Introduction
Integrity is derived linguistically from the Latin term integer, which signifies completeness and wholeness. Integrity is the concept of consistency between activities, values, techniques, measurements, principles, expectations, and results. Barbara Killinger seeks to define integrity as a personal decision, an unwavering and constant commitment to upholding moral, ethical, spiritual, and aesthetic beliefs and ideals.
In describing respectable and principled human action, it has retained these two concepts, namely fullness and wholeness. A person with high integrity has a consistent character that demonstrates honesty and an unwavering commitment to truthfulness and ethical principles. He clings to these beliefs out of free will and self-respect, without fear of retribution or expectation of reward.
Integrity in Human Science
As is commonly known, people of integrity are guided by a set of guiding principles that enable them to uphold high standards of conduct consistently. Integrity is characterised by compassion, reliability, generosity, honesty, kindness, loyalty, maturity, objectivity, respect, trust, and sagacity. Virtues are the valuable personal and professional assets that individuals acquire and bring to work every day.
The success of a business depends on the integrity of its employees. As numerous observers have noted, when a company’s reputation is tarnished, it suffers a devastating loss of both consumers and skilled workers. Providing ethics and integrity training, organisations of all types increasingly adopt a proactive approach to problem prevention.
Integrity: The Qalb of Everyone
In addition to qualifications and talents, every individual, and especially Muslims, must also possess the character trait of integrity to be successful in any endeavour. When no one sees your actions, but you still do the correct thing, this might be a representation of integrity. The lack of integrity and trust will affect not only the individual but also the organisation’s performance and reputation. It is like a ruler in our hearts, how we measure good and wrong.
In Islam, this concept of integrity can also be expressed with the nature of trust and itqan (earnest). In the Qur’an, Allah SWT described among the attributes of believers that they exercise trust and keep their promises.
Based on verse 8 of Surah Al-Mu’minoon is a continuation of the first verse of the surah:
Successful indeed are the believers
(Surah Al-Mu’minoon: Verse 1)
Integrity is occasionally translated into Arabic as it combines the consistency and ethical conduct. According to Islam, moral and consistent behaviour is a natural consequence of trust in Allah. In various verses, the illustrious Qur’an advocates for this faith-based consistency. As an example, the fifteenth verse of Surat Ashurah. Therefore, adhere firmly to the true course. And Verse number 30 in Surat Fussilat,
إن الذين قالوا ربنا الله ثم استقاموا تتنزل عيهم الملائكة .
In this verse, Allah praises people who claim trust in Him and consistently display it via their words and deeds. Numerous sayings in the Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) affirm this spiritual conviction that leads to unshakable moral conduct.
In contemporary parlance, many Companions were revered for their honesty. Sayyidatina Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) had never consumed alcohol before or after his conversion to Islam.
Uthman ibn Madun (may Allah be pleased with him) is another example of this philosophy, as he rejected the intake of alcoholic beverages before Islam prohibited this practice. He then clarified, “I do not consume what consumes my thoughts.” Since he has a high natural, ethical standard and regard for himself, he abstained from drunkenness.
Therefore, in Islam, integrity can only be found on something other than faith in Allah. Those who exhibit the virtue of honesty prior to becoming Muslims will, if they have faith in Allah, become better Muslims. This is demonstrated by a famous hadith in which the Prophet (PBUH) compares the ethical nature of humanity to that of metals. Those who value Islam and possess precious metals like gold and silver will continue to be superior Muslims. Thus, in this hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) describes how converting to Islam might strengthen a person’s spiritual honesty and integrity.
Summary
In conclusion, the characteristic of a successful person is integrity, and a high level of integrity will indirectly contribute to the success of an organisation.