A basic principle of Islam forbids harming individual and others. If the rights of an individual conflicts with the rights of community, the rights of community will be given priority. There are 9 protections to the society are laid down by Islam.

The first protection is individual’s right to be sacrificed to protect the society1.A person should be willing to sacrifice his life. In fact, Allah has enacted the law of Jihad and commanded Muslims to defend Islam. We can refer in 2 : 190, Allah allows us to fight for the sake of Islam but we cannot transgress or cross the limits as Allah does not like transgressors. We can see in our country, polices and armies apply this concept. They defend Malaysia from any chaos and protect the society from being threatened.

The second protection is the right of possession is restricted by rules1. First, man should earn money legally. Second, it should be offered to the community in case it needs it. The Islamic concept is that all properties are belongs to Allah. Wealth is held by man as a trust. Islam introduces the concept of Zakat, a tax on wealth. The recipients of Zakat are the needy, the poor, Amil and wayfarers in need of help. According to Prophet S.A.W :“ Wealth never decreases because of charity”(Muslim 25888)

The third protection is Individual’s rights and freedoms are laid within the general ethical framework of the society1. It is not allowed to use the freedom of opinion to attack Islam and spread atheism or doubt on Islamic values as the freedom to corrupt the society is something unacceptable by reason or law. Allah asked the believers to judge people with justice as in 4 :58.

The fourth protection is the principle of collectivity in Islam is Fard Kifayah1. Any specialty needed by the society such as engineering, law, economics is the charge of the whole society. If some people manage it there will sufficient and the rest are exempted. However, if nobody offers to do it, then the whole society will be sinful.

The fifth protection is principle of the individual’s responsibility for himself is associated with his responsibility for the society1. The society must be positively cooperate with each other and establish mutual relations and social institutions that contribute towards the welfare of society. This principle is started from the family institutions2. For example a man who is a husband is a guardian and head of family. He is not only has to take care himself but also his wife and children. Besides that, The society has to practice Amr Makruf Nahi Munkar. As Prophet said :“Whoever witnesses any evils, he has to change it with his hand(force), if he is unable to do so, then change by his tongue(speaking). If he is unable to do so, then he has to hate the evil in his heart and that is the lesser degree of Iman.

1. Introduction to Know Islam, Dr Yossuf Al-Qaradhawy, 156-160, 1995, Islamic IINC.
2. Towards Understanding Islam, Abul A’la Mawdudi, 107-114, 1981, The Islamic Foundation United Kingom

The sixth protection is the implementation of Islamic law. As we know the society is responsible to implement it. Hence when Quran stresses out the need to implement the Islamic law, the government must take action to enforce the law. For example: in surah Annur: 2, Allah has ordered the adulterers to be punished by 100 stripes. As well as in surah Al-Maidah: 38, Allah has asked to cut the hands of thieves.

The seventh protection is sense of collectivity in ritual worships1. Islam has taught us to perform Solat Jamaah as it symbolizes unity and brotherhoods. Furthermore, Prophet said that Solat jamaah is 27 times better than Solat fard. There are obligations on Muslims to practice collectivity such as Friday Prayers, Eid prayers and pilgrimage.

The eighth protection is customs and traditions1. Islam encourages Muslims to practice shake hands whenever meet, answer the sneezer, visit and exchange present, show hospitality to guests and follow the manners created in the life of a Muslim.

The ninth protection is Ethical Level1. The society needs to spread the love, brotherhood and unity. They have to cooperate in matters of piety and goodness. They have to be compassion and forgiver. Islam warned people against hatred, envy, malice3. Allah said: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). 49:13

As a conclusion, Islam promotes moderation by showing the balance between an individual and society. Islam asked a person to sacrifice his life in order to protect the society from any dangers. Islam asked the society to manage the properties well without bring corruption. Islam also asked the society to be moderate when talking about freedom of opinion. Any opinions to attack Islam are prohibited. Islam points out the importance of Fard Kifayah to the society. The other protections laid down by Islam are that a person is not only responsible to himself but also to the society. Everyone are responsible to practice Amr Makruf Nahi Munkar. The government must put an effort to implement the Islamic law. Society is encouraged to practice collectivity as it symbolizes the unity and brotherhood among them. Society also has to follow the good customs and traditions created in the life of Muslim and must have morality and ethics in their daily life.

Reference

1. Introduction to Know Islam, Dr Yossuf Al-Qaradhawy, 156-160, 1995, Islamic IINC.
3. Introducing Islam, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, 135-136, 1999, GOOD WORD BOOKS NEW DELHI