Moral Conduct Ethics in Islam

Islam is not just a religion; it is a complete system of life giving guidance on every facets of human existence. A significant aspect of these guidelines is the importance of ethically and morally right behavior. Akhlaq, “Ethics in Islam” refers to the dwelling virtues and values expected to advise an individual on how a believer should behave. Indoctrinated with these practically fanatical ethical principles, that were all based on the Qur’an and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) as well as scholarly consensus. In the ensuing blog series, we will take a deep dive into various foundational concepts of Islamic ethical thought along with examples from personal and social spheres.

Foundations of Ethics in Islam

The framework consists of a few “simple rules” Tawhid (Oneness of ALLAH(God)) Believing in one Allah(GOD) is the basis of all teachings like ethics. It simply creates in Muslims a sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions, knowing that Allah is going to ask them about everything.

Moral Responsibility: Islam states that every person is directly accountable for his or her actions. For this responsibility, get an essence in the Quran

“Then for every soul will be known what it has sent ahead and kept back.”

[Qur’an 19:95]

Muslims hold the view that men are created to worship God and act as vicegerents on Earth. Because that is the requirement for justice, compassion and mercy to be done.

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind, except to Worship me”.

[Qur’an 51:56]

Core Ethics in Islam Values

The Islamic ethics are determined on the basis of following core one or two few values which are deeply rooted in Quran and Sunnah.

Justice (العدل – Al-‘Adl) and Fairness

The principle of Justice In the framework of Islamic teachings is central and one of the highest moral values Muslims are ordered to stand for justice whether it be against ourselves, our relatives or any one.

“O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful…”

[Qur’an 4:135]

"إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُمْ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَنْ تَحْكُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ نِعِمَّا يَعِظُكُمْ بِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا"

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.”

[Qur’an 4:58]

Truthfulness and Honesty (الصدق – As-Sidq)

Honesty (Sadiq )in speech and action is a cornerstone in Islam.

"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ"

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).”

[Qur’an 9:119]

Kindness and Compassion: (الرحمة – ar-Rahmah)

At the core of Islamic instructions are compassion and mercy.

“And My Mercy envelopeth all things…”

[Qur’an 7:156]

"وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا"

“And speak to people good [words]…”

[Qur’an 2:83]

"إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِّنَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ"

“Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.”

[Qur’an 7:56]

Modesty and Humility (الحشمة – Al-Haya)

Modesty in behavior and forms is one of the essential Islamic virtues. This speaks to a sense of humility and respect for ourselves and others.

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and protect their private parts.” [Surah Nur:30-31]..”

[Qur’an 24:30]

"وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّكَ لَن تَخْرِقَ الْأَرْضَ وَلَن تَبْلُغَ الْجِبَالَ طُولًا"

“And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.”

[Qur’an 17:37]

Ethics in Islam Framework in Daily Life

“Islamic morality guides not only personal piety but also social, economic, and political behavior.”

Avoiding Negative Assumptions and Backbiting

Muslim Adab encourages the practice of manners and good behavior, while avoiding harmful acts such as backbiting, slander, and envy.

“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. For to be sure, some of the assumptions are a sin. Neither backbite one another…”

[Qur’an 49:12]

"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.”

[Qur’an 49:12]

 Ethics in Islam Business Transactions

In business, you should act with honesty and be fair.

O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to conceal a portion of the truth by which you get settled.]..”

[Qur’an 2:188]

 In Social Justice

Islam guarantees the rights of every individual, whether they are women, children or underprivileged. Islamic Governance and Social Justice

“Verily, Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice…”

[Qur’an 4:58]

Maintaining Family Ties and Good Conduct

"وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنْبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا"

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.”

[Qur’an 4:36]

Prophetic Model of Ethics

The life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the last and final model code for ethics. His own character Allah described as Glorious[]={cl (My) Glory.

Indeed, you are of a high moral character.”

[Qur’an 68:4]

He (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ordered good character in so many narrations;

“The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife.

(Ahzab, 33:22 , Bukhari and Muslim)

Conclusion

Muslim are follow Islamic ethics which is a complete moral system to guide their life. Living according to these principles allows Muslims to be successful in their personal lives and beneficial members of society. The emphasis on justice, honesty, compassion and modesty is a timeless reminder of what it means to be a person of faith. In doing so, Muslims are living up to their full function as the vice-regents of Allah on Earth and are fostering peace, concord, truthfulness across different realms of the world. These verses act as a reminder of the different aspects integrated in Islamic ethics, including personal conduct, interpersonal relations and the wider obligations of a Muslim.