When we think about Islam we always touch upon at least one of its three fundamentals - Tauheed (the Unity of Allah), Risaalah (Revelation and Prophethood) and Akhirah (the Afterlife). There are another three fundamentals that should correspond to Muslims. I say ‘should’ because often there are found characteristics within our behaviour and attitude that do not reflect or complement these fundamentals but conflict with them.

Ramadan provides us with the time and opportunity to correct this situation and regain a semblance of proportion and balance within our lives and activities. What are these other three ‘Muslim Fundamentals’? They are Nobility, Humility and Civility. They are derived from accepting the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (s), adhering to these intelligibly and implementing them correctly.

Nobility is not to be confused with membership of some royal family or ties to hereditary upper class patronage. Nor should it be mistaken for arrogant pride with which Satan so frequently afflicts us. Nobility is the attainment of a high level of morality and character. It is based on the example of the life of Prophet Muhammad (s) who was given an exalted station by Allah (swt) and who was described by his wife, ‘Aishah (ra), as ‘the Quran walking’. Muslims should therefore be ‘the best of nations brought out from mankind, enjoining what’s good and discouraging what’s bad’. We should display the best of conduct in our relations with others, especially when things turn nasty or don’t go our way. When confronted with times of panic, fear and hardship, we should be shining beacons of calm determination, courtesy and service. On those occasions we should not shrink from duty but summon our courage and belief and conduct ourselves to the best of our ability, putting our trust in Allah (swt).

Humility relates directly to our understanding of ourselves, our status and our position on Earth. We should be aware at all times of our complete dependence upon our Creator and our indebtedness to Him. He provides for us, fashions us and tests us. We are the children of Adam (as) and Adam was made from clay. The best one amongst us is the foremost in Taqwah, the consciousness of Allah, not the best in some worldly, material sense. We are created to fulfil our role as Allah’s vicegerents in this Universe. We are not perfect, but we must strive towards perfection in all that we do. Remember…the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.

Civility is politeness and good conduct based on an awareness of acceptable customs and knowledge. We should be global citizens residing within a civilised society that reflects Islam in our thinking, speech, habits and actions. We should be well educated and mature. Many folk never grow up, they just get older. This is not our way. We should be leaders and not imitators or blind followers. We need to share our religion with others and not hide it away. It does not belong to us. It belongs to Allah (swt) and He will ask us to requite ourselves before Him on the Day of Reckoning. We must strive to do our best, develop ourselves and contribute meaningfully to the rest of society around us. Islam has brought civilisation and Law to the world. Who will lead people on the Right Path if we neglect to do so? There will be no leading lights and precious little guidance if we do not rally to the call of Allah (swt) and His Messengers.