View source for Religion:Islamic ethics

{{Short description|Ethics, virtue, and character in Islam}}
'''Islamic ethics''' (أخلاق إسلامية) is the "philosophical reflection upon moral conduct" with a view to defining "good character" and attaining the "pleasure of God" (''raza-e Ilahi'').<ref name=JECEoI2011:214/><ref name="Quranic Morality Ali 2015 98">{{cite journal |last1=Syed Shahid Ali |title=The Quranic Morality: An Introduction to the Moral-System of Quran |journal=Islam and Muslim Societies: A Social Science Journal |date=2015 |volume=8 |issue=1 |page=98 |url=https://www.muslimsocieties.org/Vol8_1/The_Quranic_Morality.pdf |access-date=13 February 2022}}</ref> It is distinguished from "Islamic morality", which pertains to "specific norms or codes of behavior".<ref name=JECEoI2011:214/>

It took shape as a field of study or an "Islamic science" (''ʿIlm al-Akhlaq''), gradually from the 7th century and was finally established by the 11th century.<ref name="EoI_Akhlaq" /> Although it was considered less important than [[Religion:Sharia|sharia]] and ''[[Religion:Fiqh|fiqh]]'' "in the eyes of the [[Religion:Ulama|ulama]]" (Islamic scholars) "moral philosophy" was an important subject for Muslim intellectuals.<ref name=JECEoI2011:217>Campo, ''Encyclopedia of Islam'', "Ethics and morality" 2009: p.217</ref>
Many scholars consider it shaped as a successful amalgamation of the Qur'anic teachings, the teachings of [[Biography:Muhammad|Muhammad]], the precedents of Islamic jurists (see [[Religion:Sharia|Sharia]] and [[Religion:Fiqh|Fiqh]]), the [[Religion:Jahiliyyah|pre-Islamic]] Arabian tradition, and non-Arabic elements (including Persian and {{wipe|Ancient Greece}} ideas) embedded in or integrated with a generally [[Religion:Islam|Islam]]ic structure.<ref name="EoI_Akhlaq" /> Although Muhammad's preaching produced a "radical change in moral values based on the sanctions of the new religion ... and fear of God and of the Last Judgment"; the tribal practice of Arabs did not completely die out. Later Muslim scholars expanded the religious ethic of the Qur'an and [[Religion:Hadith|Hadith]] in immense detail.<ref name="EoI_Akhlaq">{{harvnb|Bearman|Bianquis|Bosworth|van Donzel|2009|loc=Akhlaq}}</ref>
{{Islam|culture}}

==Terminology==
A number of related terms refer to the right way to behave in Islam: ''Akhlaq'', ''[[Religion:Adab (Islam)|Adab]]'', ''[[Religion:Ihsan|Ihsan]]''.

===Akhlaq===
''Akhlaq'' ({{lang-ar|أخلاق}}, {{IPAc-en|æ|x|ˈ|l|aː|k}}, plural of ({{lang-ar| خلق}} ''khulq'' which means disposition), is the practice of [[Philosophy:Virtue|virtue]], [[Philosophy:Morality|morality]] and manners in Islamic [[Religion:Theology|theology]] and ''falsafah'' ([[Philosophy:Philosophy|philosophy]]).  ''Akhlaq'' is the most commonly used Islamic term for morality.<ref name=JECEoI2011:216>Campo, ''Encyclopedia of Islam'', "Ethics and morality" 2009: p.216</ref>

The science of ethics (''`Ilm al-Akhlaq'') teaches that through practice and conscious effort man can surpass their natural dispositions and natural uncorrupted state (''Fitrah'') to become more ethical and well mannered. ''Akhlaq'' is a kind of normative ethical system known as "[[Philosophy:Virtue ethics|virtue ethics]]", which is based on "virtues, or moral character", rather than "conceptions of the right (as in [[Philosophy:Kantian ethics|Kantian ethics]]) or the good (as in [[Philosophy:Utilitarianism|utilitarianism]])".<ref name="Stanford-SEoP-2003"/>

''Akhlaq'' is not found in the Quran, but its root – kh-l-q – is shared by ''khaliq'' (Creator) and ''makhluq'' (creature), which are found throughout the Quran. It is most commonly translated in [[Social:English language|English-Arabic]] dictionaries as: disposition, nature, temper, ethics, morals or manners or in general a person who has good manners, and behaves well.<ref>J. Cowan p. 299</ref><ref name="Modarresi">{{cite book|author=Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi|title=The Laws of Islam|date=26 March 2016|publisher=Enlight Press|isbn=978-0994240989|url=http://almodarresi.com/en/books/pdf/TheLawsofIslam.pdf|accessdate=22 December 2017|ref=Modarresi|language=English|archive-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802163247/http://almodarresi.com/en/books/pdf/TheLawsofIslam.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|470}}

===Adab===

''Adab'' ({{lang-ar|أدب}}) in the context of behavior, refers to prescribed Islamic [[Philosophy:Etiquette|etiquette]]: "refinement, good manners, morals, decorum, decency, humaneness" (according to the book ''Religion and Law'').<ref>Firmage, Edwin Brown and Weiss, Bernard G. and Welch, John W. ''Religion and Law''. 1990, page 202-3</ref> While interpretation of the scope and particulars of ''Adab'' may vary among different cultures, common among these interpretations is regard for personal standing through the observation of certain codes of behavior.<ref name=remco>Ensel, Remco. ''Saints and Servants in Southern Morocco''. 1999, page 180</ref> To exhibit Adab would be to show "proper discrimination of correct order, behavior, and taste."<ref name=remco />

A description of the difference between ''Akhlaq'' and ''Adab''  is
* Aklaq is ethics, the 'moral philosophy'; Ethics/ morality. Islamic behaviour, disposition, good conduct, nature, temper, ethics, morals or character of a person.
* Adab is "the actual practices of moral philosophy"; Manner, attitude, behaviour and the etiquette of putting things in their proper place<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://coggle.it/diagram/V_ustCETeJNGNxh0/t/chapter-4-akhlaq|title=CHAPTER 4 AKHLAQ (FEATURES OF ISLAMIC ETHICS (ISLAM OFFERS "AN OPEN SYSTEM…|website=coggle.it}}</ref>  "a culture of refined behavior [that] shaped the ethical outlook of urban Muslims" There were writings setting forth "the virtues for different classes and groups to honor, including the ulama, rulers, bureaucrats, merchants and craftsmen".<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>

Furthermore, according to one source (Abdulmajeed Hassan Bello), sharia (usually defined as Islamic law) is not just concerned with concerned "with legal rules and regulations indicating "what man is entitled or bound to do, ... but also what he ought, in conscience, to do or refrain from doing. Thus, shari’ah ... embraces both private and public activities."{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

===Ihsan===
''[[Religion:Ihsan|Iḥsān]]'' (also Ihsaan, {{lang-ar|إحسان}}),  is an Arabic term meaning "beautification", "perfection" or "excellence", but is also defined in Islam (by Malcolm Clark) as ethics/morality "literally virtue, including right living," and (according to Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood) is a matter of taking one's inner [[Philosophy:Faith|faith]] and showing it in both deed and action.<ref>{{cite book | last = Maqsood | first = Ruqaiyyah Waris | title = Teach Yourself Islam |  series = Teach Yourself World Faiths | date = September 15, 1994 | publisher = Teach Yourself | isbn = 978-0-340-60901-9 | page = [https://archive.org/details/islam0000maqs/page/41 41] | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/islam0000maqs/page/41 }}</ref>

===Other terms===
Other terms found in the Quran that "denote the concept of moral or religious goodness"<ref name=MFETiI1991:12>Fakhry, ''Ethical Theories in Islam'', 1994: p.12</ref>
are:
* ''al-khayr'' (goodness),<ref name=MFETiI1991:12/>
* ''al-birr'' (righteousness),<ref name=MFETiI1991:12/>
* ''al-qisr'',<ref name=MFETiI1991:12/>
* ''al-iqsat'' (equity),<ref name=MFETiI1991:12/>
* ''al-adl'' (justice),<ref name=MFETiI1991:12/>
* ''al-haqq'' (truth and right),<ref name=MFETiI1991:12/>
* ''al-ma’ruf'' (known and approved),<ref name=MFETiI1991:12/>  and
* ''al-taqwa'' (piety).<ref name=MFETiI1991:12/>
* "Pious actions" are "normally referred to" as ''salihat''; "impious or sinful actions" as ''sayyi’at''.<ref name=MFETiI1991:11>Fakhry, ''Ethical Theories in Islam'', 1994: p.11</ref>

===Ethics v. morality===
{{see|Morality in Islam}}
Juan E. Campo describes the difference between ''Akhlaq''/ethics and morality in Islam as :
<blockquote>Ethics means philosophical reflection upon moral conduct, while morality pertains to specific norms or codes of behavior. Questions of ethics, therefore, involve such subjects as human nature and the capacity to do good, the nature of good and evil, motivations for moral action, the underlying principles governing moral and immoral acts, deciding who is obliged to adhere to the moral code and who is exempted from it, and the implications of either adhering to the moral code or violating it. Morality encompasses the values and rules that govern human conduct ...<ref name=JECEoI2011:214/></blockquote>

==Scriptural sources==

===Quran===
The Quran, which Muslims believe to be the verbatim word of God, serves as the primary source of moral teachings in Islam.<ref name="Clark-283">Clark (2011), p. 283</ref> Verse {{qref|2|177}} declares:
* “Righteousness is not in turning your faces towards the east or the west. Rather, the righteous are those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Books, and the prophets; who give charity out of their cherished wealth to relatives, orphans, the poor, ˹needy˺ travellers, beggars, and for freeing captives; who establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and keep the pledges they make; and who are patient in times of suffering, adversity, and in ˹the heat of˺ battle. It is they who are true ˹in faith˺, and it is they who are mindful ˹of Allah˺.”
Another verse states:
* "Believers are those … who avoid vain talk; who are active in deeds of charity; who abstain from sex except with their wives, or whom their right hands possess. Thus they’re free from blame, but those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors. Believers faithfully observe their trusts and covenants and keep their prayers. They will be the heirs, who will inherit Paradise, where they will dwell.” (Q.{{qref|23|3–11}})<ref name=MCIfD2011:248>Clark, ''Islam For Dummies'', 2011: p.248</ref>

However, the Quran offers "more in the way of general principles"—justice, goodness, kindness, forgiveness, honesty, and piety – "than specific rules".<ref name=JECEoI2011:216/>

====The Ten Commandments In Quran====
Quran provides the Ten Commandments which is believed to be as originally revealed to [[Biography:Moses|Moses]]: <ref>[http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=953&Itemid=61 ''Tafsir ibn Kathir''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404143941/http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=953&Itemid=61 |date=4 April 2013 }}, see Chapter heading for the Commentary of Verse 6:151</ref><ref>"In the Quran, the Ten Commandments are discussed in Surah Al-An'am, 6:151–153": {{cite book|author1=Hillary Thompson|author2=Edward F. Duffy|author3=Erin Dawson|title=The Infographic Guide to the Bible: The Old Testament: A Visual Reference for Everything You Need to Know|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IUo8DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA43|date=7 November 2017|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-5072-0487-0|pages=43–}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Hussein Naguib|title=The Quranic Ten Commandments: This Is My Straight Path Al An'am (6:153)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gCnooQEACAAJ|year=2014|publisher=Hussein M. Naguib|isbn=978-0-615-99559-5}}</ref><ref>The numbering of the verses is given in bold while the numbering of the Commandments is in superscript.</ref>

{{blockquote|'''151.''' Say: "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: <sup>1</sup>Join not anything in worship with Him; <sup>2</sup>And be good (and dutiful) to your parents; <sup>3</sup>And kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; <sup>4</sup>And come not near to ''Al-Fawahish'' (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, adultery etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, <sup>5</sup>And kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to the Law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.

'''152.''' "<sup>6</sup>And come not near to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; <sup>7</sup>And give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. <sup>8</sup>And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, <sup>9</sup>And fulfill the Covenant of Allah. This He commands you, that you may remember.

'''153.''' "<sup>10</sup>And verily, this (the Commandments mentioned in the above Verses) is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become ''Al-Muttaqun'' (the pious)."<ref>''The Noble Quran'', trans. Muhsin Khan; Taqi-ud-Din Hilali. Verses 6:151–153</ref>}}

Evidence for these verses having some relation to Moses and the Ten Commandments is from the verse which immediately follows them:
{{blockquote|Then, We gave Musa (Moses) the Book, to complete (Our Favour) upon those who would do right, and explaining all things in detail and a guidance and a mercy that they might believe in the meeting with their Lord.<ref>''The Noble Quran'', trans. Muhsin Khan; Taqi-ud-Din Hilali. Verse 6:154</ref>}}

According to a narration in Mustadrak Hakim, Ibn Abbas, a prominent narrator of Israiliyat traditions said, "In Surah Al-An`am, there are clear Ayat, and they are the Mother of the Book (the Qur'an)." He then recited the above verses.<ref name="Tafsir ibn Kathir">[http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=953&Itemid=61 ''Tafsir ibn Kathir''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404143941/http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=953&Itemid=61 |date=4 April 2013 }}, Commentary of verse 6:151. Al-Hakim said, "Its chain is Sahih, and they (Sihah Sitta) did not record it."</ref>

Also in Mustadrak Hakim is the narration of Ubada ibn as-Samit:
{{blockquote|The Messenger of Allah said, "Who among you will give me his pledge to do three things?"

He then recited the (above) Ayah (6:151–153).

He then said, "Whoever fulfills (this pledge), then his reward will be with Allah, but whoever fell into shortcomings and Allah punishes him for it in this life, then that will be his recompense. Whoever Allah delays (his reckoning) until the Hereafter, then his matter is with Allah. If He wills, He will punish him, and if He wills, He will forgive him."<ref name="Tafsir ibn Kathir"/>}}

Ibn Kathir mentions a narration of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud in his [[Religion:Tafsir|Tafsir]]:
{{blockquote|"Whoever wishes to read the will and testament of the Messenger of Allah on which he placed his seal, let him read these Ayat (6:151–153)."<ref>[http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=953&Itemid=61 ''Tafsir ibn Kathir''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404143941/http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=953&Itemid=61 |date=4 April 2013 }}, Commentary of verse 6:151. Isnad: Dawud Al-Awdy narrated that, Ash-Sha`bi said that, Alqamah said that Ibn Mas`ud said (the above narration).</ref>}}

{| class="wikitable"
!Order
!Commandment in the [[Religion:Quran|Quran]]
!Surat Al-An'am
!Surat Al-Isra
!Corresponding in the [[Religion:Bible|Bible]]
|-
|First Commandment
|Do not associate others with God
| rowspan="5" |(151)
|(22)
|Do not put other gods before me
|-
|Second Commandment
|Honour your parents
|(23–24)
|Honour thy father and thy mother
|-
|Third Commandment
|Do not kill your children for fear of poverty
|(26–31)
|Do not murder
|-
|Fourth Commandment
|Do not come near indecencies, openly or secretly.
|(32)
|Do not covet thy neighbour's wife, Do not commit adultery
|-
|Fifth Commandment
|Do not take a life except justly
|(33)
|Do not murder
|-
|Sixth Commandment
|Do not come near the property of the orphan except to enhance it
| rowspan="4" |(152)
|(34)
|Do not covet his slaves, or his animals, or anything of thy neighbour
|-
|Seventh Commandment
|Give full measure and weigh with justice
|(35)
|Doesn't exist, instead there is Remember the sabbath day
|-
|Eighth Commandment
|Whenever you testify, maintain justice even regarding a close relative
|(36)
|Do not bear false witness against thy neighbour
|-
|Ninth Commandment
|Fulfil your covenant with God
|(34)
|Do not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
|-
|Tenth Commandment
|Follow God's path and not any other
|(153)
|(37–39)
|Do not make unto thee any graven image or idols neither kneel before them nor worship them
|}

===Hadith===
[[Religion:Hadith|Hadith]], which are based on reports of the teachings, deeds and sayings, silent permissions (or disapprovals) of the Islamic prophet [[Biography:Muhammad|Muhammad]], as well as various reports about Muhammad's companions, also serves as an important source for Islamic moral teachings.<ref name= Clark-283/> Some hadith cited expressing good conduct, deeds, morals in Islam, and the importance of these include:
* Narrated 'Aishah: the Messenger of Allah said: “Indeed among the believers with the most complete faith is the one who is the best in conduct, and the most kind to his family" ({{Href|tirmidhi|2612|b=yl}})<ref name="Hassan-faith">{{cite web |last1=Hassan |first1=Monique |title=Islamic Perspective on Morality |url=https://www.islamfaith.com/islamic-perspective-on-morality/ |website=Islam Faith |date=10 December 2018 |access-date=13 February 2022}}</ref>
* "Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that the Messenger of Allah, ... 'I was sent to perfect the ethical conduct'." ([[Religion:Muwatta Imam Malik|Muwatta Malik]])<ref name="Syed-2015">{{cite journal |last1=Syed |first1=Jawad |last2=Metcalfe |first2=Beverly Dawn |title=In Pursuit of Islamic akhlaq of Business and Development |journal=Journal of Business Ethics |volume= 129| pages=763–767 |date=2015|doi=10.1007/s10551-014-2130-y |s2cid=144607131 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="Muwatta Malik 47">{{cite web |last1=Muwatta Malik |title=Muwatta Malik » 47. Good Character USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 47, Hadith 8 Arabic reference: Book 47, Hadith 1643 |url=https://sunnah.com/malik/47 |website=Sunnah.com |access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref>

A "famous" hadith<ref name=JECEoI2011:215>Campo, ''Encyclopedia of Islam'', "Ethics and morality" 2009: p.215</ref> "Hadith of jibril" describes the angel Jibril ([[Biography:Gabriel|Gabriel]]) questioning Muhammad about "what is faith?" "what is Islam?" and "What is ''Ihsan'' (perfection or virtue)?", where in reply Muhammad lists the "[[Religion:Five Pillars of Islam|Five Pillars of Islam]]", the "[[Religion:Iman (Islam)#The Six Articles of Faith|Six Articles of Faith]]", and describes ''[[Religion:Ihsan|Ihsan]]'' (which Clark defines as ethics, or "virtue and including right living") thusly:
* "To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you."<ref>{{Href|bukhari|50|b=yl}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Murata |first1=Sachiko|last2=Chittick |first2=William |date= June 1998|title=The Vision of Islam |publisher=Paragon House |isbn=978-1557785169}}</ref>

===Other sources===
Besides the Quran and hadith, there are a number of other sources, (not all universally followed in Islam):
* the works of Islamic scholars and philosophers;<ref name= Clark-283/>
* Arabic virtues that predate Islam, (such as "honor, courage, loyalty, hospitality, self-control", etc.;<ref name= Clark-283/>
* the moral examples set by important Islamic personalities (such as the four rightly guided caliphs for Sunni Muslims);<ref name= Clark-283/>
* works on [[Religion:Adab (Islam)#Literature|Adab]] (i.e. etiquette, manners);<ref name= Clark-283/>
* "philosophical reflection" by the school of Islam known as the Mu`tazilites and others;
* "works of Greek ethicists", (which were translated into Arabic);<ref name= Clark-283/>
* the [[Religion:Names of God in Islam|99 names of God]], which among other qualities/attributes include names based on virtues – "the gentle, the grateful, the just, the giver, the equitable, the loving", etc.;<ref name= Clark-283/>
* Ethical values from Sufism "including humility and poverty".<ref name= Clark-283/>

===Contrast with other faith-based systems===
While Christian ethics (with its [[Religion:Original sin|original sin]]), and to a lesser extent Judiaism, focus on the "universal presence of sin and related needs of salvation", and on holy nature of asceticism  (at least in Catholicism). Fear of God has a more central place in Islam—the Quran making "over a hundred Qur'anic references to hell and judgment".  Islam highlights the awesome power of God and limits of human beings but does not portray humans as "inherently sinful or corrupt".<ref name=RHMaCE1973:389>Hindery, ''CrossCurrents'', "Muslim and Christian Ethics" Winter 1973: p.389</ref> Social action and social consciousness also have a higher importance with the doctrine of man's vicegerency on earth<ref name=RHMaCE1973:390>Hindery, ''CrossCurrents'', "Muslim and Christian Ethics" Winter 1973: p.390</ref> and the alms-tax of zakat elevated to a "pillar" of the religion.<ref name=RHMaCE1973:389/>

==History==
Some of the most important scholars who contributed to the area of moral philosophy during the Middle Ages were
* Miskawayh (d.1040),the Persian author of ''Refinement of Morality'';<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>
* Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali (d.1111),  author of ''Revival of the Religious Sciences'',<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>
* Ali ibn Hazm (d.1064) "the Andalusian man of letters".<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>
Also influential were
* Abu Yusul Yaacub al-Kindi (d.870),<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>
* Abu Bakr Muhammad al-Razi (d. ca 925),<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>
* Abu Nasr al-Farabi (d.950), Abu Ali Al-Husayn Ibn Sina (aka Avicenna, d.1037),<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>
* Muhammad Ibn Rushd (aka Averroes, d. 1198),<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>
* Nasir al-Din Tusi (d.1198).<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>
Moral philosophy as a topic of Muslim scholarly discussion "declined after the 12th century", but underwent a revival in the 19th and 20th centuries.<ref name=JECEoI2011:217/>

===Codification of Islamic ethics===
Islamic ethics was codified, based on the Qur'an and practices of Muhammad, over a period of time and in context of the practices of the Muslim community (ummah). The Quran commands every human being, in all spheres of life, to "[[Religion:Enjoining good and forbidding wrong|command the good and forbid evil]]", as spelled out by Muhammad. Another key factor in the field of Islamic ethics is the belief (as described in the Qur'an) that all mankind has been granted the faculty to discern God's will (fitrah), and thus the [[Philosophy:Moral responsibility|moral responsibility]] to submit to His will by following Islam, regardless of their environment.<ref>{{qref|7|172–173}}</ref><ref name="EncEthic">{{harvnb|Becker|Becker|1992}}</ref>

This natural inclination to obey God, is, according to the Qur'an, in conflict with another human inclination, the desire for material possessions and comforts;  first for basic survival or security, then for status in society. Ultimately, this desire results in a state of ''jahiliyya'', "heedlessness," or ignorance of mankind's responsibility to obey God.<ref name="EncEthic"/>

The establishment of Islam brought a great transformation in the society, moral order of life, [[Philosophy:World view|world view]], and the hierarchy of values in the [[Place:Arabian Peninsula|Arabian Peninsula]].

# The division of Arabs into varying tribes (based upon blood and kinship), was confronted by the ideal of a unified community, an "''[[Religion:Ummah|ummah]]''", based upon [[Religion:Taqwa|Islamic piety]].
# The acceptance of the worship of a multitude of deities besides Allah – a view challenged by strict [[Religion:Tawhid|Islamic monotheism]], which dictates that Allah has no partner in worship nor any equal;
# The trait of ''muruwwa'' (manliness), which Islam discouraged, instead emphasizing on the traits of humility and piety;
# The focus on achieving fame or establishing a legacy, which was replaced by the concept that mankind would be called to account before God on the day of resurrection;
# The reverence of and compliance with ancestral traditions, was challenged by Islam's assignment of primacy to submitting to God and following revelation.

But although pre-Islamic Arabia exemplified "heedlessness," it was not entirely without merit, and certain aspects—such as the care for one's near kin, for widows, orphans, and others in need and for the establishment of [[Philosophy:Justice|justice]]—would be retained in Islam, re-ordered in importance and placed in the context of strict [[Philosophy:Monotheism|monotheism]].<ref name="EncEthic"/>

===Politics and public policy===
According to Lenn Goodman, many medieval Muslim thinkers pursued humanistic and [[Philosophy:Rationalism|rational]] approaches in discourses regarding values.<ref>{{harvnb|Goodman|2003|p=155}}</ref> On the other hand, Roderick Hindery finds it difficult to find "humanistic values that have not been later affirmed" by Muslim (and Christian) "theologians and religious ethicians", as they  "reexamine and rewrite" their religion's "history to make it coincide with a humanistic history".<ref name=RHMaCE1973:382>Hindery, ''CrossCurrents'', "Muslim and Christian Ethics" Winter 1973: p.382</ref>

====Human rights====
Some scholars and activists have esteemed "the Islamic tradition as the highest manifestation of human right", while others have criticized the concept of “human rights” as a "western colonial invention used to oppress Muslims by making them conform to certain western norms".<ref name="Dunn-ILHR"/>
In 1990,  the [[Organization:Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] (OIC), issued the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights (CDHR),  in reply to the 1948 [[Philosophy:Universal Declaration of Human Rights|Universal Declaration of Human Rights]] (UDHR). The CDHR is based on traditional [[Religion:Sharia|sharia]] law ("shari‘a is mentioned throughout the entire document as the most authoritative source of law"), and guarantees some human rights, while denying some articles from the UDHR "dealing with gender, the family, religious freedom, and importantly, [[Social:Self-determination|self-determination]]".<ref name="Dunn-ILHR">{{cite book |last1=Dunn |first1=Shannon |editor1-first=Anver M |editor1-last=Emon |editor2-first=Rumee |editor2-last=Ahmed |title=The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Law |chapter=Islamic Law and Human Rights |chapter-url=https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199679010.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199679010-e-26 |website=Oxford Handbooks Online |year=2018 |pages=818–842 |doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199679010.013.26 |isbn=978-0-19-967901-0 |access-date=21 February 2022}}</ref>

[[Religion:Ash'arism|Ash'arism]], one of three orthodox theological schools of Sunni Islam generally denies that there are universal moral truths. Ethics are based solely on God's command, which might align with human rights by coincidence, but this isn't necessary. Therefore, many conservative Muslims doubt that human rights are beyond cultural ties or universal.<ref>Zhussipbek, G. (2021). Liberalism and Islam in Central Asia. In Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Central Asia (pp. 437–450). Routledge. p. 439</ref>

[[Religion:Maturidism|Maturidism]], another orthodox theological school of Sunni Islam, however,  overshadowed by Ash'arism in the last centuries, yet still prominent in [[Place:Central Asia|Central Asia]], adheres to [[Philosophy:Moral realism|the belief of objective morality]], which can be [[Philosophy:Ethical intuitionism|deducted through reason]].<ref>Rico Isaacs, Alessandro Frigerio Theorizing Central Asian Politics: The State, Ideology and Power Springer, 2018 ISBN 9783319973555 p. 108</ref> Thus, Muslims adhering to Maturidi theology, might possibly agree on human rights.<ref>Zhussipbek, G. (2021). Liberalism and Islam in Central Asia. In Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Central Asia (pp. 437–450). Routledge. p. 445</ref>

====Religious pluralism====
While religious minorities were not granted equality with Islam,  classical [[Religion:Sharia|Sharia]], allowed the functioning of the religious laws and courts of [[Religion:Christianity|Christian]]s, [[Religion:Jews|Jews]] and [[Religion:Hinduism|Hindus]] in lands ruled by Islam. These were usually accommodated within the Islamic legal framework, as seen in the early Caliphate, Al-Andalus, the Indian subcontinent, and the Ottoman Millet system.<ref>{{harvnb|Weeramantry|1997|p=138}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Sachedina|2001}}</ref>  Non-Muslims were allowed to engage in religious practices that were forbidden to Muslims by Islamic law. In a notable example, [[Religion:Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] practice of [[Social:Incest|incest]]uous "self-marriage" where a man could marry his mother, sister or daughter, was to be tolerated according to Ibn Qayyim (1292–1350). He based his opinion on the precedent that Muhammad had knowledge of their practices, coming in contact with them, but did not forbid such self-marriages.<ref>{{harvnb|Jackson|2005|p=144}}</ref> Religious minorities were also free to do whatever they wished in their own homes, provided they did not publicly engage in illicit sexual activity in ways that could threaten public morals.<ref>{{harvnb|Jackson|2005|p=145}}</ref>

====Freedom of expression====

Freedom of expression in Islamic history has not included the freedom to [[Religion:Islam and blasphemy|blaspheme]] (by denying any of the fundamental beliefs of Islam) or apostatize (abandoning Islam in word or through deed). According to Juan Campo, the charge of apostasy has often been used by religious authorities to condemn and punish skeptics, dissidents, and minorities in their communities.<ref name=juancampo>{{cite book|last=Campo|first=Juan Eduardo|title=Encyclopedia of Islam|year=2009|publisher=Infobase Publishing|pages=48, 174|isbn=978-0816054541}}</ref>
Expression of poetry and other literature was controlled in a number of ways in the medieval Arab Muslim world -- "from mild self-censorship to the actual execution of authors by state authorities", according to scholar Zoltan Szombathy.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Freedom of Expression and Censorship in Medieval Arabic Literature |last=Szombathy |journal=Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies|volume=7 |pages= 1–24 |date=2007 |doi=10.5617/jais.4580 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Large numbers of freethinkers  (''[[Religion:Zandaqa|Zindiq]]'') were persecuted and executed by Al-Mahdi (d. 169/785) from 779 to 786 CE.<ref name=Glasse>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=focLrox-frUC&pg=PA492|title=The New Encyclopedia of Islam|author1=Cyril Glassé|author2=Huston Smith|publisher=Rowman Altamira|page=492|isbn=9780759101906|year=2003}}</ref>

On the other hand, Amira Nowaira writes that
<blockquote> Islamic thinkers of the early medieval period expressed ideas and engaged in debates that would appear strangely enlightened in comparison with the attitudes and views adopted by modern Islamic scholarship.<ref name=Nowaira-2010>{{cite news|title=When Islamic atheism thrived |last= Nowaira |first=Amira|agency=The Guardian |date=10 May 2010 |url= https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2010/may/10/islam-freedom-expression |access-date=24 February 2022}}</ref></blockquote>  An example being the toleration of medieval physician, [[Religion:Islamic philosophy|philosopher]] and [[Chemistry:Alchemy and chemistry in medieval Islam|alchemist]] [[Biography:Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi|Abu Bakr al-Razi]] (865–925 CE), who argued that the Quran was "illogical and self-contradictory".<ref name=Nowaira-2010/>

Islamic literature also includes charming anecdotes of tolerance towards non-Muslims and others lacking in power. Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad quotes a letter by a cousin of Caliph al-Ma'mun, in which he gives permission to a Christian he was attempting to convert to speak his mind freely, as evidence that in Islam even religious controversies were not exempt from open discussion.<ref>{{harvnb|Ahmad|2002}}</ref>
In a letter written by the fourth Rashidun Caliph and first cousin of Muhammad, Ali ibn Abi Talib to his governor of Egypt, Malik al-Ashtar. The Caliph advises his governor on dealings with the poor masses thusly:
{{blockquote|text=Out of your hours of work, fix a time for the complainants and for those who want to approach you with their grievances. During this time you should do no other work but hear them and pay attention to their complaints and grievances. For this purpose you must arrange public audience for them during this audience, for the sake of Allah, treat them with kindness, courtesy and respect. Do not let your army and police be in the audience hall at such times so that those who have grievances against your regime may speak to you freely, unreservedly and without fear. [http://www.al-islam.org/nahjul/letters/letter53.htm Nahjul Balaagha letter 53]}}

====Health and medical peer review====
Because Islam views itself as a total system governing all areas, Islamic medical ethics view the patient as a whole. Classical texts speak more about "health", than "illness", showing an emphasis on prevention rather than cure.<ref name=Paladin>{{harvnb|Paladin|1998}}</ref>

The first documented description of a peer review process is found in the ''Ethics of the Physician'' by Ishaq ibn 'Ali al-Ruhawi (854–931) of al-Raha, [[Place:Syria|Syria]], where the notes of a practising Islamic physician were reviewed by peers and the physician could face a lawsuit from a maltreated patient if the reviews were negative.<ref>
{{harvnb|Spier|2002}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Al Kawi|1997}}</ref>

====Animal welfare====

Concern for the treatment of animals can be found in the Qur'an and in the teachings of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, which inspired debates over [[Philosophy:Animal rights|animal rights]] by later medieval Muslim scholars. The 10th-century work, "''Disputes Between Animals and Man''", part of the Epistles of the Brethren of Purity, has been considered a classic in this regard. Inspired by the [[Religion:Ayah|Qur'anic verse]]: "All living beings roaming the earth and winged birds soaring in the sky are communities like yourselves." ({{qref|6|38}}), the Shafi'i jurist 'Izz al-Din Ibn 'Abd al-Salam al-Sulami (d. 1262) formulated the first full-fledged charter of the rights of livestock and animals in his legal treatise ''Rules for Judgement in the Cases of Living Beings'' ({{transliteration|ar|Qawa'id al-ahkam fi masalih al-anam}}) which was based on the stories and sayings of Muhammad.<ref>{{harvnb|Sardar|2011|p=270}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Coward|1995|p=131}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Bekoff|2010|p=464}}</ref>

====Environmentalism====

A number of sources assert the benevolent attitude of Muhammad and Islam towards natural resources, conservation and wildlife.
Tom Verde writes in ''Aramco World'' that in early Islam, after Muslims established themselves in [[Place:Medina|Medina]], Muhammad surveyed the natural resources in the region—the wadis (riverbeds); the rich, black volcanic soil; the high rangelands—and decreed that they be preserved and set aside as a ''hima'' (“protected place”).<ref>{{harvnb|Verde|2008}}</ref>
Ibrahim Ozdemir writes that{{#tag:ref|"of 'Islamic environmentalism' based on Islamic tradition – rather than imported 'white saviour' environmentalism", |group=Note}} "approximately 200 verses" in the Quran are concerned with the environment—such as one stating “greater indeed than the creation of man is the creation of the heavens and the earth”.<ref name="Ozdemir-2020">{{cite news |last1=Ozdemir |first1=Ibrahim |title=What does Islam say about climate change and climate action? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/8/12/what-does-islam-say-about-climate-change-and-climate-action |access-date=25 February 2022 |agency=Al Jazeera |date=12 Aug 2020}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Among the 28 [[Religion:Hadith|hadith]]s on agriculture compiled in the "Book of Agriculture" of the ''Sahih Bukhari'' on the proper way to determine ownership, rents, cultivation of crops and sharing of harvest, are hadith on sowing seeds and planting trees.<ref name="Haq">{{harvnb|Haq|2001|pp=111–129}}</ref><ref name="Book #41">{{cite web |last1=al-Bukhari |title=Sahih al-Bukhari. Book #41, Agriculture |url=https://sunnah.com/bukhari/41 |website=Sunnah.com |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>|group=Note}}

==Traditional ''Akhlaq'' ethical system==

''Akhlaq'' is described as a system of "[[Philosophy:Virtue ethics|Virtue ethics]]" that emphasize the virtues, or moral character of the human actor involved. Virtue ethics are one of "three major approaches in [[Philosophy:Normative ethics|normative ethics]]" in human societies — the other two being "deontology", which emphasizes duties or rules, and "consequentialism", which emphasizes the consequences of actions of the human actor.<ref name="Stanford-SEoP-2003">{{cite book |title=Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy |date=July 18, 2003 |edition=Revised December 8, 2016 |url=https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/ |access-date=30 November 2021}}</ref>
Another source, (Technical University Darmstadt), describes "virtue theory" ethics as emphasizing moral education to "develop good habits of character based" on "rules like 'do not steal'," etc.<ref name="Technical University Darmstadt">{{cite web |title=ETHICS AND MORALITY, Basic Ethical Concepts |url=https://www.philosophie.tu-darmstadt.de/media/philosophie_nanobuero/pdf_2/ethicsportfolio/ethics_moralitybwnewfont.pdf |website=Technical University Darmstadt |access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref>

===Virtue and good character===
Moral Character primarily refers to the assemblage of moral qualities (virtues and vices) in an individual.
Promotion of good/virtuous character is found in the canonical texts of Islam. The Quran describes Muhammad as being 'on exalted quality of character' (Q {{qref|68|4}}), and refers to him as 'an excellent example' ({{qref|Q33|21}}) which ultimately means that the religious and moral examples, set by Muhammad, are to be followed and cultivated by the Muslims in order to construct a morally good character.<ref name=Leaman-139>Leaman, ''The Qur'an'', (2006), p. 139-143</ref> In addition, numerous sayings of Muhammad highlighted the importance of good character:
* Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said: The one with good morals and character already owns the best of this world and the Hereafter (Tabarani and Abu Dawud).<ref name= Birgivi-111/>
* Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet said: I have been sent for the perfection of character (Imam Ahmad and Bayhaqi).<ref name= Birgivi-111/>
* Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah said: A person reaches the best and most honored levels in the Hereafter as a result of good character.... And bad character condemns a person to the lowest depths of Hell (Tabarani).<ref name= Birgivi-111/>
* One can repent for any sin but bad character – because with bad character, before a person can attempt to ask forgiveness for one sin, he commits a worse (Tabarani, Isfahani).<ref name= Birgivi-111/>
There was a debate among the early Islamic moralists as to whether character could be changed to promote virtue and diminish vices.<ref name=Leaman-139/> They recognized the dual aspect of character – innate and acquired – and thus noted that with conscious practice it could be changed to a certain degree. "Just as a muscle grows stronger with exercise, character grows strong with practice ... the good act becomes easier to us each time we do it."<ref name=Leaman-139/>

Muslim moralists have discussed the importance of having a good character as well as the ways of acquiring it. [[Biography:Imam Birgivi|Imam Birgivi]], a 16th-century Muslim scholar and moralist, says that 'To cure yourself of a bad feature of character is an obligation'.<ref>Birgivi (2005), p.110</ref> Continuous practice of moral virtues and a conscious effort to internalize those qualities can lead to the formation of a morally good character.<ref name=Leaman-139/><ref>Birgivi (2005), p.108</ref> Al-Isfahani says that purification of soul means the control, not the elimination, of desires. He taught that character meant not only obeying the laws of Islam but internalizing them in your soul.<ref name=Leaman-139/> According to Birgivi, changing of character depends on such things as 'a person's wish' and 'the strength of one's understanding', and the preservation of a good character requires the avoidance of the company of evil-charactered people who indulge into indecent activities, drunkenness, and meaningless gossip.<ref name= Birgivi-111>Birgivi (2005), p.111</ref>

===Theory===
Ethics or "Disposition" is a "faculty" (''malakah''),<ref>J. Cowen p.1082 – malaka (pl. -at) trait of character, faculty, talent</ref> "a property of the soul" (''nafs''), "which comes into existence through exercise and repetitive practice" is not easily destroyed. A particular ''malakah'' may appear because of one of the following reasons:

# ''Fitrah'' (natural state): The original state in which humans are created by [[Religion:Allah|Allah]]. Muslims believe Allah determined certain aspects of their lives for which they are not accountable (e.g., their place of birth and physical appearance)<ref>J. Esposito p. 89</ref>
# 'Āda (habit): Formed by continual repetition of certain acts and creates a certain disposition.
# Practice and conscious effort: Which if persistent will eventually produce a disposition.

Although ''fitra'' produces certain dispositions, (it is thought) man can surpass nature through [[Philosophy:Free will|free will]] and effort. While dispositions caused by mental faculties (i.e., intelligence, memory, mental agility etc.) are not alterable, others dispositions can change. man's capacity to change his dispositions need not mean destroying instincts of reproduction or self-preservation, but avoiding extremes so they (the dispositions) perform their functions properly.
* "Indeed I have been sent to complete the best of character (''akhlaq'')." (Hadith of Muhammad narrated by Abu Hurairah)<ref>''[[Religion:Sahih Muslim|Sahih Muslim]]'', 6017</ref>
* "The most complete of believers in ''iman'' (faith) are those who are best in character."(Hadith narrated by [[Biology:Anas|Anas]], the brother of Abu Dharr)<ref name=tirmidhi2003>''[[Religion:Sahih al-Tirmidhi|Sahih al-Tirmidhi]]'', 2003</ref>

==='Ilm al-Akhlaq===
''ʿIlm al-Akhlaq'' is translated in English as "ethics, moral science, morals" (''ʿIlm'' being science or study).<ref name="Wehr-Searcheable-258">{{cite book |last1=Wehr |first1=Hans |title=Searcheable PDF of the Hans Wehr Dictionary |page=258 |url=https://giftsofknowledge.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/hans-wehr-searchable-pdf.pdf |access-date=29 November 2021}}</ref>
[[Biography:Al-Ghazali|Al-Ghazali]] defined ''Ilm al-Akhlaq'' as "the way to acquire the well being of the soul and to guard it against the vices".<ref name="Ibramsa">{{cite web |last1=Ibramsa |first1=Habeeb |last2=Abdul Rahim |first2=Adibah |title=UNDERSTANDING ISLAMIC ETHICS AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE ON THE CHARACTER BUILDING |url=https://www.academia.edu/28427699 |website=Academia |access-date=5 July 2022}}</ref>

The science also dwells on how the level of human virtue is determined by discipline and effort;<ref name="ISU">{{cite web |title=ISL471 Islamic Morality (Akhlaq) and Character (8) |url=http://www.csu.edu.au/handbook/handbook15/subjects/ISL471.html |website=Charles Sturt University |access-date=6 July 2022}}</ref> the movement between the extremes of human behavior, "the lowest is below beasts and the highest surpasses even the angels;"<ref name="Felicities">{{cite book |last1=Mahdi Naraqi |first1=Muhammad |title=Jami' al-Sa'adat (The Collector of Felicities) |publisher=Al-Islam |chapter=The Meaning and Origin of Akhlaq}}</ref> how 'knowledge is the thickest of veils', preventing man from seeing reality (''haqiqah'' when ethics and purification (''tazkiyah'') have not been mastered; and how by improving their akhlaq, the Muslims improve their ''[[Religion:Ibadah|Ibadah]]'' (worship).{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

===Tazkiyah al-Nafs===

''Tazkiyah al-nafs'', "is the purification of the soul from inclination towards evils and sins, and the development of its ''fitrah'' (natural unsocialized state) towards goodness, which leads to its uprightness and its reaching ''ihsaan'' [perfection or at least excellence]", according to Anas Karzoon.<ref>Karzoon (Vol.1 p.12)</ref> Scholars (such as [[Biography:Mulla Muhammad Mahdi Naraqi|Mulla Muhammad Mahdi Naraqi]]) teach that "moral virtues bring eternal happiness, while moral corruption leads to everlasting wretchedness", so that blameworthy traits (''akhlāq madhmūma'') must be purged.<ref name="Felicities"/> God will help those seeking purification: "And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." (Q.{{qref|29|69}})

===''Malakah'' of the Soul: effects & characteristics===

The soul is created devoid of traits. As one progresses through life, he develops ''malakat'' related to his lifestyle. The soul becomes accustomed to repeated behavior, which then determines actions. Noble faculties manifest moral and wise behaviour, while evil faculties manifest immorality. These faculties determine the fate in the ''Akhira''.

The [[Religion:Quran|Quran]] says:
* We have bound every human’s destiny to their neck. And on the Day of Judgment We will bring forth to each ˹person˺ a record which they will find laid open. ˹And it will be said,˺ “Read your record. You ˹alone˺ are sufficient this Day to take account of yourself.”<ref>{{Qref|17|13–14|b=y}}</ref>
* And the record ˹of deeds˺ will be laid ˹open˺, and you will see the wicked in fear of what is ˹written˺ in it. They will cry, “Woe to us! What kind of record is this that does not leave any sin, small or large, unlisted?” They will find whatever they did present ˹before them˺. And your Lord will never wrong anyone.<ref>{{Qref|18|49|b=y}}</ref>
* ˹Watch for˺ the Day when every soul will be presented with whatever good it has done. And it will wish that its misdeeds were far off. And Allah warns you about Himself. And Allah is Ever Gracious to ˹His˺ servants.<ref>{{Qref|3|30|b=y}}</ref>

===Goodness and happiness===

The aim of ''tazkiyah'' and moral development is to attain felicity and happiness. ''Tazkiyah'' causes self-knowledge and knowledge of God.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Quran,At-Tawbah:108}}</ref> Man's most consummate felicity is reflecting divine attributes. According to Qatada ibn al-Nu'man, the content soul (''an-nafs al-mutma'inna'') is, "the soul of the believer, made calm by what Allah has promised. Its owner is at complete rest and content with his knowledge of Allah's Names and Attributes..."<ref>''The Purification of the Soul'' p.71</ref>

==Norms/codes==
"Practical guidelines"<ref name=MCIfD2011:246>Clark, ''Islam For Dummies'', 2011: p.246</ref> or "specific norms or codes of behavior" for good doing<ref name=JECEoI2011:214>Campo, ''Encyclopedia of Islam'', "Ethics and morality", 2009: p.214</ref><ref name="Juan E. Campo, Encyclopedia of Islam-214">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OZbyz_Hr-eIC&dq=juan+campo%2C+Ethics+means+philosophical+reflection+upon+moral+conduct%2C+while+morality+pertains+to+specific+norms+or+codes+of+behavior%22&pg=PA214 |title=Encyclopedia of Islam |page=214 |chapter=Ethics and morality |last1=Campo |first1=Juan E.|year=2009 |publisher=Infobase |isbn=9781438126968 | access-date=21 February 2022}}</ref> based primarily on the [[Religion:Quran|Quran]] and the [[Religion:Hadith|Hadith]]<ref name="Clark-283"/>
are primarily "commonly known moral virtues" whose major points "most religions largely agree on".<ref name=MCIfD2011:246/>
They include [[Philosophy:Kindness|kindness]] (to people and animals), [[Philosophy:Charity (practice)|charity]],<ref>Leaman, ''The Qur'an'', "MORALITY", (2006), p. 415</ref> [[Philosophy:Forgiveness|forgiveness]], [[Philosophy:Honesty|honesty]], patience, [[Philosophy:Justice|justice]], respecting [[Social:Parent|parent]]s and elders, keeping promises, and controlling one's [[Social:Anger|anger]].<ref name="sunnah three">{{cite web |title=Sahih al-Bukhari » Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa) – كتاب الوصايا |url=https://sunnah.com/search?q=hypocrit+lie+promise+cheat |website=Sunnah.com |access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref>

==Ethical education and behavior==
Drawing on a cross-sectional study of Muslim youths in southern Thailand and other sources, academic Kasetchai Laeheem found that the "common behavioral problem" of a lack of Islamic ethics within Muslim societies, often leads to Muslim youths committing "sin openly" and "as a habit without shame". However, high levels of Islamic ethical behavior among Muslim youth, are often correlated with "the Islamic way of upbringing, knowledge of the religion, participation in Islamic activities, and practicing Islamic principles".<ref name="Laeheem-2018">{{cite journal |last1=Laeheem |first1=Kasetchai |title=Relationships between Islamic ethical behavior and Islamic factors among Muslim youths in the three southern border provinces of Thailand |journal=Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences |date=May–August 2018 |volume=39 |issue=2 |pages=305–311 |doi=10.1016/j.kjss.2018.03.005|s2cid=158340165 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

==See also==
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* [[Religion:Akhlaq|Akhlaq]]
* Early Islamic philosophy
* [[Religion:Ethics in religion|Ethics in religion]]
** Christian ethics
** [[Religion:Jewish ethics|Jewish ethics]]
* Islam and humanity
* [[Religion:Islam and domestic violence|Islam and domestic violence]]
* [[Biology:Islamic bioethics|Islamic bioethics]]
* [[Religion:Islamic democracy|Islamic democracy]]
* Islamic Golden Age
* Islamic sexual jurisprudence
* [[Religion:Islamic views on slavery|Islamic views on slavery]]
* [[Philosophy:Morality|Morality]]
* Peace in Islamic philosophy
* Women in Islam
}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{reflist|group=Note}}

===Citations===
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

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==External links==
* Islamic Ethics - [http://www.learndeen.org/cms/english-blog/tazkiya-an-nafs/pillars-of-islam-ethics-1 Relationship between Pillars of Islam & Development of Excellent Moral & Character]
* Islamic Human Resource Management – [https://www.scribd.com/doc/4958488/Islamic-Human-Resource-Management Islamic view of human resource management]
* [http://al-islam.org/al-tawhid/felicities/2.htm The meaning and origin of Akhlaq]
* [https://www.abuaminaelias.com/forty-hadith-on-good-character/ Forty Ahadith on Akhlaq]
* [http://www.islamtimes.org/vdci.qawct1aqvli2t.html The Path of the Wayfarer]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Islamic Ethics}}
[[Category:Islamic terminology]]

{{Sourceattribution|Islamic ethics}}