Author: Rahmatullah Rahmani
Ethics (2nd Part)
The literal meaning of ethics
Ethics in the word means nature. In this regard, Dr. Abdul Karim Zidan says: “Ethics are set of meanings and characteristics that are established and fixed in the hidden human being, in the light of which, behavior is shown as good or ugly in his opinion, and therefore, a person either acts to do it or refrains from doing it.”
The meaning and concept of ethics from the Viewpoint of Islam
Ethics is a set of principles and values that regulate human behavior, and the teachings of revelation have determined them and set principles and rules for them in order to fulfill the purpose of human existence on earth.
Imam Mohammad Ghazali says in the discussion of beauty related to ethics: “Ethics is a stable condition hidden in the human being, from which the behavior and actions of a person are easily and without the need for thought and reflection. If this state and situation is in such a way that actions and behavior that are proper from the point of view of reason and Sharia, in this case, this state and situation will be considered as good behavior, and if the action that comes from it is ugly, then in this case, that state will be called “misbehavior”.
Also, Imam Ghazali says: <الخُلُق والخَلق>” are used together. Called: «فُلانٌ حَسَنُ الخُلُقِ وَالخَلقِ» It means that his inner and outer appearance is good; «خَلق» means the outward form, and «خُلُق”means the inner form.
The position and importance of good morals and its laws in Islam
In order to establish and stabilize any society, it needs some moral standards and laws, the loss of which causes the thread that binds the members of the society to break. In the meantime, Islam has established a set of moral rules and principles in this field, which every pure nature will stand in front of them with respect. Also, the Holy Qur’an has established a moral constitution for every Muslim person to be practically implemented in all stages of personal life; Issues that are very personal and specific to a person on the surface, but are very effective in his behavioral structure and express and develop his Islamic and human personality, such as:
– Asking for permission before entering the domain of others: (Surah Noor, 27-29; Noor, 58-59)
– Speaking softly: (Surah Al-Hujrat, 2-4)
– Greeting before entering: (Surah Noor, 61)
– The answer to greetings with better expressions than greetings: (Surah Nisa, 86)
– Respect for the assembly: (Surah Mujadalah, 11)
– Sweet and polite speech: (Surah Isra, 53)
– Seeking permission before withdrawing: (Surah Noor, 62)
Among the great surahs of the Holy Quran, which contains the truths of faith, the program of Sharia, the way and custom of humanity, the principles of etiquette and the alphabet of ethics in its content, Surah “Hujarat” is. In this blessed sura, Allah instructs Muslims with complete clarity: “Your way of life is different from other people”; That is, Muslims should be a model and example of divine and Quranic ethics in the human society, and the Islamic society should be a symbol of social justice, and ultimately respect and politeness to the Lord of the Universe and His chosen Messenger, in front of other people; Therefore, we can call this blessed Surah “Ethics Surah” and understand the fact that the degrees of faith depend on the degrees of good morals, as the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: «أَكْمَلُ المُؤْمِنِينَ إِيمَانًا أَحْسَنُهُمْ خُلُقًا»؛ Translation: “The most perfect believers in faith are the most virtuous.”
Good morality is not a principle that can be dispensed with, but it is one of the principles of life that religion likes and respects its owners.
It is also narrated that he said: «إِنَّ مِنْ أَحَبِّكُمْ إِلَيَّ وَأَقْرَبِكُمْ مِنِّي مَجْلِسًا يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ أَحَاسِنَكُمْ أَخْلَاقًا»؛ Translation: “Indeed, the most beloved and closest of you in my Assembly on the Day of Judgment will be the most virtuous of you.
Under the shadow of the moral system of Islam and in the embrace of the education and upbringing of the great Prophet of Islam, peace be upon him, and the school of the Holy Quran, a generation was brought up who were characterized by the best qualities and the best morals and were freed from low morals, ugly habits and bad traits. They were able to bring this true religion to the farthest parts of the world in a short period of time. From the very beginning of the religious calling, the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, introduced the first goal and purpose of his mission as follows: «إنما بعثت لأتمم مکارم الأخلاق» That is, “Allah has chosen me as a mission to perfect the virtues of morality and bring people with good morals.”
And they have said this about their religion and way of life: «الدین المعاملة “Al-Din al-Ma’amal” means “religion is the only and only way of dealing with others.” Therefore, it can be said that Islam is a moral religion and invites people to have good morals based on the teachings of revelation and is interested and insists on educating the Islamic society. Allah also praises his prophet like this: «وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ»؛”; It means “You have a great personality (pleasant qualities and gentle actions).
Undoubtedly, the Prophet of Islam, may peace be upon him, was a great example of good morals among his companions, which he invited them to follow. Before he planted the saplings of good morals and good behavior and deeds in his companions with his wise counsels and advice, he used to plant this sapling with his own good morals and fragrant character and then he made it fertile with the water of counsels and advice.
Basically, Islam has come for the purpose of advancing man and humanity towards a bright life with moral virtues and good education with wide steps.
How beautifully Ahmed Shoqi has said: «وَ إنَّما الأُمَمُ الأخلاقُ مَا بَقِيت فإن هُمُ ذَهَبَت أخلاقُهُم ذَهَبُــوا». Translation: “Undoubtedly, what keeps nations is their morals; When good morals disappear from among them, they will also perish after it.
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