Everything around us functions under a set of rules. Whether it is the entire celestial world where trillions and trillions galaxies, stars and moon move in a given direction and speed, or the human beings on our earth which if not given a code of conduct could go astray and may create a chaos. Thus a universal code of conduct is needed to work on a shared ethical ground that should respect humanity’s diversity while upholding values that should protect rights of the people. Whether drawn from religion, philosophy, or human rights, such a code should aim for justice, compassion, truth, and responsibility.
In Al Qur'an Allah the sole Creator of the entire universe lays down explicit instructions for the enforcement of moral code of conduct, which in fact are the guidelines for the entire mankind. Here is the verse, mentioned in the 90th verse of Surah 16. An Nahl (The Honey Bee) in Arabic and its English translation:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَٰنِ وَإِيتَآئِ ذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَيَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَٱلۡبَغۡيِۚ يَعِظُكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ
"Indeed, Allah commands justice (al-‘adl), excellence (al-ihsān), and giving to relatives (īṯā’ dhi al-qurbā), and forbids immorality (al-faḥshā’), bad conduct (al-munkar), and oppression (al-baghy). He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded." — [Surah An-Nahl 16:90]
Why This Verse is Special
Surah An-Nahl (16:90) is one of the most comprehensive verses of the Qur'an. It is often recited in the Friday khutbahs (sermons) due to its encompassing nature regarding moral guidance. Herein under are its major focuses for the mankind:
- Universal Moral Code: It transcends religion and applies to humanity at large.
- Practical Guidance: It balances personal conduct, social justice, and family responsibilities.
- Regular Recitation: Due to its depth, it is often recited at the end of Friday khutbahs to remind people of core values.
Breakdown and Explanation with References
The verse quoted above has two portions: The virtues (The first three codes of conduct) and the vice (the later three instructions) described separately herein under:
1. “Indeed, Allah commands justice (العدل - al-‘adl)”
Justice is the foundation of Islamic law and society. It applies in all contexts: personal, legal, economic, and social.
- Related Quranic References:
- Surah An-Nisa 4:135 – "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives..."
- Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:8 – "Be just; that is nearer to righteousness..."
- Hadith Reference: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "The most beloved of people to Allah on the Day of Judgment and the closest to Him will be the just leader." — (Tirmidhi, Hadith 1329)
2. “Excellence (الإحسان - al-ihsan)”
Ihsan means to do more than justice — to do good even when not required, and to behave with compassion and benevolence.
- Related Quranic References:
- Surah Al-Qasas 28:77 – "And do good as Allah has done good to you..."
- Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195 – "Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good (al-muhsineen)."
- The Prophet ﷺ explained ihsan as: "That you worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then know that He sees you." — (Sahih Muslim)
3. “Giving to relatives (إيتاء ذي القربى)”
Charity begins at home, and kinship ties are highly valued in Islam.
- Related Quranic References: "They ask you what they should spend. Say: Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives..." - Surah Al-Baqarah 2:215
- Hadith Reference: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Charity given to the poor is charity, but charity given to a relative is both charity and upholding ties of kinship." — (Tirmidhi, Hadith 658)
4. “And forbids immorality (الفحشاء - al-faḥshā’)”
This refers to indecent or obscene acts (e.g., fornication, adultery, lewdness).
- Related Quranic References: "Do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way." - Surah Al-Isra 17:32
- Hadith Reference: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Modesty is part of faith, and obscenity is part of hardness of heart..." — (Ahmad, Sahih)
5.“And bad conduct / wrongdoing (المنكر - al-munkar)”
Munkar refers to all actions that are known to be evil, harmful, or sinful by Islamic standards. Muslims are encouraged to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong:
Surah Al-Imran 3:104 – "Let there be a group among you who call to goodness, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong..."
6. “And oppression / transgression (البغي - al-baghy)”
Refers to arrogance, tyranny, or injustice, especially when one uses power unjustly.
- Related Quranic Reference: Surah Ash-Shura 42:42 – "The blame is only against those who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right..."
- Hadith Reference: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection..." — (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2578)
If the moral codes of conduct are applied faithfully throughout the world, the world could be transformed into Jannah (Paradise) on earth.
Those interested in detailed explanation of the above quoted verse, may refer to our earlier post on the explanation of verse 16:90: Allah enjoins Three Virtues - and Forbids Three Vices
Please visit our reference page: Sūrah 16. An Nahl الْنَّحْل - The Honey Bee for more selected verses from Surah An Nahl.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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