3 types of integrity.. a roadmap that leads you in the right direction
Surah Hud, the Surah of Integrity in the Quran (meanings and secrets)
How do you achieve integrity despite committing sins? (The best way to gain God's acceptance)
The secret connection between integrity and the station of piety (Ramadan is the beginning of a righteous life)
Khaberni - Dr. Amr Khaled, the Islamic preacher, revealed a method to achieve integrity in life, which aids you in reaching your ultimate goal with steady steps in the right direction, without deviation.
In the twenty-fourth episode of his Ramadan program "Guide – A Journey with the Quran," Khaled said that integrity is always linked to a path, and it is an active positive work, not passive, "Guide us to the straight path."
Integrity in the Quran
He added that integrity is mentioned three times in the Quran, "So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [and those with you] and do not transgress"; because repentance restores integrity, and "So be straight as you have been commanded and those who turn back with you," as they return to integrity through repentance.
Khaled described integrity as accumulative work, you stay upright, seek forgiveness, make mistakes, and repent, but the basis of your life is integrity, "Indeed, those who say, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remain on a right course, there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve."
Types of Integrity
He explained that there are three types of integrity: integrity for God, integrity by God, integrity by what God has commanded.
- Integrity for God: the station of sincerity to God, "Those who said, 'Our Lord is Allah,' and then remained upright".
- Integrity by God: the station of seeking assistance upon integrity, "Guide us to the straight path."
- Integrity by what God commanded: the station of servitude and obedience, "So be straight as you have been commanded," and "and [that] you worship Me. This is a straight path."
Khaled defined integrity as walking the shortest distance between two points without deviation; if any deviation occurs, its correction comes through repentance and seeking forgiveness.
He highlighted the amazing relationship between integrity and the answering of prayer, as occurred with Moses and Aaron – peace be upon them - "Your prayer has been answered; so remain steadfast and follow not the path of those who do not know."
Surah Hud and integrity
Khaled referred to Surah Hud, which he described as the Surah of Integrity in the Quran, concluding after all the prophets' stories, which are full of challenges, with God's saying: "So be upright as you have been commanded," and "and those who turn back with you." And as Khaled described, it is interesting that this same Surah included the story of Noah, who preached to his people for 950 years, ending with "So persevere, as the outcome is for the pious." This same meaning of integrity, and more intriguingly, the surah was named after Prophet Hud, after all the harm he endured, "Indeed, my Lord is on a straight path," which begins with, "There is no creature but that He holds it by its forelock;" that is, He is responsible for it regarding its provision and care.
Khaled expressed how integrity affects your character before God, where it earns you the attribute of being upright; steadfast until I meet you as you commanded me, Lord, without deviation, promising those who persist in piety and integrity the guidance of the straight path in this life, and a swift crossing of the Straight Path in the afterlife.
He emphasized that achieving integrity is linked to the station of piety: "And verily this is My path, straight; so follow it, and follow not [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way by them. This He has instructed you, that you may become righteous," pointing out that integrity is transforming piety into a sustainable habit, a lifestyle and pattern.
Means to Achieve Integrity
Khaled highlighted the means to achieve integrity, which are: the station of piety, excellence, hold onto the position where God has placed you, and promise Him piety and integrity, "And fulfill [the covenant of] Allah when you have taken it and do not violate oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allah, over you, a guarantor. Indeed, Allah knows what you do," be sincere in intention when you intend and promise to God, and Ibn al-Jawzi interprets the oaths here as intentions; i.e., after focusing the intentions. "And you have made Allah, over you, a guarantor"; that is, He is a witness to this intention and will execute it because of your sincere intent, "Indeed, Allah knows what you do"; excellence: "for indeed, He sees you."
In his comments on the meaning of "And do not be like she who untwists her spun thread after it was strong, using your oaths as a means of deceit among yourselves because one community is more plentiful [in number or wealth] than another community," Khaled warns against abandoning the path of integrity, by becoming a god-fearer by day, then falling into disobedience at night without seeking forgiveness. He emphasized that the strength of your intention is precious to God, so how can you unravel it?
Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/Z1DE-XKx-bk?si=UL8E8PDaBomnil8-
