Comprehensive Ethical & Duty Guide

Believe in God (Allah) alone: This is the most fundamental duty.

• Worship none but God (2:21, 2:83, 4:36, 11:2, 17:23, 20:14, 23:23, 23:32, 29:16, 39:11, 41:37, 98:5). (12 refs)
  2:21 2:83 4:36 11:2 17:23 20:14 23:23 23:32 29:16 39:11 41:37 98:5
• Do not set up rivals or partners with God (2:22, 2:165, 4:36, 4:48, 6:22-23, 6:151, 13:36, 18:26, 18:110, 22:31, 23:59, 25:2, 31:13, 39:4, 39:65, 40:12, 72:18, 72:20). (19 refs)
  2:22 2:165 4:36 4:48 6:22 6:23 6:151 13:36 18:26 18:110 22:31 23:59 25:2 31:13 39:4 39:65 40:12 72:18 72:20
• Know that He is the One God (2:163, 3:18, 4:171, 5:73, 6:19, 6:102, 16:22, 16:51, 20:8, 20:98, 21:108, 22:34, 23:91, 37:4, 38:65, 40:3, 40:62, 41:6, 42:11, 59:22-23, 64:13, 112:1). (23 refs)
  2:163 3:18 4:171 5:73 6:19 6:102 16:22 16:51 20:8 20:98 21:108 22:34 23:91 37:4 38:65 40:3 40:62 41:6 42:11 59:22 59:23 64:13 112:1

Believe in the Last Day (Day of Judgement/Resurrection): (2:4, 2:62, 2:126, 2:177, 2:232, 4:38-39, 4:136, 4:162, 5:69, 9:18-19, 9:44-45, 9:99, 27:3, 30:16, 31:4, 34:3, 58:22, 60:6, 65:2).

Believe in the Angels: (2:177, 2:285, 4:136).

Believe in the Scriptures (Books): (2:2, 2:4, 2:136, 2:177, 2:285, 4:136, 5:69). This includes the Quran, Torah, Gospel, and Psalms.

Believe in the Prophets and Messengers: (2:136, 2:177, 2:285, 4:136, 4:152, 4:164-165). Make no distinction between them (2:136, 2:285, 3:84, 4:152).

Perform the Prayers (Salat): (2:3, 2:43, 2:45, 2:83, 2:110, 2:177, 2:238, 2:277, 4:77, 4:103, 4:162, 5:12, 5:55, 6:72, 9:18, 9:71, 11:114, 13:22, 14:31, 17:78-79, 20:14, 20:132, 22:35, 22:41, 23:2, 23:9, 24:56, 27:3, 29:45, 30:31, 31:4, 31:17, 33:33, 42:38, 58:13, 62:9-10, 70:22-23, 73:20, 98:5, 107:4-5).

• Perform them at prescribed times (4:103). (1 refs)
  4:103
• Take care to do them in the best way and with devotion (2:238, 23:2). (2 refs)
  2:238 23:2
• If in danger, pray while walking or riding; when safe, pray normally (2:239). (1 refs)
  2:239
• In a state of major impurity, bathe before praying (4:43, 5:6). (2 refs)
  4:43 5:6
• If ill, on a journey, or cannot find water, perform dry ablution (tayammum) with clean sand/earth (4:43, 5:6). (2 refs)
  4:43 5:6
• Before prayer, perform ablution (wudu): wash face, hands to elbows, wipe head, wash feet to ankles (5:6). (1 refs)
  5:6
• Stand before God in devotion (2:238). (1 refs)
  2:238

Pay the Prescribed Alms (Zakat): (2:43, 2:83, 2:110, 2:177, 2:277, 4:77, 4:162, 5:12, 5:55, 9:18, 9:71, 19:31, 19:55, 21:73, 22:41, 22:78, 23:4, 24:56, 27:3, 30:39, 31:4, 33:33, 41:7, 58:13, 73:20, 98:5).

Fast during the month of Ramadan: (2:183-185).

• If ill or on a journey, fast on other days later (2:184-185). (2 refs)
  2:184 2:185
• For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, feeding a needy person is a compensation (2:184). (1 refs)
  2:184

Perform the Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred House (Ka'ba) if able: (2:158, 2:196-197, 3:97, 22:27-29).

• Perform it for the sake of God (2:196). (1 refs)
  2:196
• Avoid indecent speech, misbehavior, and quarrelling during Hajj (2:197). (1 refs)
  2:197
• If prevented, send an offering and do not shave head until it reaches the place of sacrifice (2:196). (1 refs)
  2:196
• If ill or have an ailment of the scalp, compensate by fasting, feeding the poor, or offering a sacrifice (2:196). (1 refs)
  2:196
• Perform acts of cleansing, fulfil vows, and circle the Ancient House (22:29). (1 refs)
  22:29

Strive in God's cause (Jihad): This is mentioned in various contexts, including with possessions and persons.

• Strive for God's cause with your possessions and your persons (2:218, 4:95, 5:35, 5:54, 8:72, 9:20, 9:41, 9:81, 9:88, 22:78, 25:52, 29:6, 29:69, 49:15, 61:11). (15 refs)
  2:218 4:95 5:35 5:54 8:72 9:20 9:41 9:81 9:88 22:78 25:52 29:6 29:69 49:15 61:11
• Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites (9:73, 66:9). (2 refs)
  9:73 66:9
• Fight in God's cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep limits (2:190). (1 refs)
  2:190
• Fight until there is no more persecution and worship is devoted to God (2:193, 8:39). (2 refs)
  2:193 8:39
• When meeting disbelievers in battle, be steadfast and do not turn your back (8:15-16). (2 refs)
  8:15 8:16
• If you are steadfast and mindful of God, God will help you (3:125, 8:9). (2 refs)
  3:125 8:9

Be mindful/conscious of God (have Taqwa): (2:2, 2:21, 2:63, 2:179, 2:183, 2:197, 2:203, 2:212, 2:241, 2:282-283, 3:102, 3:123, 3:130, 3:200, 4:1, 4:9, 4:131, 5:2, 5:8, 5:11, 5:35, 5:57, 5:96, 5:100, 5:108, 7:26, 7:35, 7:96, 8:1, 8:29, 9:119, 22:32, 22:37, 23:52, 31:33, 33:70, 39:10, 39:18, 47:36, 49:10, 58:9, 59:18, 60:11, 64:16, 65:2, 65:4-5).

Be thankful to God: (2:52, 2:56, 2:172, 2:185, 2:231, 3:123, 5:6, 5:89, 6:63, 7:69, 7:74, 14:5, 14:7, 16:14, 16:78, 16:114, 21:80, 22:36, 27:19, 27:40, 29:17, 31:12, 31:31, 34:13, 39:66, 45:12, 52:48, 56:70).

Be patient and steadfast (Sabr): (2:45, 2:153, 2:177, 2:250, 3:17, 3:142, 3:146, 3:186, 3:200, 8:46, 8:65-66, 11:11, 11:49, 11:115, 14:12, 16:42, 16:96, 16:127, 18:28, 19:65, 20:130, 22:35, 25:75, 29:59, 31:17, 31:31, 39:10, 40:55, 40:77, 42:33, 42:43, 46:35, 50:39, 52:48, 70:5, 73:10, 74:7, 103:3).

Be truthful and honest: (2:42, 3:17, 3:61, 5:8, 5:119, 9:119, 19:41, 19:54, 19:56, 33:23-24, 33:35, 39:33, 49:15, 57:19, 70:32-33).

Be humble: (2:45, 2:263, 3:159, 5:54, 7:55, 11:23, 15:88, 16:123, 17:24, 22:34, 25:63, 28:83, 32:15, 33:35, 37:13, 50:45, 57:16).

Be just and fair:

• Uphold justice, even against yourselves, parents, or relatives (4:135, 5:8, 6:152). (3 refs)
  4:135 5:8 6:152
• Judge between people with justice (4:58, 5:42, 5:49, 38:26). (4 refs)
  4:58 5:42 5:49 38:26
• Speak justly, even if it concerns a relative (6:152). (1 refs)
  6:152
• Give full measure and weigh with accurate scales (6:152, 11:84-85, 17:35, 26:181-182, 55:9). (7 refs)
  6:152 11:84 11:85 17:35 26:181 26:182 55:9
• Do not be led by hatred to act unjustly (5:8). (1 refs)
  5:8

Control one's anger and forgive people: (3:134, 7:199, 15:85, 24:22, 42:37, 42:40, 42:43, 45:14, 64:14).

Be charitable and give in God's cause (Sadaqah/Infaaq):

• Give out of what God has provided (2:3, 2:195, 2:261-262, 2:267, 2:272-274, 3:134, 4:39, 8:3, 13:22, 14:31, 16:75, 22:35, 28:54, 32:16, 34:39, 35:29, 42:38, 57:7, 57:10, 57:18, 63:10, 64:16-17). (26 refs)
  2:3 2:195 2:261 2:262 2:267 2:272 2:273 2:274 3:134 4:39 8:3 13:22 14:31 16:75 22:35 28:54 32:16 34:39 35:29 42:38 57:7 57:10 57:18 63:10 64:16 64:17
• Give secretly and openly (13:22, 14:31, 16:75, 35:29). (4 refs)
  13:22 14:31 16:75 35:29
• Do not follow charity with reminders or hurtful words (2:262-264). (3 refs)
  2:262 2:263 2:264
• Give from the good things you have acquired, not from the bad (2:267). (1 refs)
  2:267
• Give a "good loan" to God (2:245, 5:12, 57:11, 57:18, 64:17, 73:20). (6 refs)
  2:245 5:12 57:11 57:18 64:17 73:20

Keep promises and pledges: (2:40, 2:80, 2:177, 3:76, 5:1, 9:4, 16:91, 17:34, 23:8, 33:23, 70:32).

Be faithful to trusts: (2:283, 4:58, 8:27, 23:8, 70:32).

Guard one's chastity and modesty:

• Guard private parts (23:5-7, 24:30-31, 33:35, 70:29-31). (9 refs)
  23:5 23:6 23:7 24:30 24:31 33:35 70:29 70:30 70:31
• Believing men should lower their glances (24:30). (1 refs)
  24:30
• Believing women should lower their glances, draw their headscarves to cover their necklines, and not display their charms (24:31). (1 refs)
  24:31
• Do not go anywhere near adultery (17:32, 25:68). (2 refs)
  17:32 25:68

Shun idle talk and vain pursuits: (23:3, 25:72, 28:55, 42:37, 70:23).

Speak good words and in a fair manner: (2:83, 2:235, 4:5, 4:8-9, 4:148, 17:28, 17:53, 23:3, 28:55, 33:70-71, 41:34).

Avoid suspicion, spying, and backbiting: (49:12).

Do not be arrogant or boastful: (4:36, 7:13, 11:23, 16:23, 17:37, 25:63, 28:83, 31:18-19, 40:56, 57:23).

Do not be miserly or wasteful: (4:36-37, 17:26-29, 25:67, 31:19, 47:38, 57:24).

Repent (Tawbah) and seek God's forgiveness: (2:37, 2:54, 2:160, 2:199, 3:17, 3:89, 3:135, 4:17, 4:106, 4:110, 5:39, 5:74, 9:104, 11:3, 11:52, 11:61, 11:90, 24:31, 39:53-54, 40:3, 55, 42:25, 46:15, 66:8, 110:3).

Reflect and use one's reason: (2:164, 2:219, 2:242, 2:266, 3:118, 3:190-191, 6:50, 7:57, 7:176, 10:24, 12:2, 13:3, 14:52, 16:12, 16:17, 16:67, 23:80, 30:8, 30:21, 30:24, 38:29, 39:9, 39:42, 45:3-5, 57:17, 59:21).

Enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong: (3:104, 3:110, 3:114, 7:157, 9:71, 9:112, 22:41, 31:17).

Be good and kind to parents: (2:83, 4:36, 6:151, 17:23-24, 19:14, 19:32, 29:8, 31:14, 46:15).

Give relatives their due: (2:177, 4:36, 17:26, 24:22, 30:38).

Be good to orphans and the needy: (2:83, 2:177, 2:215, 4:2, 4:8, 4:36, 6:152, 17:26, 24:22, 59:7, 76:8-9, 89:17, 90:14-16, 93:9, 107:2).

• Do not consume the property of orphans unjustly (4:2, 4:10, 6:152). (3 refs)
  4:2 4:10 6:152
• Test orphans until they reach marriageable age before handing over their property (4:6). (1 refs)
  4:6
• If the guardian is well-off, he should abstain from the orphan's property (4:6). (1 refs)
  4:6

Be good to neighbours and travellers: (2:177, 4:36, 8:41, 9:60, 17:26, 24:22, 30:38, 59:7).

Be good to those in bondage/slaves: (2:177, 4:36, 24:33, 76:8, 90:13).

Treat spouses with kindness and fairness:

• Live with them in accordance with what is fair and kind (4:19, 65:2). (2 refs)
  4:19 65:2
• Give women their bridal gift (dowry) upon marriage (4:4, 4:24-25). (3 refs)
  4:4 4:24 4:25
• If you dislike them, be patient, as you may dislike something in which God has put much good (4:19). (1 refs)
  4:19
• You will not be able to treat wives with equal fairness in all respects, but do not ignore one altogether (4:129). (1 refs)
  4:129
• If a couple fears a breakdown, appoint arbiters from both families to seek reconciliation (4:35). (1 refs)
  4:35

Uphold the laws of divorce with fairness and piety:

• Divorce can happen twice, after which wives should be kept or released in an acceptable manner (2:229). (1 refs)
  2:229
• After divorce, do not prevent women from remarrying their former husbands if they both agree (2:232). (1 refs)
  2:232
• Divorced women are entitled to fair maintenance (2:241). (1 refs)
  2:241
• There is a waiting period for divorced women (three monthly periods) and for widows (four months and ten days) (2:228, 2:234, 65:4). (3 refs)
  2:228 2:234 65:4
• During the waiting period, husbands have the right to take them back if they wish to put things right (2:228). (1 refs)
  2:228
• Do not take back any of the bride-gift given to a wife unless she opts to give something for her release (2:229). (1 refs)
  2:229
• If a husband re-divorces his wife after a second divorce, she is not lawful for him until she has married and been divorced by another husband (2:230). (1 refs)
  2:230
• Do not keep a wife with intent to harm her (2:231). (1 refs)
  2:231
• If you intend to divorce, do so at a time when their waiting period can properly start and calculate it carefully (65:1). (1 refs)
  65:1

Honour agreements and treaties: (8:72, 9:4, 9:7).

Make peace between people: (2:224, 4:114, 8:1, 49:9-10).

Do not consume each other's wealth wrongfully: (2:188, 4:29).

Avoid intoxicants (alcohol) and gambling: (2:219, 5:90-91).

Do not eat forbidden (haram) food:

• Carrion, blood, pig's meat, and any animal over which a name other than God's has been invoked (2:173, 5:3, 6:145, 16:115). (4 refs)
  2:173 5:3 6:145 16:115
• If forced by extreme hunger, without desire or excess, it is permissible (2:173, 5:3, 6:145, 16:115). (4 refs)
  2:173 5:3 6:145 16:115

Obey God and obey the Messenger (Muhammad): (3:32, 3:132, 4:59, 4:69, 4:80, 5:92, 8:1, 8:20, 8:46, 9:71, 24:52, 24:54, 24:56, 33:71, 47:33, 58:13, 64:12).

Obey those in authority among you: (4:59).

When in dispute, refer it to God and the Messenger: (4:59, 42:10).

Judge by what God has revealed: (5:44-45, 5:47-49, 24:48, 24:51).

Establish witness for the sake of God, justly: (2:282, 4:135, 5:8, 5:106-107, 65:2).

• Do not conceal evidence (2:283). (1 refs)
  2:283
• When writing contracts of debt, put it in writing and call in witnesses (2:282). (1 refs)
  2:282

Respond to a greeting with a better one or at least return it: (4:86).

If two groups of believers fight, try to reconcile them. If one oppresses the other, fight the oppressors until they submit to God's command, then reconcile justly: (49:9-10).

Consult with others in matters: (3:159, 42:38).

Do not make friends/allies with those who fight you for your faith: (4:89, 4:144, 5:51, 5:57, 9:23, 58:14, 60:1, 60:9, 60:13).

• However, God does not forbid kindness and justice to those who have not fought you or driven you out (60:8-9). (2 refs)
  60:8 60:9

For murder:

• Fair retribution is prescribed (2:178). (1 refs)
  2:178
• If the culprit is pardoned by the victim's family, compensation should be paid in a good way (2:178). (1 refs)
  2:178
• A believer should never kill another believer. If done by mistake, freeing a believing slave and paying compensation is required (4:92). (1 refs)
  4:92
• Deliberate killing of a believer leads to Hell (4:93). (1 refs)
  4:93

For theft: Cut off the hands of the thief, male or female, as punishment (5:38). If they repent and make amends, accept their repentance (5:39).

For unlawful sexual acts:

• The adulterer and adulteress are to be struck one hundred times. Do not let compassion for them prevent you from carrying out God's law. A group of believers should witness it (24:2). (1 refs)
  24:2
• Those who accuse chaste women of fornication and fail to produce four witnesses are to be struck eighty times and their testimony rejected ever after (24:4-5). (2 refs)
  24:4 24:5
• For those who accuse their own wives, a specific process of mutual swearing oaths (li'an) averts punishment from the wife (24:6-9). (4 refs)
  24:6 24:7 24:8 24:9
• If any of your women commit a lewd act, call four witnesses; if they testify, keep the women at home until death or until God shows another way (4:15). (1 refs)
  4:15
• If two men commit a lewd act, punish them; if they repent, leave them alone (4:16). (1 refs)
  4:16

For those who wage war against God and His Messenger and spread corruption: Punishment can be execution, crucifixion, amputation of alternate hand and foot, or banishment, unless they repent before you overpower them (5:33-34).

On oaths:

• Do not allow your oaths to hinder you from doing good (2:224). (1 refs)
  2:224
• God will not call you to account for unintentional oaths, but for what you mean in your hearts (2:225, 5:89). (2 refs)
  2:225 5:89
• For breaking a binding oath, atonement is feeding ten poor people, clothing them, or freeing a slave. If unable, then fast for three days (5:89). (1 refs)
  5:89

On inheritance:

• Give relatives, orphans, and needy people a share at the distribution (4:8). (1 refs)
  4:8
• Specific, fixed shares are prescribed for sons, daughters, parents, spouses, and siblings (4:11-12, 4:176). (3 refs)
  4:11 4:12 4:176
• A son's share is equivalent to that of two daughters (4:11). (1 refs)
  4:11
• Distribution is made after payment of any bequests or debts (4:11-12). (2 refs)
  4:11 4:12

On warfare and battle gains:

• One-fifth of battle gains belongs to God, the Messenger, relatives, orphans, the needy, and travellers (8:41). (1 refs)
  8:41
• Do not take captives before you have conquered the battlefield (8:67). (1 refs)
  8:67
• Enjoy the things you have gained in war in a good and lawful manner (8:69). (1 refs)
  8:69

On hunting:

• Do not kill game while in the state of consecration for pilgrimage (ihram) (5:95). If done intentionally, a penalty is due (5:95). (1 refs)
  5:95
• Game from the sea is permitted (5:96). (1 refs)
  5:96
• Hunting with trained birds or beasts is permitted; eat what they catch for you, after pronouncing God's name over it (5:4). (1 refs)
  5:4

On spending and charity distribution:

• Alms are meant for the poor, the needy, those who administer them, those whose hearts need winning over, to free slaves, to help those in debt, for God's cause, and for travellers in need (9:60). (1 refs)
  9:60