Aligned to faith is emphasis on pursuit of different branches of knowledge,. This accords with the prophetic statement that knowledge is the property of the believer and he is most deserving of it wherever he finds just they were exhorted tp search for knowledge even as far as China. More important however is the Muslim’s sincerity in the observance of these rites. The sincerity of the early muslims is is reflected in the purity of their intention for all actions and responsibilities and the correctness of their approaches and practices in all spiritual and temporal obligation both to self and the society.
So, the Islamiqueness of the early Muslim generation scored highly on the purity of intention and the correctness of the observance of the religious acts. To them, it was not just worshipping just for the sake of it, but worshipping to earn the favour of Allah. Therefore, the muslims of the early generation avoided pride, al-kibr or show off, ar-riyyau, ostentation (israaf), hypocrisy (nifaaq) and idolatry (shirk) because they understood well that all their actions will come to nought if an iota of these vices is found in them, afterallall actions shall be judged according to intention. They also invested in learning because they understood that they cannot correctly practice their faith in ignorance of its tenets.
Scholars in the Islamic past were more honourable and influential than the rulers. The rulers held the views of the scholars very sacrosanct in the governance of the Muslim ummah just as they respected the qadis, the judges who in most instances also doubled as the scholars too. This is understanding and wisdom are the most paramount gift anybody can possess. Therefore, the wise men and scholars in the early Muslim generation were in fact the most pious, offering advice on the basis of correct knowledge and guidance without material expectation. To them, they were worshipping Allah in service of the society.
On the fulcrum of these, the early muslim society attained order and balance. Conscious that there is danger in complacence, the early muslims were always constantly evaluating themselves and their actions to purge themselves of any hypocrisy; they constantly engage in repentance if they found fault in themselves, oft-returning to the ideals they upheld, avoiding praises and glorification; working steadfastly, but silently and ensuring that public interest is paramount and not vested selfish interest is pursued.
The early Muslims were the real personification of utilitarianism and altruism in public governance. They were fiercely loyal to righteous causes because to them this is a form of Jihaad fiisebilillah, that is struggle in the cause of Allah, which is everything that prevents man’s inhumanity to man; it is obliterating wickedness, oppression and injustice; it is advancing everything that whwill bring peace, order and happiness in the society; it is working to establish the kingdom of God on earth ensuring that every man lives in the abode of peace, Daarusalaam. In doing this the early Muslims emphasized on unity and brotherhood, humility and piety. So, the early muslims lived like monks in the night, devoted to prayers, evaluating themselves and seeking forgiveness of their shortcomings as they were also madly active in public service in the day as if that would be their last day on earth, not willing to leave anything to chance. They were damn restless. On this activism, they rose to glory and prominence.