If one is precisely pious, then s/he cannot be thought to be independent of morals or even lack the things related to morals, for morals reach maturity by means of religion. If there exist the values relevant to religion and piety somewhere, then it is inevitable for the morals, which are the most significant feature of religion and reflect the world, to appear. Unfortunately, I must state that just like many other terms, the term “morals” has also been narrowed, corrupted, and its scope has been limited as well. Consequently, the impact of morals could not be presented in the expected manner. People have begun to apply the term “morals“ solely to women.Besides, when it comes to the chastity of a woman, the hijab/tasattur (the way Muslim women dress) have been on the agenda. As a result, we have been deprived of the essential influence that morals are supposed to have in our lives.
If we seek the main sources, we will see the link between morals and religion and also get some points as follows:
Just as a Muslim’s sensitivity to not eating pork meat cannot be underestimated, so can his or her sensitivity to a deposit taken. Besides, the susceptibility shown towards the rights of an orphan must be like that.
– There must be an exact sensitivity about the rights of the servant (protecting and not contravening them).
– Cheating, backing, bribery, parking the car somewhere that does not belong to you, throwing the rubbish on the floor, are all areas where we have to exhibit our morality clearly so that it can get the position it deserves.
– If a religion or piety just preserves the formal (shape-based) aspects and ignores the rest without handling them, then it is not something God is content with.
– If the Qur’an emphasizes “morality” beforehand, and states, “Fa wailul-lil musalleen/So woe to those who pray,” and remarks on the moral principles like justice in terms of gauge and weight, at the very beginning, then the connection between religion and morality is quite important.
– We must always remember the fact that Prophet Muhammed became Al-Amin (credible) before becoming Al-Rasool (the messenger). As the ummah of the Prophet who has the trait of credible, we are supposed to institute such a confidence atmosphere that not only our friends but our enemies will point us out in that manner as well. The only way is to be a valuable representative of this valuable religion. Hence, at that time, we can achieve the standard that we are in pursuit of, owing to the overlap between the moral principles and the beauty we call “piety” that a human undertakes as a consequence of religion, and conserving those tenets.
– Ultimately, on behalf of Islam and its representation, we as Muslims will have reflected on our responsibility to the world and will have introduced what is expected & wanted from us.