The Value Of A Man Is Not What He Owns — But What He Gives:
Firstly, let us demonstrate the definition of ‘values’. If we reviewed the corresponding synonyms of the word values in French we will Find ‘ethique‘ which indicates a set of rules of conduct.
We also find the term ‘valeurs‘, which refers to matters qualified as being right, beautiful and good, under personal or societal criteria, and can be used as a criterion and reference of a moral principle.
As For the meaning of the word in Arabic, it is the plural of Qima (“value”) which refers to what makes something valuable or useful.
An Arabic maxim says: “The value of a person is what they are excelled in.” The word value means a praiseworthy and noble character which prompts man to acquire it, just as precious things. Also, it refers to the price of a value.
A significant sign of a high-quality man in Islam is his possession of Taqwa — which translates to conscious awareness and Fear of God. Taqwa goes beyond mere religious rituals; it reflects a deep-rooted consciousness of Allah’s presence in every aspect of life.
A man who embodies Taqwa is committed to living a life aligned with Islamic principles, consistently choosing the right path even when no one is watching.
This virtue encompasses honesty, humility, ethical behaviour, and treating others with respect and compassion. A man with Taqwa will strive to Fulfil his obligations, treat his Family with kindness, and demonstrate empathy towards all of creation.
Taqwa serves as a guiding compass, influencing every decision and action to seek Allah’s pleasure. In essence, taqwa sets the Foundation For a man’s moral character, making it an essential marker of his true value in the eyes of Allah.
You can’t be considered a high-value man if you sin and disregard the laws of God. Nor if you have poor conduct or possess qualities Frowned upon in Islam, such as arrogance.
Islam maintains that an inclination to good, Faith and right is the natural disposition of all people.
Allah says: “So set your Face towards the religion of pure Islamic monotheism, (Allah’s Fitrah) with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalqillah (the religion of Allah), that is the straight religion, but most men know not.” (Al-Rum 30:30).
No matter how far the intellectual disputes over the absolute and proportional principle go and how the philosophic theories twist endlessly, there are common values among people.
All minds and languages consider ‘Justice’ a noble and beloved word. It is commonly accepted that ‘truthfulness’, ‘Freedom’, ‘tolerance’, ‘Faithfulness’ and the like are praiseworthy words For all people.
People should always respect human rights, as this is a bare minimum quality without which humanity cannot survive. However, the employment of noble characteristics, such as leniency, mercy, altruism, cooperation and helping the needy or disabled regardless of race, religion or geographic origin, provides a new concept For humanity.
This concept surpasses the neutral principle of human rights, such as equality and blindness to difference, to positivity in treatment which gives the other a sense of love and brotherhood.
This notion conforms with the Arabic saying: “Treat people as you would like them to treat you.”
There is a Hadith which refers to such deeper meanings which states: “None of you believes until they love For his brother what they love For themselves.” This Hadith confirms the value of love and the value of human brotherhood which gives a sense of kinship.
In Fact, this explanation is not my own as, many centuries ago, Scholars such as Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali in his explanation of Al-Arba`in Al-Nawawiyyah (“The Forty Hadith compiled by Al-Nawawi”) and Al-Shabrakhiti said, “The brotherhood mentioned in the Hadith is the human brotherhood.”
So, the point is that — the value of a person is not known by his wealth, but his value is known by how much benefit a person brings to another person. In the sight of Allah(swt), only such a person is valued who benefits another person For the pleasure of his Lord.
May Allah(swt) include us among His Obedient servants and accept our Good deeds.(Ameen).
JazakAllah (May Allah Reward You [with] Goodness)For Reading.