Islamic and Western approaches to social ethics share some common ground, such as the emphasis on justice and human dignity, but they differ in foundational principles, sources of morality, and societal applications. Below are key differences:

1. Foundational Sources of Ethics

• Islamic Ethics:
  • Based on divine guidance from the Qur’an and Sunnah (traditions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
  • Moral values are viewed as objective, universal, and timeless, rooted in the will of God.
  • Scholars interpret texts to address modern issues, balancing tradition with contemporary contexts (e.g., ijtihad).
• Western Ethics:
  • Often rooted in secular humanism, rationalism, and philosophical traditions like utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, or existentialism.
  • Morality is seen as subjective and evolving, often shaped by cultural, historical, and social factors.
  • Religious influence exists but tends to be secondary to human reason and societal consensus.

2. Individual vs. Collective Orientation

• Islamic Ethics:
  • Emphasizes the balance between individual rights and collective responsibilities.
  • Strong focus on the ummah (community) and the idea that individual actions affect societal harmony.
  • Encourages mutual obligations like zakat (charitable giving), enjoining good, and forbidding wrong.
• Western Ethics:
  • Often prioritizes individual autonomy, rights, and freedoms.
  • Social ethics center around protecting personal liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and choice.
  • Collective well-being is typically pursued through democratic governance and social contracts.

3. Role of Religion in Public Life

• Islamic Ethics:
  • Religion and ethics are intertwined, influencing every aspect of life, including governance, economy, and personal behavior.
  • Sharia (Islamic law) provides a comprehensive framework for ethical conduct in both private and public spheres.
  • Secularism is generally not part of traditional Islamic ethics, though interpretations of its role vary across cultures.
• Western Ethics:
  • Public life often operates on secular principles, separating religion from state governance and legislation.
  • Ethics is generally framed in terms of universal human rights and legal systems rather than religious doctrine.
  • Religious ethics may guide personal behavior but are less influential in public decision-making.

4. Approach to Justice

• Islamic Ethics:
  • Justice (adl) is a central principle, viewed as divinely mandated and encompassing both material and spiritual dimensions.
  • Emphasizes restorative justice, such as forgiveness and reconciliation, alongside punishment where necessary.
  • Accountability is ultimately to God, with an afterlife perspective shaping moral responsibility.
• Western Ethics:
  • Justice often focuses on fairness, equality, and legal rights, rooted in social contract theories and constitutional principles.
  • Emphasis on individual accountability to the law and society, with less focus on spiritual consequences.
  • Justice systems tend to prioritize punitive or retributive approaches, though restorative models are emerging.

5. Ethics in Economic and Social Relationships

• Islamic Ethics:
  • Economic ethics prioritize social equity and prohibit exploitative practices like interest (riba) and hoarding.
  • Wealth is seen as a trust from God, and ethical principles like zakat and fair trade are emphasized.
  • Family and community are central to social ethics, with clear guidelines on relationships and responsibilities.
• Western Ethics:
  • Free-market principles often dominate economic ethics, emphasizing competition, profit, and individual success.
  • Social relationships are guided by principles of consent, equality, and non-discrimination, with less prescriptive guidance on family roles.

6. Approach to Moral Relativism

• Islamic Ethics:
  • Moral values are absolute, grounded in divine revelation, with clear boundaries on permissible and impermissible actions.
  • Ethical flexibility exists within prescribed limits (e.g., contextual rulings in fiqh).
• Western Ethics:
  • Often embraces moral relativism, allowing for diverse perspectives and evolving societal norms.
  • Ethical standards can vary significantly across cultures and time periods, reflecting pluralistic views.

7. View of Human Nature

• Islamic Ethics:
  • Views humans as inherently inclined toward both good and evil (fitrah), with moral accountability tied to free will and divine guidance.
  • Striving for self-purification (tazkiyah) and God-consciousness (taqwa) is central to ethical development.
• Western Ethics:
  • Perspectives on human nature vary, from optimistic views of rationality and progress to more skeptical views of self-interest and power dynamics.
  • Ethical behavior is often framed as a result of education, reason, and societal influences.

8. Gender and Social Roles

• Islamic Ethics:
  • Promotes complementary roles for men and women, with defined rights and responsibilities.
  • Emphasizes modesty, family cohesion, and mutual respect.
• Western Ethics:
  • Generally advocates for equality in roles and opportunities, with a focus on dismantling traditional gender roles.
  • Individual choice often supersedes traditional family or societal structures.

While these differences highlight contrasting frameworks, it’s essential to note that there is significant diversity within both Islamic and Western traditions. Dialogue between these perspectives can foster mutual understanding and respect.