8.3 The Hierarchy of Values in Islam

Values in Islam are divided into two divisions:

a.

Ma'ruf (good) values or Mahmudah (praiseworthy) values

b.

Mungkar (bad disgraceful) values or Makruhah (hated) or mazmumah (disgraceful/blameworthy)

values

In Islamic tradition, those values are discussed in the area of tasawwuf as a type of character (akhlaq). The mahmudah character is excellent character that leads a Muslim to victory in this world as well as the Hereafter. Among the characters are ikhlas (sincerity), zuhud, taubah, tawaddhu', remembering death and others.

On the other hand, mazmumah character is bad character that leads a Muslim to be a loser in this world and even worse in the Hereafter. Among the examples are munafiq, takabbur, riya', hasad, absolute love for the world, fear of death and many others.

Ma'ruf (good) values or Mahmudah (praiseworthy) values

It is the highest values in the hierarchy of values. It is of three categories that are obligatory (fard), recommended (sunnah) and permissible (mubah) values.

8.3 The Hierarchy of Values in Islam

a.

Obligatory (fard)

This category of values is compulsory and must be done by all Muslims, whether by words, actions or

in the heart. The fulfillment of the values must be accompanied with intention (niyyah). For examples,

the obligatory prayer of five times a day, zakah, fasting, seeking knowledge, educating children are all

obligatory values. Performing the values with sincerity (ikhlas) will be rewarded and otherwise while

failure to perform it will amount to sin.

b.

Recommended (sunnah)

Muslims are encouraged to do these values. Performing the values with sincerity will be rewarded

while ignoring the values will not amount to sin. Among the acts under this category is wearing clean

and tidy clothes, putting perfume while praying, six-day fasting in the month of Syawwal and many

others. Performing as much as possible of these values will bring Muslims closer to Allah SWT and

even they can attain the level on intimacy to Allah SWT.

c.

Permissible (mubah)

All permissible things are considered as ma'ruf values as long as they are not contradicting the Islamic

teachings. However, in order to be rewarded by Allah SWT, our intention is just to seek Allah's SWT

pleasure and the performance of the value must be within the boundary of Islamic teachings.

8.3 The Hierarchy of Values in Islam

Without such intention, there will be no reward as well as no sin amounted to it. For example, playing

football is permissible. If our intention is to gain a healthy body because with the healthy body will

enable us to perform ibadah, then playing football will be rewarded. If we do not put such intention in

our heart, there will be no reward as well as no sin. However, if go beyond the Islamic boundary while

playing football such as ignorance of prayer time or mixing with women, then it will not be rewarded but

instead, it amounts to sin.

Mungkar (bad disgraceful) values or Makruhah (hated) or Mazmumah (disgraceful/blameworthy) values

This values can be categorized into two categories i.e forbidden (haram) and not recommended (makruh).

a.

Forbidden (haram)

It refers to what are forbidden in Islam. For example, gambling, spying on other's privacy, commit

adultery, bribery and others. Committing the values is sinful and will be punished in the Hereafter but

leaving those values will be rewarded by Allah SWT.

8.3 The Hierarchy of Values in Islam

b.

Not recommended (makruh)

We are not encouraged to do this value but leaving it, we will be rewarded. Committing the values is

not a sinful but it is hated by Islam. For example, eating smelly food like onion, eating too much, talking

nonsense and others.