Righteousness

The dictionary definition of righteousness says: Righteousness is the noun form of the word Righteous.  Righteous is defined as 1) Characterized by uprightness or morality.  2) Morally right or justifiable, 3) Acting in an upright or moral way; virtuous: a righteous person.

God gives us the true definition of righteousness  in the Quran:

Righteousness Defined

[2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.

Quranic examples of righteousness and unrighteousness: 

[2:189] They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, “They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj.” It is not righteous to beat around the bush; righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed.

[2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.

[3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof.

 [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD’s signs, that they may take heed.

[23:57-61] Surely, those who are reverently conscious of their Lord, And who believe in the revelations of their Lord,  And who never set up any idols beside their Lord,  As they give their charities, their hearts are fully reverent. For they recognize that they will be summoned before their Lord,  They are eager to do righteous works; they compete in doing them.

[40:40] Whoever commits a sin is requited for just that, and whoever works righteousness―male or female―while believing, these will enter Paradise wherein they receive provisions without any limits.

God not only defines righteousness for us, he enjoins us to be righteous.  Enjoin means to prescribe a course of action, with authority or emphasis.  Some enjoinders from God to us:

[6:154-155] And we gave Moses the scripture, complete with the best commandments, and detailing everything, and a beacon and mercy, that they may believe in meeting their Lord.  This too is a blessed scripture that we have revealed; you shall follow it and lead a

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