Living The Quran
From Issue: 604 [Read full issue]
Beneficial Co-operation
Al-Maidah (The Table Spread) Chapter 5: Verse 2 (partial)
"Co-operate with one another in the pursuit of virtue and piety, but co-operate not in fostering offences and hostility."
While both the Quran and the Sunnah validate freedom of expression, interpretation and ijtihad, they also enjoin co-operation (ta'awun) in good and beneficial works as one of the cardinal teachings of Islam. In order to be effective, co-operation requires unity and organization and, on this theme, the Quran explicitly addresses the believers in the verse above.
Co-operation in good work (al-birr) is a broad concept which can apply to all forms of beneficial co-operation, whether in the form of a political party, a professional association, or a workers' union which aims at ensuring fair practices in trade and the equitable treatment of workers.
Compiled From:
"Freedom of Expression in Islam" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, p. 79