Contradictions between worship and behaviourOften times, we encounter people who may be active in their acts of worship, but their behaviour is inconsistent with that apparent devotion. From the Islamic point of view, lack of morals indicates the weakness of faith as true faith should reflect on one's manners. This does not mean that people are expected to be infallible. Rather, they should sincerely try to comply with the moral code revealed by God.A woman was once described to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as being one who used to offer (voluntary) fasting and prayers but also used to offend her neighbours. Upon that the Prophet said: 'She will enter Hellfire.'Another woman was described before the Prophet as observing only the obligatory prayers and spending a few pieces of cheese in charity, but not offending her neighbours. The Prophet said 'She will enter Paradise' (Narrated by Ahmad).Describing the punishment of those who pretend to have faith, the Prophet once asked: 'Do you know who is poor'' His Companions answered: 'A poor man amongst us is one who has neither dirham with him nor wealth.'He said: 'The poor of my Ummah (nation) would be he who would come on the day of resurrection with prayers, fast and Zakah but (he would find himself bankrupt on that day as he would have exhausted his funds of virtues) since he hurled abuses upon others, brought calumny against others and unlawfully consumed the wealth of others and shed the blood of others and beat others, and his virtues would be credited to the account of one (who suffered at his hand). And if his good deeds fall short to clear the account, then their sins would be entered in (his account) and he would be thrown in the Hell-Fire' (Narrated by Muslim).This certifies that the amount of worship does not necessarily indicate true faith, or that faith substitutes worship. Rather, both should be coordinated to create the 'Muslim personality.'Stability of the moral codeSome people believe that various moral codes should be changed or updated in accordance with new circumstances. In Islam, this approach is refused if the meaning of 'updating' is to change fundamentals or principles of its moral code. But change is acceptable if it entails the adaptation of the applications, and not the principles of the moral code so as to suit the circumstances of people.Fundamental regulations in Islam are taken from the Qur'an and Sunnah, which were revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These divine regulations are applicable to all times and places. However, if humans attempt to change them, this means they are claiming to have more knowledge than God.Doing that would be subjecting moral standards to people's vices. Islam teaches that the source of moral principles should come only from God, and that people should be elevated to these moral standards, instead of degrading the moral standards to human defects.This does not mean that Islam is against dynamic changes in society. Rather, it proposes a balance: divine principles should not be tampered with, as this would lead to the damage of the foundation of the moral code revealed by God, which is the base for all reforms.
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