UNGS 2050 IMPORTANT NOTES

TOPIC 1- Concepts of Ethics and Fiqh

Definition of Ethics
- Generally refers to the branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to
human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of actions
- Islamic term corresponding to it is ilm al-akhlaq (science of morality).
- ilm al-akhlaq is defined as a science which deals with the ways to
maintain virtues at their optimum level ie to avoid wrongdoing and to do
what is right and desirable
- In a broad sense, akhlaqinclude all actions that are characterized as
amal salih (virtuous deeds) in the terminology of Quran.
- What constitutes the morally right & wrong many kinds of behavior that
define Islamic concept of morality and those that fall outside it , are
mentioned in the quran and sunnah

Significance of Ethics

1)Fundamental component of obedience to Gods Shariah which is commanded

by Him
I have been sent only for the purpose of perfecting good morals [Hadith].
Iman of a believer is validated by his akhlaq or moral and the authenticity
comes from following the akhlaq from Quran and Sunnah that is portrayed by Ar
Rasul saw.

2)Faith is not complete without morality

O you who have faith, fear Allah and be with the truthful people [at-
taubah:119] Truthful people is the one whose words consistent with their deeds
Modesty and faith are twins. One who gives up one has to lose the others too
[Hadith]
Iman and akhlaq is proportional.

3)Ethical behavior is the prerequisite for the acceptance of ones ibadah

It is reported that the Messenger of God was once asked about the destiny of a
woman who continously fasting and kept vigilant at night by perfoming night
prayers. But she committed misdeeds towards her neighbours.The Prophet
remarked: there is nothing good in her

4)The Prophet mentioned that the most excellent and the best of people is the
one with the best moral character
The best thing given to man is good character; the best in faith among you is
the one who has the best moral character. The nearest to God on the day of
judgement will be the one best in character

Differences between Islamic Ethics and Western Ethics

ISLAMIC ETHICS WESTERN ETHICS

1 A divinely inspired system as it is an
integral part of Shariah
- Rooted in divine revelation;
character of Islamic man is
shaped by al-Quran and
Based on the norms of society
-Subject to evolution and unstable
-Certain values might be of non-lasting
validity becase it may be affected by
human prejudices and frailities
 Sunnah
- Results in a religious character
which motivates proper
adherence to it.
2 Morally good intention has to be Might involve action which is not
followed by permissible action. permissible
Human conduct is considered For example, giving charity by using
morally good (amal salih) by fulfilling funds that they get from gambling or
two conditions winery industry
Must be done with good motives
and in accordance with the norms of
Shariah
The end does not justify the means
3 The ultimate goal behind worldly Ultimate goal is maximising gain to
possession is to help one to live own self
according to the demand of his moral
life

not profit max

Wealth and son are allurements
of the life of this world; but the
things that endure, good deeds are
the best in the sight of your Lord, as
rewards, and best as the foundation
for hopes [al-kahf:46)
4 Freedom to accumulate wealth is Accumulation of wealth might include
accompanied with a sense of moral unjust exploitation and deceit
responsibility

5 Participation in worldly activities are Separation between worldly activities
strongly encouraged with the proviso and spiritual
that any material advancement must
lead to the fulfillment of ones own
spiritual upliftment and that of the
Muslim community

Definition of Shariah

The divinely ordained system of basic laws , values and principles embodied in
the Quran and Sunnah

Definition of Fiqh

Science of derived practical legal rules relating to human conduct, as acquired

from Shariah evidences (souces)

Shariah Fiqh
Embrace all human beliefs, activities
and actions
Fixed, unchangeable and eternal
Lay down basic principle
Deal with legal rulings and acts
Certain components ae fixed while
some othes are subject to change
according to the circumstances
Understanding and application of
Shariah, how it should be applied

Relationship between Law and Morality in Islam (Ethics n Fiqh)

Law / Fiqh Ethics / Morality

SIMILARITIES
Both aimed: 1) To construct human life on the basis of righteousness or goodness and to
cleanse it from wrongdoing
2)To regulate the relationship of man with God, and man with man
DIFFERENCES
To ensure the practical manifestation of To enhance Muslims inner tendency to
moral senses and to discourage moral uphold virtue or goodness and to avoid
deviation doing evil
Takes care of the external requirement of Focus on the internal dimension of Islam
Shariah
INTERRELATIONSHIP
Islamic law is deeply rooted in ethics

Inner purity of soul is important for the external manifestation of belief and action