Islam is a monotheistic religion articulated by the Qur’an, a book with the verbatim word of God (Arabic: الله Allāh) and by the teachings and normative example (called the Sunnah and composed of Hadith) of Muhammad SAW, the last prophet of Allah. An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim. In Islam ethics is defined as the good character or good behavior and it is shaped as a successful amalgamation of the Qur’anic teachings, the teachings of the Sunnah of Muhammad and the precedents of Islamic jurists.
All of Islamic ethics depend on a person’s belief of the five pillars of Islam as they are the core of Islam. They are the shahadad, daily five prayers, Zakat, fasting in the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to mecca at least once in a lifetime. The daily prayers of submission to Allah (God) helps to relieve stress and teaches Muslim on the importance of time. Also Mosque, the place of prayer, helps Muslims to meet each other and to be a united community. Apart from one’s fulfillment Zakat, the giving of a fixed amount of one’s wealth to the poor, teaches people to help each other and eliminate greed from oneself.
In chapter 17, Al Isra, Quran provides moral values from Allah (God) which can be categorized as follows:
Worship Only Allah (Quran 17:22)
Be kind and treat your parents well (Quran 17: 23 -24)
Do not spend wastefully (Quran 17: 26 – 29)
Do not engage in mercy killing (Quran 17: 31)
Do not commit Adultery (Quran 17:32)
Do not kill unjustly (Quran 17:33)
Care for orphaned children (Quran 17:34)
Fulfill every engagement (keep promises) (Quran 17:34)
Be fair in exchanges (Quran 17:35)
Do not be arrogant in one’s belief or claim. (Quran 17:36 -37)
Apart from Quran teachings Muhammad SAW teaching involves the practice of good behavior. He, Muhammad SAW, is the best example of how a Muslim should behave.
Islamic ethics covers every aspect of human life from all parts of the world. Islam provided equality among sexes in a world dominated by men. Islamic ethics gave freedom to people to express their views and also the power to elect their leader.
Comments