Islam Ethics 1

What are ethics? Core ethical teachings Islamic law and ethics are closely linked. Ethical standards, or codes of conduct, are derived from the same sources as Islamic law, principally, the Qur'an and Sunnah (customs of Muhammad as relayed in the Hadith). Muslims look to these sources for their ethical guidance. Where do ethical standards and codes of conduct derive from? Core ethical teachings In Islamic belief, human beings have been given the responsibility and special status of God's vicegerents, i.e. God's deputies, on earth, (Qur'an 2:30; 35:39). The word, vicegerents, is commonly used to describe the Islamic concept of the status of human beings on earth. Islamic ethics follow from the responsibility to implement God's will and laws. What does the term vicegerents mean? Principal ethical teachings Match to the correct definition Submission to Allah The ultimate goal of the Muslim adherent is to demonstrate belief in Tawhid Taqwa Adherents should strive to make all actions and decisions based on the needs of Allah, also known as God-consciousness. Striving Adherents are called to ‘strive’ for spiritual perfection thereby living an Allah-centred life, responding to Allah’s divine will. Sacred texts Source of divine revelation (Qur’an) and the sayings & teachings of prophet Muhammad (Hadith and Sunna). Qiyas Use of an analogy to make ethical decisions. Ijma Use of judgement provided by Islamic scholars. Itjihad Personal judgment and reasoning to make a decision. Shariah Process of Islamic jurisprudence. Virtues To mark a word click its first letter then click its last. SELFLESSNESS NATURALNESS LOVEALLAH HUMILITY MODESTY JIHAD The principal ethical teachings of Islam can be summarised in virtues which Muslims are expected to display. List the virtues below. Jihad The concept of Jihad requires explanation because it is often presented by the media as some kind of vicious holy war, waged by Muslims against non-believers in order to enforce Islam upon them. This portrayal is an incorrect interpretation of the term. Muhammad referred to two kinds of Jihad:The greater Jihad is an internal struggle against temptations and things that are wrong.The lesser Jihad is the external struggle of fighting against oppression.This second kind of Jihad is the use of physical force as a defensive action, taken as a last resort to fight against the physical oppression of the Muslim community. It is not a call for Muslims to fight against non-Muslims in defence of Islam. Explain the concept of Jihad. Five Categories of Ethics and Law Because the message of Islam is an all-embracing mode of life, it prescribes religious belief as well as rules of social behaviour. All human acts are ethically categorised. Some Muslim scholars treat ethics and law as the one entity. They have classified these into five categories which, provide a scale to judge all aspects of human life. Obligatory (wajib) These are the binding demands from the lawgiver, e.g. the Five Pillars. Recommended (mandub or mustahib, sunnah) These are demands that are not binding. Compliance earns spiritual reward but no punishment is inflicted for failure, e.g. creation of a charitable endowment, giving alms to the poor, showing hospitality to strangers and attending the sick (Q 2:282; 24:3). Permitted (halal) This category is neither forbidden nor recommended; (ja'iz) gives option with no liability, e.g. eating certain foods, contraception and polygamy. The majority of the school of law permit contraception. Polygamy is permitted if a man is able to provide equally and justly for up to four wives. The permissibility came about as a result of wars causing large numbers of widows and orphans. Reprobated (makruh) These are actions advised against but not forbidden; it is preferable not to commit them, but there is no punishment or moral blame, e.g. divorce, being cruel to animals. Prohibited (haram) This is a binding demand to abandon something, e.g. blasphemy, killing, stealing, usury, eating pork, drinking alcohol, gambling and deception (Sura 5:90; 2:188). How is the Qur'an a source for ethical teaching?Outlines what actions are obligatory, those that are permitted and those that are forbidden. Answer this in your own words How is the Hadith and Sunna a source for ethical teaching?Of secondary importance to the Qur’an, but still considered important as they are the traditions of the prophet Muhammad.