Islamic Social Capital in brief

Dr. Omar Mababaya In Islam the concept of social capital is not new. From an Islamic perspective, the essential elements of social capital are Taqwa (God-consciousness), ihsan (righteousness), sincerity (loyalty) to Allah, trust, charity, cooperation, brotherhood, justice, commitment, consultation, leadership, unity and patience. Allah the Almighty has clearly enjoined the Muslims to be helping one another in righteousness and piety (Quran, AlMaidah 5:2), to be pious and truthful (Quran, At-Tawbah 9:119), to be trustworthy (Quran, An-Nisaa 4:58), to be steadfast in praying and paying zakat (Quran, At-Tawbah 9:71), to foster brotherhood among themselves (Quran Al-Hujurat 49:9-10); to enjoin righteousness and avoiding all evil deeds (Quran, 3:110 and 9:71); and many other virtuous deeds. The following Quranic injunction succinctly manifests the notion of social capital in Islam:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah: indeed Allah is severe in penalty. (Al-Maidah 5:2) The Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) likewise enjoined the Muslims to foster brotherhood, mercy, kindness and love among themselves resembling one body if any part is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith 622; Vol. 8, Hadith 40). In Islam all righteous deeds must be done for the sole pleasure of Allah the Almighty. Allah has created man and the jinn to worship Him (Quran 51:56); therefore, it becomes imperative for every Muslim believer to dedicate all his prayers, service of sacrifice life and death to Allah (Quran, 6:162). Allah rewards every believer who works righteous deeds with eternal abode in paradise and He warns anyone who does evil deeds with punishments from the hellfire (Qurn 40:40; 84:22 -25). To attain success every Muslim believer needs to work for the highest goal -that is the eternal peace and prosperity in Paradise where they can achieve the greatest Bliss -- the Good Pleasure of Allh the Almighty. That is the supreme triumph (Qurn 9:72). Sincerity, trust, cooperation, determination, devotion and discipline are among the key factors that will help us succeed in this life and in the Hereafter. If things are done for Allah and His cause, we will succeed. As individuals and as a group, lets learn from the notion of social capital from an Islamic perspective. How committed are we as individuals and as a group to our goals? Are we doing all these for our own interests, or sincerely as a kind of worship, hoping that we will earn Allahs rewards in this

world and in the Hereafter? How strong is the social bond, in terms of trust and commitment, between the members? If, indeed, trust exists, why cant cooperation be achieved to pursue a project along the path of Islam? Are we ready to learn, albeit little and slowly, authentic knowledge of Islam that will give us the power to muster trust, cooperation, brotherhood and unity among us? These are challenges that are in line with the notion of social capital. Remember social capital encompasses social relationships, which are capable of changing economic and political performance, for better or worse -for better if mutual trust prevails and for worse if there is mistrust among the parties involved.