Five Ornaments of the World

The world is merely temporary. However, Muslims are taught not to ignore their potential and capacity for virtue while living their lives in this world.

In a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad SAW described this world as a ‘bustan’ (garden). He said:

‘The world is a garden adorned with five things: the knowledge of the scholars, the justice of the rulers, the worship of the worshippers, the trustworthiness of the traders, and the sincerity of the professionals.’

Based on that Hadith, there are five adornments of the world’s ‘garden’. First, the scholars. They possess knowledge not for their own interests, but for the benefit of Muslims and humanity in general. The learned guide the younger generation and save the community from backwardness. That is the value of beneficial knowledge.

Second, the justice of the rulers. The Prophet SAW praised just leaders. In fact, he said, ‘One day of a just leader is more virtuous than sixty years of worship. One law upheld on earth will be found cleaner than rain that falls for forty days’ (HR ath-Thabrani, Bukhari, Muslim, and Imam Ishaq).

Third, the worship of the servants of Allah. A believer who realises their obligations will obey the commands of Allah and His Messenger. Muslims who are sincere and devoted in their worship are also called to repent to Him.

Fourth, the trustworthiness of traders. This applies to every profession. Allah Ta’ala says:

‘And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, and do not break oaths after their confirmation, while you have made Allah your guarantor (over your oath). Indeed, Allah knows what you do’ (QS an-Nahl: 91).

Fifth, the discipline of workers. They work with a full sense of responsibility. Indeed, the messengers of Allah provided exemplary models in this regard.