Concept of ethics in Islam

Character

The field of study that has morality as its subject matter.

The values or rules of conduct held by an individual or a group

Ethics in Arabic is ‘ilm al-Akhlāq (science of morality), which is the branch of knowledge that studies akhlaq (morals).

al-Akhlāq (the plural of khuluq/ خُلُق) refers to morality, which means a nature, or an innate disposition or temperament.

The proper signification of khuluq is the moral character; or the fashion of the inner man; his mind or soul and its peculiar qualities and attributes.

Al-Ghazali calls ethics, the science of the path of the Hereafter (‘ilm tariq al-akhirah), or the path trodden by the prophets and righteous ancestors (al-Salaf al-Salih).

Morality as the spirit of Islam

Good relationship among human beings = good morality

Good relationship with Allah in its spiritual sense.

The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “I have been sent (as the Messenger of Allah) only for the purpose of perfecting good morals.” (hadith, al-Bukhari)

The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hand…” (hadith, al-Bukhari)

Spiritual training and its enhancement

To be closed to Allah

Reciting and understanding Alquran

Obeying and practicing life of the Prophets

Academic / Intellectual training

Improving relationship with Allah

Thought for life after death

Sensitivity & conciouseness

Moral training and its enhancement

Social change & social training

Setting up as a model

Companionship of God

Practical training and the application of morality.

Reform of self

Devine religion as a source

Enjoining & forbidding as a means

“Iman has over sixty branches (parts): the highest of which is the belief that nothing deserves to be worshipped except Allah and the lowest of which is the removal from the way of that which might cause harm to anyone. And modesty (haya’ الحياء) is a branch of it.” (hadith)

"Three are the signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks, he lies;  when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his  trust. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Another narration adds the words: "Even if he observes Saum (fasts), performs  Salat (prayer) and claims to be a Muslim.

Therefore, lacking in good morals = Lacking in faith (iman)

The level of faith (iman) is proportional to the level of morals

Subtopic

Good morals are conditions of validity of Iman