Islam: Ethical Teachings

Question 1

principal ethical teachings
within Islam

Answer 1

• teachings that guide + influence a person’s moral principles and their behaviours, opinions and perspectives
• responsibility of humanity
  Sharia Law

Question 2

core ethical teachings

Answer 2

-submission to allah: ultimate goal of adherent- demonstrate belief in Tawhid
-Taqwa: adherents should strive to make all actions/decisions based on needs of allah - god concious
striving: called to strive for spiritual perfection - live allah-centred life, responding to his divine will
equality: ummah are all equal in eyes of allah

Question 3

virtues of islam

Answer 3

• love of allah
• humility: requires to avoid sense of pride and arrogance, ensures that muslim thinks of others ahead of themselves- avoids selfish and self-centered existence
• modesty: most significant to sexual ethics , requires to maintain appropriate standards/behaviours in relationships
• Naturalness: part of design/plan of allah, relates to bioethics - people expected to avoid things which artificially alter intention of allah’s creation - scientific developments should enhance its beauty + integrity of creation
• concern for environment - requires protection + care for natural world
• Selflessnes: governs human interaction - economic level, obligation to provide material support to poor

Question 4

outline the process of Islamic Jurispudence

Answer 4

1. Qur’an: provides teachings folloed by muslims, statements usually not sufficiently detailed to allow for direct application
2. Hadith
3. Fiqh: analysis of Shariah Law based on teachings of sacred texts
4. Qiyas: combines study of sacred texts and analogy to make decisions
5. Itjhad: personal judgement to make decision
6. Ijma: judjement by scholars
7. Fatwa: binding decision by an islamic judge

Question 5

what is jurispudence

Answer 5

• an ethical and a legal system.
• theory or philosophy of law
• discovery of the law from the scriptures of Islam.

how can a traditional system provide ethical rulings for modern developments?

Question 6

imporance of ethical teachings in lives of adherents

Answer 6

Guidance on Personal Conduct:
- provide comprehensive guidance on daily behavior, including honesty, kindness, and respect for others.
Decision-Making Framework:
- offer a framework for making ethical decisions in various aspects of life, personal- professional situations.
Shariah Law: integral to Shariah law, influencing legal systems in Muslim-majority countries and guiding adherents in legal matters.
Dietary Laws: guidelines on permissible (halal) and forbidden (haram) foods = physical well-being and spiritual purity.
Preparation for Afterlife: Emphasis on ethical living as preparation for the afterlife, encouraging adherents to lead a righteous life.