Prosocial values shaping Oman: A legacy of compassion, charity, and community
Habitual devotion to right principles prevails in every corner of the Omani society and every constituent of the Omani culture
Published: 03:09 PM,Sep 21,2024 | EDITED : 07:09 PM,Sep 21,2024
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik announced in the cabinet meeting last week several economic and social benefits for the family, children and others. The initiative is characterised by a strong commitment to the well-being of Omanis.
Since His Majesty acceded to the throne, prosocial acts have been undertaken by His Majesty the Sultan. This has been derived from the capacity to take note of the distress of others and to be moved by it. Such acts have become a critical component of the government's directions and are meant to benefit individuals, groups and society as a whole.
Omanis are inherently wired for prosocial behaviours, and have developed them and surely will continue to do so. Especially Oman adopts a unique prosocial model based on the context of a supportive relationship, deriving its values from both the Islamic religion and Omani traditions. Visitors to Oman would never have to go through an experience in which they see Omani people act in anti-social ways.
Islamic-related values are apparently visible in their prosocial effects, making Omanis friendlier, more compassionate, and even more caring. This underscores how religious values can make people prosocial, experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, and delight.
If we take charity prosocial acts, Islam exhorts its adherents to give in charity discreetly, without seeking recognition or praise, a trait that is based on the words of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him): 'And a man who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.'
Showing kindness and respect to one's parents is also an obligation of individuals, making it next in order in the doctrine and belief of monotheism.
Surah Al Isra (17:23) emphasises this importance by saying: 'And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to your parents.'
There is also a well-known saying (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which emphasises the importance of treating one's neighbours with kindness and respect, to the point where it seemed as though neighbours might even be included in matters of inheritance: 'Gabriel continued to advise me regarding the neighbor, until I thought he would make him an heir.'
Zakat is a form of charity in Islam that implies generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering. Islam has emphasised the importance of Zakat by making it a fundamental pillar of the Five Pillars of Islam.
As per Zakat, Muslims should give a fixed portion of their wealth to those in need. The prosocial behaviour of Zakat is represented by the act of giving a percentage
of one’s own wealth in a way that benefits society, to help the poor, needy, and other eligible recipients.
Omanis are also marked by benevolent goodwill toward and love of humanity.
In Oman, habitual devotion to right principles prevails in every corner of the Omani society and in every constituent of the Omani culture. Omani citizens are consistently abiding by moral principles, showing steady conformity to them while valuing prosocial ends.
Omanis refuse to consider the costs and benefits that may result from adhering to such principles, which seem to be perfectly devised and engineered to make Omanis look dependable and worthy of confidence.
Living next to an Omani family in an Omani neighbourhood, one would feel so connected to the community, without any thought of casting doubt or questions on their Omani neighbours and communities. Omanis’ propensity and established pattern of behaviour make visitors and residents always cooperate with others, driving them to act in prosocial ways.
Salima Al Sawaey
The writer is Assistant Dean for Admin and Quality, Al Zahra College for Women
Since His Majesty acceded to the throne, prosocial acts have been undertaken by His Majesty the Sultan. This has been derived from the capacity to take note of the distress of others and to be moved by it. Such acts have become a critical component of the government's directions and are meant to benefit individuals, groups and society as a whole.
Omanis are inherently wired for prosocial behaviours, and have developed them and surely will continue to do so. Especially Oman adopts a unique prosocial model based on the context of a supportive relationship, deriving its values from both the Islamic religion and Omani traditions. Visitors to Oman would never have to go through an experience in which they see Omani people act in anti-social ways.
Islamic-related values are apparently visible in their prosocial effects, making Omanis friendlier, more compassionate, and even more caring. This underscores how religious values can make people prosocial, experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, and delight.
If we take charity prosocial acts, Islam exhorts its adherents to give in charity discreetly, without seeking recognition or praise, a trait that is based on the words of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him): 'And a man who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.'
Showing kindness and respect to one's parents is also an obligation of individuals, making it next in order in the doctrine and belief of monotheism.
Surah Al Isra (17:23) emphasises this importance by saying: 'And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to your parents.'
There is also a well-known saying (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which emphasises the importance of treating one's neighbours with kindness and respect, to the point where it seemed as though neighbours might even be included in matters of inheritance: 'Gabriel continued to advise me regarding the neighbor, until I thought he would make him an heir.'
Zakat is a form of charity in Islam that implies generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering. Islam has emphasised the importance of Zakat by making it a fundamental pillar of the Five Pillars of Islam.
As per Zakat, Muslims should give a fixed portion of their wealth to those in need. The prosocial behaviour of Zakat is represented by the act of giving a percentage
of one’s own wealth in a way that benefits society, to help the poor, needy, and other eligible recipients.
Omanis are also marked by benevolent goodwill toward and love of humanity.
In Oman, habitual devotion to right principles prevails in every corner of the Omani society and in every constituent of the Omani culture. Omani citizens are consistently abiding by moral principles, showing steady conformity to them while valuing prosocial ends.
Omanis refuse to consider the costs and benefits that may result from adhering to such principles, which seem to be perfectly devised and engineered to make Omanis look dependable and worthy of confidence.
Living next to an Omani family in an Omani neighbourhood, one would feel so connected to the community, without any thought of casting doubt or questions on their Omani neighbours and communities. Omanis’ propensity and established pattern of behaviour make visitors and residents always cooperate with others, driving them to act in prosocial ways.
Salima Al Sawaey
The writer is Assistant Dean for Admin and Quality, Al Zahra College for Women