Learning Outcomes At the end of this lecture, you should be able to:
Define Defi ne ethics from the Islamic perspective Explain the source and origin of the Islamic ethical system Describe the concept concept of Islamic Isl amic worldview worldview Explain the five axioms of Islamic ethical philosophy and their importance to a Muslim’s life Explain the Islamic perspective of the relationship between firms and their stakeholders Explain some prohibited matters in business transactions
Islamic ethics
Islamic ethics can be defined as:
“a set of universal standards s tandards of right ri ght or wrong that prescribe the th e acceptable acceptable or unacceptable human conduct as highlighted in i n the Quran and shown by the exemplary life of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh” pbuh”
In a nutshell, Islamic Isl amic ethics represent represent all virtuous deeds (al’amal assalih assalih) in in one’s one’s personal life li fe and professional life. Islamic ethics are absolute in nature natu re – to be observed in all situations, situat ions, dealings and roles in i n one’s one’s life.
Integrates the inner and outer aspects of an individual’s life (Ibn. Manzur, 1990 : 86; Miqdad Yald Ya ldin in,, 19 1973 73..
It concerns individual physica ical development with priority on the soul development which is crucial to the individual’s behaviour and character development.
Sources and Origins of Islamic Ethics
There are two primary sources of Islamic ethics:
Al Quran
A divine book of revelation that comprises verbatim and unalterable words of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad pbuh or reports about the recorded sayings, personal teachings, character, deeds, actions and practices of Prophet Muhammad pbuh in personal and public life that exemplify the teachings of Islam Hadiths
Sunnah
They provide complete guidance for Muslims to live their life. Decisions that are based on the Quran and Sunnah are deemed ethical.
Developing the correct worldview is important.
God-centered Worldview vs Secular Worldview which separates world and religious affairs;
The importance of integrating worldly affairs with religion. Islam as a way of life.
Islamic Worldview and Ethical System
Worldview is defined as a ‘set of implicit and explicit assumptions about the origin of the universe and the nature of life’. It refers to how man perceives and explains the reality regarding the existence of the universe and their role in it. Islamic Worldview
It is derived from the Al-Quran and founded on the fact that Islam is a religion and also a way of life in which Muslims must pay attention to the world, the Hereafter and the Day of Judgement.
Core Ideas of Islamic Worldview
Unity of God – Allah is the one and only Creator and Sovereign of the entire universe. Man are as vicegerents of Allah on earth and must worship and obey Allah, who is the cause and end of everything. Man should aim for everlasting life after death. Man is accountable to Allah for which He will judge him based on his actions in life. Disobedience will result in corruption and disorder in the world. Allah has chosen a few humans as Prophets (peace be upon them) to show others the right path to live in the world. All Prophets carried the same message –to worship only Allah and to obey his commandments. Muhammad pbuh was the only one that Allah commanded to lead the entire humanity. He was the last of all Prophets.
The Link Between Islamic Worldview and Ethical System
The Islamic worldview sets the foundation for four vital principles in the Islamic ethical system. Tawheed
Khalifah
Taqwa ‘ abd
Four Principles of the Islamic Ethical System Tawheed
Belief in the unity of Allah. The first and foremost requirement to embrace the Islamic faith.
Taqwa
All-inclusive, inner consciousness of one’s duty and accountability toward Allah. It is a quality of human beings that is related to the state of the heart. It results in pious behaviour – to be accountable and fear of reprisals of Allah.
Four Principles of the Islamic Ethical System ‘ abd
Khalifah Someone who carries out his or her role as the Khalifah (vicegerency) of Allah on earth. As a Khalifah, we must strive to do the right thing and avoid doing harm. We must also obey Allah, make a good society and take care of this world.
This means servants of Allah. As servants, we have to follow and obey His rules in all of our dealings. Our way of life must be within the boundaries of Shari’ah – life is a worship.
Axioms of Islamic Ethical Philosophy Unity
Allah is one and only Creator of the earth and universe. Requires total submission of man to Allah.
Equilibrium
Allah created this world in perfect balance and harmony. Actions must be based on justice and maintenance of social harmony.
Free will
Man has freedom to live his life but it must be exercised within the bounds of Shari’ah. Man must fullfil various types of responsibilities in life.
Responsibility Every action will be accounted for in the Day of Judgement. Benevolence
Man must strive to show act of kindness toward other beings by doing things that benefits others and mankind.
Responsibility of a Khalifah
Responsibility to Allah – unwavering faith on the unity of Allah and obey all his rulings. Responsibility to Himself – have a good life by making the right choices that are in accordance with Shari’ah. Responsibility to Society – to foster brotherhood, peace and harmony in the society. Responsibility to the Environment – to use natural resources in accordance with the will of Allah and prevent destruction of the environment.
Humans as special creations of God (Syed Othman Alhabshi & Aidit Hj. Ghazali, 1994). The concept of khalifah . Human beings are therefore in a unique position to be a guardian. Islamic ethical system - four axioms or maxims i.e. Islam, Iman, Ihsan and Taqwa (Beekun and Badawi, 1999) It concerns individual physical development with priority on the soul development, crucial to the individual’s behaviour and character development (Noorazzah Kamri, 2010). The values of the soul are universal and consistent without having to separate human, physical and spiritual values determined by Allah SWT. These values shall remain unaffected by changes in external conditions and circumstances of life (al Maududi, 1978:36)
The foundation of the Islamic ethical system is Al Quran and the Prophet’s tradition or Sunnah. Humans have three main responsibilities: to make himself/ herself good; to help others be good and to make the physical world good. One cannot preach goodness if he or she does not personally embody goodness. The Islamic ethical system thus requires a Muslim to totally submit to the Creator, seek from Him guidance and give the best to fellow humans as a khalifah on Earth. Islamic knowledge is pertinent above all other forms of knowledge, to enable a Muslim to lead a life of taqwa or piety.
How can we apply Islamic Ethics in the Business World? Refer Chapter 11 of Textbook
Religious values Taqwa (God conscience), Gratitude, Ihsan (benevolence), Tawakkal, Muhasabah (self evaluation), Justice, Amar makruf nahi munkar (promoting good and forbidding evil).
Professional Values
Education, Skill, Honesty, Punctuality, Trustworthy, Syura( consultation).
Personal Values
Accountability, Moderation, Excellence, Patience, Tolerance, Humble, Salam.
Quality Values Quality, productivity, Itqan (i.e. the level of quality work), Istiqamah (i.e. being straight and steadfast/commi tment), Efficiency, Creativity, Innovation, Collectivity , Ihsan (benevolence i.e. being kind and helpful)
(Source: Paper “ The Role of Islamic Ethics in Organizations: An Experience in Malaysia Norazzah Kamri and
“ Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (Al-Mu’minun 23:115)
