Five Ornaments of the World

This world is only temporary. However, Muslims are taught not to neglect their potential and capacity for virtue in living life on earth. In a hadith, the 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 devout, the trustworthiness of the traders, and the sincerity of the workers.’ Based on this hadith, there are five ornaments 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 communities that are still underdeveloped. That is the value of beneficial knowledge. Second, the justice of the rulers. The Prophet SAW praised a just leader. Indeed, he said, ‘One day of a just leader is more virtuous than sixty years of worship. One law upheld on earth will be found to be purer than rain that falls for forty days’ (Narrated by 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 truly devout in their worship are also called to repent to Him. Fourth, the trustworthiness of traders. This also applies to every profession. Allah Ta’ala says: ‘And fulfil the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, and do not break oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allah a surety over you. Indeed, Allah knows what you do’ (QS an-Nahl: 91). Fifth, the discipline of the workers. They work with a full sense of responsibility. Indeed, the messengers of Allah set an example in this regard.