The following are examples of what Islam has commanded:

[1] Justice and equity. Allah (SWT) says:

Verily, Allah enjoins justice and doing deeds of righteousness perfectly, and giving (help) to kith and kin; and forbids all licentious acts, evil, and oppression, He admonishes you, that you may take heed. [16:90]

Abu Bakr (RA) the first Caliph of Islam, said the following words when he took command:

“Those who you regard as strong are weak in my sight until I take the rights they owe, and the weak are strong until I give them their right. Obey me as long as I obey Allah in your regards…”

One must be just in regards to both relatives as well as those who are not related to him. Allah (SWT) says:

And whenever you give your word [i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.], say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allah. This He commands you that you may remember. [6:152]

Justice should be shown in times of pleasure and in times of anger, to Muslims and disbelievers. Allah (SWT) says:

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and he just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. bee just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well Acquainted with what you do. [5:8]

Allah states that justice may be imposed by force. Allah (SWT) says:

Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed is with them the Scripture and the Balance [justice] that mankind may keep up justice. And We brought forth iron wherein is mighty power (in matters of war), well as many benefits for mankind. [57:25]

In explaining this verse, Sheik Islam b. Taymiyyah said:

“The goal of sending Messengers and revealing Book is that humans stand for justice, Which is Achieved through fulfilling the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation. Whoever deviates away from the Book, he is straightened with ‘iron’.”

[2] It enjoins preferring others over oneself, for it is an indication of true love and well-wishing of which its results can be clearly felt in society. It builds and strengthens individual bonds and is indicative of their love to help and serve one another. Allah (SWT) says praising those who prefer good for others over themselves:

…and they give others preference over themselves, even though they were in need. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.[59:9] [3] It commands that one seek company with the righteous and forbids that one seek evil companionship. The Prophet (ﷺ) gave an excellent example explaining the consequences of keeping company of both good and evil people. He (ﷺ) said:

“The example of a righteous and evil companion is like one who carries perfume and another who is a blacksmith. As for the one who carries perfume, he will either give you some perfume, you might buy some, or (at least) you will find a pleasing scent with him. As for the blacksmith, either he [the blacksmith] will burn his clothes, or he will find a hideous odor from him.” [al-Bukharil]

[4] It orders that Muslims strive to reconcile between people at times of dispute or disunity. Allah (SWT) says:

There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders charity, righteous acts, or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward. [4:114]

Reconciling between people has a great reward, similar to the reward of prayer, fasting, and other obligatory acts of worship. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Shall I not inform you of a level even better than the Fast, the Prayer, and charity? Reconciling between people, for indeed disunity between people is what uproots the Religion.” [Abu Dawood & at-Tirmidhi]

Islam has legalized lying in this regard… to make people unite and prevent division. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“I do not regard a lie when a person tries to reconcile between people saying something not intending what was understood, (whether to) reconcile between people, at times of war, or a husband or wife in order to please their spouse.” [Abu Dawood]

The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:

“He is not a liar… him who seeks to reconcile between people by saying good things about him.” [al-Bukhari] [5] It commands that Muslims enjoin virtue and righteousness and prevent evil and vice with all means possible, each according to his ability. This is the basis for security in society which prevents the spread of injustice, moral corruption, and ensures that rights are maintained and the law that is implemented is the Shari’ah, not laws of pandemonium. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever of you sees an evil act, let him change it with his hand, if he is not able, then with his tongue, and if he is not able, then with his heart, and that is the weakest [level] of Imaan.”[Muslim]

Through this, those who are ignorant of some aspects of Islam would learn them, and those who are heedless would be admonished. The morally corrupt are rectified while those who are righteous are helped, and the Law of Allah is upheld and implemented. Allah (SWT) says:

Help you one another in righteousness and piety; and do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment. [5:2]

The Prophet (ﷺ) explained the consequences if people stop enjoining the good and forbidding evil. He (ﷺ) said:

“The likes of those who stay within the limits set by Allah and those who trespass them is like a group of people who divided their places on a ship (before setting out to sea). Some of them were on the top deck while others were on the lower deck. When those on the lower deck required water, they had to pass by those on top. So they said, ‘If we make a hole in our part, we will not have to bother those on top.’ If they (those on top) left them to do as they pleased, they would all be destroyed, and if they were stopped they would all be saved.” [al- Bukhari]

Allah also mentions the punishment related to forsaking this act. He (SWT) says:

Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary. That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. it They used not to forbid one another from the evil which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. [5:78-9]