Islam is not just a religion, it is the only way to lead a perfect and fulfilling life. The social (community) life of Islam is described below, followed by the codes of conduct by which Muslims are bound.

The word community is defined as "a body of people forming social unity....having race, religion etc.. in common."

Islam is a religion which is sent as a gift from Allah to mankind, to bring them together in peace and harmony. This cannot be done unless the whole community is at peace, and this in turn depends on each individual being at peace.

If you think of a community as a football team, for the team to be successful, it has to co-operate, each person must be playing well if the whole team is to play well. The way Islam has ensured a happy community life, is by laying down social codes (the way to act) which become part of the individual's character and so affect the whole community.

The community is also a test for mankind, because he is subjected to temptation at every stage, as explained below:

There was once a man who went to a cave far away from everyone. He used to stay there, pray, and fast. One day a passer by saw him, and asked him, "Why are you living here, in the middle of nowhere ?"

The man replied, "Over here, I find it easier not to commit sins, and so please Allah. I have not done Gheebat (backbiting), nor Fitnah nor Fasaad (slandering), I have not become angry, and I have not insulted my neighbour. I have been very pious."

The first man laughed and said: "You are only fooling yourself. The only reason that you have remained so noble is that there is NO ONE here for you to abuse. To live with people is a test as to how you can control yourself with them. Whether you can forgive someone who is bad to you, whether you can refrain from backbiting, or teasing etc.. All you are doing is running away, and missing the test."

This is like missing school during the examination period, and then telling you parents "I didn't fail one exam." The thing to realise is that you did not ATTEND one exam!!

The heart of the community is the faith which binds it together and educates it to worship (praise) Allah. This is emphasised is many areas such as congregational (Jamaat) prayers, majalis, and other gatherings. Allah instructs us in Qur'an (Surah 21, Ayat 92):

"Verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I Am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other)."

The strength of the community is based on its unity. There is a saying in English, "Divide and Conquer", which means that if you want to rule over a group of people, you first divide them, and make them quarrel within themselves. This is what the western world is doing to the worldwide community of Islam. We should learn from this, and always stand up for the rights of our fellows.

We are allowed to compromise, but only as much as the Shari'a will allow. We can never compromise our principles or our faith. For this we should look at the lesson taught to us by Imam Husain (A) on the plains of Karbala.

As well as the community being a test, it is jointly a reward, because a person can surround himself with true friends who are there to help when in need. Allah announces in Qur'an (Surah 49, Ayat 13)

"O mankind! We have created you from a single (pair).. and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (Not that you may despise each other). The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you."

The way in which a community should live is described by Islamic values, known as the Islamic Code of Social Life, and is now explained.

Islamic Code of Social Life:

Islamic social codes are the ideals by which Muslims should try to live within a community. Each of us has a responsibility to the other, to maintain justice, to respect the rights of the other.

In Qur'an (Surah 49, Ayats 11,12) Allah explains to us certain ways of behaving:

"O you who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other by (offensive) nicknames...

Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs (Gheebat). Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother ?"

There are an infinite (countless) ways to behave in a community, the essence of all the social codes is CONSIDERATION. If one considers the needs of his brother, then he will act accordingly.

Prophet Muhammad (S) has said: "Prefer for people that which you prefer for yourself."

In a very short Surah (Asr) Allah explains the social code for the whole of mankind,

Ayat 2: "Verily Man is in a loss."
This is thought to refer to the Day of Judgement when Allah will raise man from his grave to answer about his life, some men will say that they had not done any good deeds, and these men will be in a loss. Some men will reply that they had been very good themselves and established regular prayers, THESE MEN TOO WILL BE IN A LOSS.

Ayat 3: "Except for such as have Faith, AND do righteous deeds, AND join together in the mutual teaching of Truth, AND of patience."
This shows that being good yourself is not enough, you must also serve the community by guiding them towards the truth and enjoining them towards good.

So, another important code of social life is to do Amr bil Ma'aroof (enjoin towards good) and Nahy anil Munkar (forbid from evil).

Islam is the only religion that can claim to have developed a science in human behaviour, in manners and in the art of perfecting the soul. Apart from being a Muslim, one who follows the teaching of the 12 Imams (A), and believes in the justice of God is called a Mu'min (a believer).

Once Imam Ali (A) was asked, Who is a believer? He answered as to what the characteristics of a believer should include:

1. "The believer is one with whom peoples' life, wealth, and dignity are safe.
2. When powerful, he forgives easily. He is generous in appropriate ways.
3. His behaviour is gentle. His actions and walk reflect modesty.
4. People enjoy his affection and calmness. He is ready to bear pain in order to comfort others.
5. In friendship he is sincere. He honours his promises.
6. He helps the oppressed and is concerned about the deprived. He does not abandon those in distress; he tries to relieve their burdens.
7. He respects the rights of those who are absent. He accepts the apologies of those at fault.
8. He assists those who have assisted him.
9. He does not divulge (tell) peoples' secrets. He does not inquire into secret affairs which do not concern him.
10. He sets a good example for those who succeed him. His good deeds are not performed for the sake of being boastful.
11. He does not fall into the same difficulty twice."