Akhlak Chapter 4 Flashcards
Akhlak comes from the Arabic term (Khuluq) which means
character, manner, behaviour, personal traits
Akhlak is a personal behaviour that deals with…
the relationship of a man with:
1. God
2. his fellow man
3. other creatures of the universe
4. his innermost self
AL-Ghazali’s definition of Akhlak:
a STATE OF MIND that is:
- firm with one’s actions without the need for reflections and deliberation.
Ibn Al-Athir’s definition of Akhlak:
inner characteristics of oneself whether it is good or bad.
Importance of Akhlak:
- Its the reason Prophet Muhammad was sent to the Ummah.
- It is a FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT OF OBEDIENCE TO SHARIAH which is commanded by Allah in surah al-Jathiah verse 18
- It signifies internal belief (Iman) of a Muslim.
- A PREQUISITE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE of ones ibadah
According to the Prophet, the most excellent and best of people is:
A man with:
1. good character
2. best moral character
Basis of ethical values(8):
- Brotherliness
- Striving
- Moderation
- Justice
- Reformation
- Honesty
- Sincerity
- Piety to God
Brotherliness
to establish brotherly relations with other fellow muslims
- prevent apathy and indifference
Striving
- Men must WORK VERY HARD and embark upon JIHAD, intellectually, morally and technically.
- men must work very hard to master technical skills-manage worldly-life affairs
Moderation
The islamic approach to developing a man morally and technically is based on principle and law of balance and equilibrium.
- fundamental moral principle in life
Justice
giving to the right person with the right manner what ought to be given. opposite of al-zulm(injusttice)
Reformation
Islah which means wholesomeness or transform. opposite of fasad(corruption)
Honesty
Truthfulness(sidq) keeping one’s commitments and transparency in life. opposite of hypocrisy(nifaq)
- absolute honesty and fidelity in business, relationships, transactions, interactions is most fundamental ethical concept
Sincerity(Ikhlas)
To purify, clarify, refine and remove impurities. the person, in all his undertakings has the overriding consideration of gaining the pleasure of God in his mind.
- does everything for nothing but Allah, opposite of riya’
Taqwa
God-consciousness, either out of love or fear to always be aware of God.
- noblest of all character a muslim must strive to develop
Features of Akhlak:(6)
- divinely inspired system(integral part of Islam.)
- good intention must be followed by permissible action.
- main goal behind worldly property ownership: help a person live according to his moral life, not profit maximization.
- Freedom to accumulate wealth is accompanied with a sense of moral responsibilities
- equitable distributive justice-given full recognition but differences in income- tolerated.
- Any activity in the world is strongly encouraged provided it must meet the moral and ethical improvement of individuals and the Muslim community.
Concept of ADAB in Muslim Society:(6)
- Meet each other - strengthen social bonds.
- Defends the individual against the psychological consequences of social isolation.
- Acceptance of any invitation and feasts - social ties stronger between members of a community irrespective of social status.
- Social relations should be: free of personal interest, engaged in wholly for the sake of God.
- Social life is encouraged at a wider level -like performing congregational prayer in the mosque.
- Personal cleanliness is an important factor when communicating with others.
What is the essence of taqwa?
Accountability to Allah in part of the muslim in all his actions and intentions
