Chivalry and Magnanimity
Beruni speaks of al-muru'ah (meaning courage, manliness, chivalry,
bravery, virility, romp and the spirit of resolution and fearlessness), and
compares it with al-fntuwwah (which is interpreted as nobleness, youth,
dignity, peerage and magnanimity). However, al-muru'ah relates to an
individual within his own family, in regard to all that he possesses
wealth-wise. Such a person in secret might be ashamed, hiding behind
his financial wants and mishaps. His motto being to help oneself first,
then the next of kin second (al-muru'ah al-zahirah fi al-thiyab altahirah), with purity in heart and intention.
With regard to the futuwwah, one is supposed to be sacrificial. One
who is willing to go the second mile in helping the other, and in giving
the needy with no strings attached: all that he does is an ihtisab (that
is to give generously for God's sake without asking a reward or favour
in return). The poet puts it beautifully in reiterating: "The soul's
generosity is indeed the highest expression of liberality in giving".
In all this, Beruni adds that the joys of the spirit are far more enduring than the pleasures of the flesh. For, indulgence gratifies the
lusts of the body but leaves behind anguish, pain, sickness and misery.
Indeed the excess of such things leads to bondage, grief and death.
Evil and wickedness are absolutely harmful, and cannot satisfy the
human heart. Beruni compares this to an addiction to drugs and heavy
drinking. It starts first with some feelings of wellbeing but the end of
it leads to misery, darkness and failure. The author sternly warns
against that. He gives due respect to chastity and virtuous living (rnakarim al-akhlaq), which is of the spirit and truth. With respect to sexual
life, he interjects that natural intercourse between husband and wife,
within the interlock of marriage, is blessed by God. The aim of such
unity is in becoming fruitful so that the human race may be multiplied
and fill the earth. But fornication is sinful, and against God's Will and
against human dignity and honour.
Beruni underlines the importance of cleanliness which is truly next
to godliness (al-nazafah min al-'iman), not only in bodily outlook and
grooming but also in moral behaviour. It may be inferred that Beruni
himself was a clean person, and also loved cleanliness. He was probably
called Abu-al-Rayhan (meaning the sweet-smelling, blooms and aromatic blossoms), in view of his liking for fragrant flowers and aroma and
enjoying natural beauty, landscape gardening and floriculture.
Religion, the State and Language
Throughout his prolific life and literary contributions, Beruni defends the state (al-dan>lah) and the Islamic faith fal-dtn). He also guards
this right in his scientific works, especially in the introductory section
