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“Stand firm as you have been commanded, and those who have repented with you, and do not transgress. Indeed, He is All-Seeing of what you do.” (Hud 112)

Upright conduct, as discussed in this article, refers to honest, clear, ethical, trustworthy, fair, and just treatment of others in both private and public life within the traditional Arab and Islamic environment.

It is presumed that a Muslim who adheres to the values and principles of his Islamic faith possesses innate inclinations and motivations that lead him to interact honestly and ethically with all people. Based on knowledge rather than ignorance, the following are some principles of upright conduct:

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- Honesty: The honest person speaks the truth and is sincere in his work. Signs of honesty in a person include clarity, avoiding manipulation of words, and being direct in his interactions with everyone.

- Avoiding Deception and Manipulation: A person deceives when he tricks others and employs twisted behavioral tactics to achieve unethical ends. This evasive behavior results in encroaching upon people’s rights, and the situation worsens when deception blends with psychological manipulation. A sound-minded Muslim refrains from such corrupt behaviors.

- Fairness to Others: A truly faithful Muslim treats others justly, especially when they are absent. He does not falsely accuse them, nor backbite them, nor slander them in any way. Those who are fair to people are treated fairly by the righteous members of society, who are always and everywhere the majority.

- Non-interference in Others’ Private Affairs: Genuine upright conduct begins and ends with how a true Muslim handles the private affairs of others. This is particularly evident in his near-innate refusal to discuss their private matters or to use their family or personal circumstances as topics of conversation with others, since he has no involvement with them, near or far, and he neither backbites nor listens to gossip.

- Ethical Competition Among Peers and Relatives: A wise Muslim competes with his peers and relatives to achieve various personal and life goals, but he refrains from envying them or sabotaging their lives to satisfy his evil-commanding self. He views a successful person as a role model to emulate, not as a bitter enemy whom he imagines is depriving him of the success he believes he deserves.

A Kuwaiti writer