Ethics
Every
religion lays great stress on ethical
features of human. Generally there
is great commonality between different
religions as far as ethical questions
are concerned.
Every religion puts differing emphasis
on different aspects of human morality.
Islam is also unique in this respect.
It has its own ethical values and
moral concepts
Islam has distinctive ethics of
its own.The Qur'an gives us the
concept of good deeds,with the meaning
to be good, to repair, to mend,
to improve, to be respectable, to
be efficient, peace and friendliness
etc.
Thus the key ethical concepts are
'amal salih',to be truthful and
to observe patience. One can say
that these are key elements of Islamic
ethic. Man is surely in loss but
those who perform good deeds are
truthful and patient. Thus for 'amal
salih' truth and patience are highly
necessary.
ESTABLSHING JUST SOCIETY
Islam basically lays emphasis on
establishing a just society free
of all forms of domination. Thus
Islamic ethic conceives of a society,
which will be free of all forms
of exploitation and oppression.
Islam basically is a peaceful religion.
It does not approve of violence
at all. The most basic attribute
of Allah is mercy and compassion.
Thus the Quran's emphasis is on
fighting against injustice, against
oppression. Everyone has the right
to live in peace in ones own country.
Islam does not permit violence in
matters of preaching of religion.
Islam does not approve of violence
except in certain extraordinary
circumstances. Thus the best meaning
of the word Islam will be to establish
or promote peace in harmony with
the Will of Allah.
Thus a Muslim is not a true Muslim
if he commits acts of violence either
for spread of Islam or for purposes
of achieving power be it in the
name of Islam. His primary duty
is to establish peace so that justice
prevails.
TO BE TRUTHFUL AND PATIENCE
To be truthful is most difficult
and challenging. One has to face
great problems in order to be truthful.
One will have to face opposition,
even intrigues. It is, therefore,
necessary, to be steadfast and patient
and face all these challenges with
strength and courage. All this requires
great deal of patience. Truth has
great significance in the Islamic
ethical system.
RETALIATION
IS HUMAN, TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE
Retaliation is not a good moral
practice. It may be necessary in
a society, which is not highly morally
developed. But in a morally developed
society the virtue of pardon is
the highest virtue. Forgiving is
the great moral virtue.
Retaliation may be human but forgiving
is divine. Retaliation amounts to
giving vent to ones anger but forgiving
amounts to suppressing ones rage
and suppressing ones anger. Those
who suppress their anger are called
'kazim al-ghayz'.
FIGHT FOR DEFENCE OF ISLAM
When Meccan attacked Madina . The
Prophet was faced with a violent
situation and had to defend himself
and urge his followers to fight
for defense of Madina and for defense
of Islam.
The Jews and hypocrites betrayed
him. He had to mobilize forces to
fight the Jews with whom he had
no religious quarrel. The Jews,
who otherwise free to practice their
own religion.
In an attempt to set up a just society
based on high ethical standards
he had to take on most powerful
vested interests out to wreck his
movement. Thus violence appears
in the history of Islam not out
of choice but out of compulsion.
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