connected to social matters. Furthermore, the core human values upon which true happiness depends are also linked to interpersonal relationships. It is important to note that noble human values such as selflessness, love, and sacrifice can only truly manifest when a person lives among others. Based on the above discussion, we will mention some Islamic laws that focus on community, society, and the collective welfare, and their benefits are shared by the entire group or nation.”*

This passage emphasizes the integration of worship with social responsibility, highlighting that Islam does not promote isolation but encourages active participation in society for the betterment of both the individual and the collective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Islam stands out as a profoundly social religion, integrating personal spirituality with community welfare. It offers comprehensive guidance on how individuals should interact with one another, emphasizing cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Unlike many other religious systems that focus primarily on personal salvation, Islam highlights the importance of social justice, care for the needy, and the collective well-being of society. Through its teachings, Islam fosters a sense of interconnectedness, reminding followers that worship is not confined to solitary acts but extends to how one serves humanity and contributes to the betterment of society. By embodying these principles, Muslims can attain not only individual success but also create a harmonious and thriving society where both personal and collective growth is prioritized. The integration of faith with social action, as prescribed by Islam, encourages believers to live not just for themselves but for the betterment of their communities, demonstrating the true essence of being a part of a larger, interconnected world.

FAQs:

1. *What does “Islam as a social religion” mean?*
Islam as a social religion emphasizes the importance of community, cooperation, and mutual responsibility alongside individual spiritual practice. It teaches that worship is not confined to rituals but extends to how one interacts with and serves society, ensuring the well-being of all its members.

2. *How does Islam encourage social justice?*
Islam encourages social justice by prescribing acts of charity, supporting the underprivileged, and promoting equality among individuals. It mandates the fair treatment of all people, regardless of their background, and stresses the collective responsibility for achieving a just society.

3. *What is the significance of communal worship in Islam?*
Communal worship, such as praying in congregation and performing I’tikaf in the mosque, emphasizes the collective nature of worship in Islam. It helps foster a sense of unity and community among Muslims, reminding them that their faith is not only an individual pursuit but also a shared journey.

4. *How does Islam integrate social responsibility with personal spiritual growth?*
Islam teaches that personal spiritual growth is deeply interconnected with fulfilling social responsibilities. Acts of kindness, charity, and helping others are seen as essential components of worship, and fulfilling these responsibilities leads to spiritual fulfillment and closeness to Allah.

5. *Why does Islam emphasize human relationships and societal well-being?*
Islam places a high value on human relationships because it believes true happiness and success come from fulfilling both individual spiritual needs and societal duties. Islam teaches that love, sacrifice, and cooperation are key to achieving a harmonious and thriving society, where everyone’s welfare is prioritized.