Rotary and Islam’s shared values

1 July 2025, a new Rotary year begins. A quiet yet powerful transition takes place within our local club. Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pangulayan formally passed the leadership of the Maharlika Club of Quezon City to President-elect Johnrey P. Bonus. This leadership change is an opportunity to reflect on the values guiding us, both as Rotarians and as individuals dedicated to driving a positive impact.

In December 2023, Atty. Pangulayan invited me to join as a charter member of a new Rotary club. My maternal grandfather was a Rotarian but I knew little about the club beyond the Four-Way Test signages I often saw. Intrigued, I explored how the values of Rotary aligned with Islam.

Rotary clubs meet at least twice a month for regular meetings and fellowship. With Maharlika, I’ve had the privilege of being night chairman, and we always begin with reciting the Four-Way Test consisting of four questions that guide our actions:

(1) Is it the truth?

(2) Is it fair to all concerned?

(3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

(4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

These questions ensure that we act with integrity, fairness, and respect for others.

The Four-Way Test: A Rotary Cornerstone

I realized that the Four-Way Test aligns with the Islamic values of truthfulness, fairness, justice, and kindness—principles instilled in me by my parents and reinforced by my JASMS education.

Islam places great emphasis on justice, thus the Qur’anic verse: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…” (Qur’an 4:135). This resonates with the second question: Is it fair to all concerned?

The Intersection: How they complement each other

The Four-Way Test and Islamic teachings emphasize core values of truth, fairness, and justice.

Truthfulness: The Four-Way Test and Islam both emphasize honesty. The Qur’an teaches us not to mix truth with falsehood (Qur’an 2:42), harmonizing with the first question.

Fairness: Justice is central to both systems. Islam teaches that unfairness is a serious moral failing. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever is unjust to others, I will oppose him on the Day of Judgment.”

Goodwill and Friendship: Islam and the Four-Way Test call for positive interactions and goodwill. The Qur’an encourages kindness: “And speak to people good [words],” (Qur’an 2:83), similar to Rotary’s goal of building better relationships.

Benefiting All: Islam’s principle of maslaha (public welfare) aligns with the Four-Way Test’s aim to benefit the broader community.

New opportunity to serve

The leadership transition within Maharlika is an opportunity to renew our commitment to service. Reflecting on my being a Rotarian, again, I’m reminded of the teachings of my parents and the wisdom of my maternal grandfather, whose commitment to ethical service matches Rotary’s values and Islamic teachings.

Looking ahead, as the younger members of Maharlika step into leadership roles, their commitment to service ensures that our principles will continue to thrive.

Call to action

I encourage anyone considering joining Rotary to reflect on the shared values between Rotary and Islam. If you believe in truth, fairness, kindness, and benefiting others, there is a place for you in this global network of changemakers. Let us join together, live by these values, and continue to make a lasting impact.