New Delhi: In a compelling address on the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) weekly program, National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Dr. Raziul Islam Nadvi emphasized the correct human relations/affairs in Islam from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He highlighted the balance between worship and moral conduct, especially in human relationships.

Dr. Nadvi commenced by saying that Islamic guidance can be categorized into three main categories: faith, worship, and human affairs. He said that while faith and worship are invaluable to a person, how a follower behaves while interacting with others is equally, if not more important. He observed, “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) emphasized human relationships highly, but if we look at our own lives, we skip this part.”

The Balance of Worship and Relationships

Dr. Nadvi quoted a hadith relating to the five pillars of Islam by saying that a true believer must balance his actions of worship with his relationships. He related the incident of Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar, whom the Prophet (PBUH) cautioned against excessive fasting and continuous worship, ignoring his commitment to meet the needs of his family and society. As the Prophet states in the Hadith, “Your family members have a right over you, your guests have a right over you, and your freedmen have a right over you.”

The speaker highlighted the importance of good behaviour, regardless of how others treat you. “The Prophet (PBUH) has mentioned that whatever attitude others may give, you should adopt an attitude towards them, which Allah and His Messenger have encouraged.” He elaborated on the need to refrain from retaliating with bad behaviour, even when others wrong us, quoting a hadith that states, “People who ill-treat you should never receive bad treatment from you in return.”

The Weight of Morality over Rituals

Dr. Nadvi quoted the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), wherein he placed ethical behaviour above all acts of worship. The story is about a woman known for her abundant prayers and charity who quarrelled with her neighbours. She was declared ‘of the people of Hell.’ In contrast, another woman who performed few prayers but refrained from harming her neighbours was described as ‘a woman of Paradise.’

“Islam lays great emphasis upon how we deal with others, and if we do not lead our life in the right moral way, then neither our prayers nor fasting will be accepted by Allah,” Dr. Nadvi stressed.

Financial Honesty in Islam

He discussed the Prophet’s teachings regarding financial dealings, calling for transparency and honesty in trade. Quoting the hadith, “A person is dealing with two people. As long as they are in the gathering, they have the right to end their matter. If both of them accept the truth, there will be blessings from Allah in their trade.” He noted that if dishonesty exists in trade, then it will strip away of Allah’s blessings, thereby drawing a reference from the Prophet’s stand against fraudulent practices.

Accountability for Rights Violations

In summing up his address, Dr. Nadvi emphasized that Allah forgives mistakes more easily made in acts of worship than in human relations. “If there is an issue in human relations, Allah will not forgive them unless the related people forgive them,” he said, urging the audience to remember that resolved disputes between people can impede salvation until they are settled.

Dr Nadvi’s address was a powerful reminder of the Prophet’s teachings, urging the community to give due importance to their behaviour in all aspects of life—whether in worship, financial dealings, or human relations. His speech resonated deeply with the audience, stressing that true faith is reflected not only in prayers and fasting but in how one treats others.