Contributing to Islamic Ethics (original) (raw)
Related papers
This research aims to build a better understanding among the Greek and Islamic ethical philosophies, in order to develop awareness across the communities, for achieving the goal of Universal moral goodness. It explores that Greek or Aristotelian philosophy revolves around a good end and the achievement of happiness. This is done through attaining moral excellence, which in itself is acquired when one practices moderation, according to the "Golden Mean'', and imbibes habits that pertain to moral development. Western Philosophy builds human excellence through presenting deontological, utilitarian, and similar doctrines. Islam"s ideology of ethics revolves around a good character (Husn-ī-Akhlāq). The present study also endeavors to promote the expansion of Islamic Ethical practices instead of mere philosophy to form healthier relations among the multiple traditions across the globe. It maintains that Islam ensures practical implementation of morals through promise of reward and set highest standards of values that enjoin all human beings in unity.
Understanding Islamic Ethics and Its Significance on the Character Building
International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 2013
The most critical challenge facing Muslim today is the lack of the spiritual ethical dimension of life, and one of the most powerful means to overcome this problem is the adherence to the code of ethics. This paper attempts at clarifying the concept of Islamic ethics as a basic pillar for a healthy society. It explains about the need of ethics for the development of individual and society, and its significance on the character building. The author tries to present ethics as the counter part of other sciences, such as, law, politics, science, economics, and others for such sciences become soulless or insignificant if detached from ethics. The paper concludes that Muslim character should develop along with Islamic ethics and its application into daily affairs of Muslims' lives should be given its due attention. Index Terms-Ethics and morality, Islamic ethics, character building I. INTRODUCTION: DEFINITIONS AND SOURCES OF ISLAMIC ETHICS Islamic ethics is being defined as akhlaq (plural of khuluq) which means character, nature, and disposition. The word akhlaq has a very close relationship with the word khaliq (the Creator) and makhluq (the creature). Therefore, akhlaq assumes a good relationship between khaliq(the Creator) and makhluq (the creature), and between makhluq (the creature) and makhluq (the creature) themselves. The term khuluq appears in the Qur'anic verse "And You (Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character" 1. Khuluq (akhlaq) or character has been referred as the state of the soul that determines human actions. It is neither the soul nor the action. Such character could be acquired through training and practice [1]. In addition, to differentiate between the words character and action, character is the internal and hidden state of the soul, while action is its outward manifestation. Character or akhlaq is the inward cause while action is its outward consequences. A good character hence begets good action whereas a bad character yields bad actions 2. Al-Farabi (d. 950) was to be known as the earliest great Muslim philosopher who acknowledged the interrelation of akhlaq or the state of the soul with human action 3. Indeed, he defined Manuscript
A Controversy Over Moral Virtue: The Problematic Interplay between Religion and Ethics in Islamic Tradition Ph.D., 2022
This Ph. D. dissertation investigates the problematic interplay between religion and ethics in Islam. Here, I argue that an ethical humanism emerged that distinguished between the ethical and the religious despite the Divine Command Theory's dominance in Islamic ethics. This humanism adhered to two unconventional principles: moral autonomy, which allows the agent to self-legislate via his rational capacity and therefore completely actualize his rational nature; and moral universalism, which makes moral values real and universal and hence transcends confessional bounds and boundaries. Ethical humanism, thus, opposed both moral heteronomy and moral relativism/particularism. To support this fundamental claim, the dissertation follows a tripartite form like a novel plot, with an introduction, a climax, and a resolution. The argument is first introduced by tracing the development of Muslim moral conscience from the early moral response to the Prophet Muhammad's call (sādiq amīn) to the later dominance of legalism, which subsumes the ethical under the religious while denying the first any autonomy. We also identified a number of ways explored by Muslim thinkers to circumvent the prevalent ethico-religious value of taqwā by appealing to some religiously neural moral values such a Murūwwa and adab. Second, we reach the climax of the uneasy interplay between religion and ethics as it builds up inside the minds of three Muslim thinkers: Ibn Muqaffaa, the litterateur and political counselor, Ibn Abi Addunyā, the tradionnist and hadith compiler, and al-Gazālī the Sufi philosopher and jurisconsult. Finally comes the resolution where the boundaries between religion and ethics were unambiguously drawn both in kalam and falsafa. The Mu’tazili mutakallimūn and the philosopher Ibn Zakaria al-Razī, albeit on different grounds, advocated for ethical humanism. As far as the episteme of the era would allow, the two held that moral values are truly universal and religiously neutral, and that the moral agent is genuinely autonomous in the sense that he needs no external commander since he is only abiding by moral principles that reflect his rational nature and which he may acknowledge as his own.
Al-Akhlaq (Ethics) Perceptions in Islam: A Textual Interpretation through Imam Muhammad Al-Ghazali
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2018
Islam contains a general code of conduct; there is neither much doubt nor disagreement on this. That Islam as both a religion and way of life encompasses all religious issues and affairs affecting human's life is also a fact unchallenged by those of consummate mind. One important aspect of all facets of Islamic discussions, that upon which all arguments sprout and agreements are either diverged and/or reached, that which for its effectiveness also relies on intellectual foundation, is al-Akhlaq (the Ethic). Ethic cum conduct is pertinent in Islamic religious facets. It could be interpreted in many ways and forms; its perception differs from one to the other, and sometimes within an individual, but seldom from one religion to the other. This is an area on which the paper is concentrated. This paper thus seeks to explore the meaning of ethics and the perceptions it has in Islam through the major writings of Imam Muhammad al-Ghazaali, an undeniably sounding ethical name among all noble Muslim scholars. It is also the aim of the study to expatiate the importance of ethic in jurisdiction according to al-Ghazaali. The study commonly employs qualitative library approach in collecting and analyzing the data. The study maintains that al-GhazÉlÊ's concept of ethics, if carefully applied on most contemporary issues, suffice and proffer long-lasting solutions to various problems intellectually, mechanically, and technically facing the Muslim nations.
Using Historical Islamic Sources to Promote Ethical Character
Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization
This article provides a survey of the development of Islamic ethical literature. It argues that this literature promotes not only submission to Allah Almighty and the divine law, it also portrays ethics as a path that offers a peaceful inner life and elicits cooperative behavior from others. This article surveys the most significant literary forms currently available in Persian and English from the first six centuries of Islamic civilization produced in West, South and Central Asia that provide appealing sources of ethics.
Islamic Ethics Exploring its Principles and Scope
International Journal of Applied Ethics, 2024
Islamic ethics is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which together provide the moral framework for guiding Muslims. At the heart of this ethical system is the core belief in the oneness and supremacy of Allah (Tawhid). This belief in Tawhid mandates submission to His will and encourages Muslims to cultivate and embody virtuous qualities in all aspects of life. The teachings of Islam are not just abstract ideals but are intended to guide individuals in their personal conduct, interactions with others, and their roles within larger societal structures. The ethical principles derived from the Qur'an and the Sunnah offer comprehensive guidance on how to live a just, compassionate, and honorable life.The scope of Islamic ethics is broad, encompassing personal behavior, social relationships, economic dealings, and even governance. The Qur'an and Hadith collectively address various virtues such as justice, compassion, honesty, and respect for others, providing a framework that informs how Muslims engage with the world around them. For instance, the Qur'an emphasizes fairness in trade and transparency in dealings, while the Hadith often highlight the importance of kindness and humility in personal interactions. This ethical guidance is intended to promote a balanced and equitable society, reflecting the divine principles of mercy and fairness.Studying Islamic ethics requires a multifaceted approach that integrates both analytical and descriptive methods. Researchers analyze the ethical principles found in the Qur'an and Hadith, exploring how these principles have been interpreted and applied throughout history. This examination often involves looking at how Islamic ethics has evolved in response to various historical and cultural contexts, and how it continues to address contemporary issues. By delving into these teachings, scholars aim to uncover the deeper philosophical foundations of Islamic ethics and understand their practical implications. This research is not only important for Muslims seeking to live according to their faith but also contributes to broader discussions on ethics and morality. By offering insights into how Islamic principles inform ethical behavior and decision-making, this research provides valuable perspective that can enrich the understanding of ethics for both Muslims and non-Muslims. It highlights the relevance of Islamic ethics in fostering moral and just societies and contributes to the global dialogue on universal values and ethical practices.