Key differences between Islamic and Western approaches to ethics:
*Islamic Approach:*
1. Divine origin: Ethics based on Quran and Hadith.
2. Absolute moral standards.
3. Focus on intentions and consequences.
4. Emphasis on duties and obligations (fard).
5. Collective responsibility.
6. Importance of justice (adl) and compassion (rahma).
7. Consideration of hereafter (akhirah).
*Western Approach:*
1. Human reason and philosophy.
2. Relative moral standards.
3. Focus on individual rights and freedoms.
4. Emphasis on autonomy and self-determination.
5. Individual responsibility.
6. Importance of happiness and well-being.
7. Primarily concerned with worldly life.
*Key differences:*
1. Source of morality (divine vs. human).
2. Moral absolutism vs. relativism.
3. Focus (intentional vs. consequential).
4. Prioritization (duties vs. rights).
5. Scope (collective vs. individual).
6. Timeframe (hereafter vs. worldly life).
*Shared values:*
1. Respect for human dignity.
2. Importance of justice.
3. Value of compassion.
4. Truthfulness.
5. Fairness.
Despite differences, Islamic and Western ethics share common ground. Understanding both perspectives fosters dialogue and cooperation.
References:
– Quran and Hadith
– Islamic scholars (e.g., Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd)
– Western philosophers (e.g., Aristotle, Kant)
– Comparative ethics studies
Keep in mind that Islamic ethics encompass Shariah law, while Western ethics encompass various philosophical traditions.