19-09-2012, 12:45 PM
Axioms of Islamic Ethical Philosophy
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Unity
Related to the concept of Tawhid and is the political, economic, social, and religious aspects of man’s life from a homogenous whole, which is consistent from within, as well as integrated with the vast universe without. This is the vertical dimension of Islam. The most important aspect (la ilahailla Allah), being that a Muslim will obey and observe God’s law. As such no Muslim should discriminate against his employees, suppliers, buyers, or any other stakeholder on the basis of race, color, sex, or religion. "O men! Behold! We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know one another. (Qur’an 49:13) In essence the implication is that this equality of biological origin is reflected in the equality of the human dignity common to all.
Also, the Muslim should not be coerced into unethical practices, since he has Allah to fear and love. “Wealth and children are an adornment of this world’s life; but good deeds, the fruit whereof endures forever, are of a greater merit in thy Sustainer’s sight, and a far better source of hope”. (Qur’an 18:13)
Equilibrium
Related to the concept of ‘adl and is a sense of balance of the various aspects of a man’s life mentioned above in order to produce the best social order. This sense of balance is achieved through conscious purposes and is the horizontal dimension of Islam and relates to the all-embracing harmony in the universe. As Allah says; “Behold, everything We have created in due measure and proportion" (Qur’an 54:49).
The property of equilibrium is more than a characteristic of nature; it is a dynamic characteristic that each Muslim must strive for in his or her life. Allah stresses the need for balance and equilibrium when He labels the Muslim ummah as ummatunwasatun. To maintain a sense of balance between those who have and those who have not, Allah stresses the importance of giving and condemns the practice of conspicuous consumption: “And spend freely in God’s cause, and let not your own hands throw you into destruction; and persevere in doing good: behold, God loves the doers of good" (Qur’an 2:195).
The principal of equilibrium or balance applies both figuratively and literally in business. For example, Allah admonishes Muslim businessmen to; “And give full measure whenever you measure, and weigh with a balance that is true: this will be [for your own] good, and best in the end" (Qur’an 17:35). It is interesting that another meaning of the term ‘adl is justice and equity. As can be seen in the above ayat, a balanced transaction is also equitable and just.
Free Will
To a certain degree man has been given the free will to steer his own life as Allah’s vicegerent on earth. Notwithstanding the fact that he is completely regulated by the law governing Allah’s creation, he has been endowed with the ability to think and form judgments, to adopt whatever course of life he wishes, and, most importantly, to act in accordance with whatever code of conduct he chooses. Unlike other creatures in Allah’s universe, he can choose how ethically or unethically he will behave.
Based on the axiom of free will, man has the freedom to make a contract and either honor it or break it. A Muslim who has submitted to the will of Allah, will honor all contracts. As Allah tells us; “O you who have attained to faith! Be true to your covenants!” (Qur’an 5:1) In other words, be true to your contracts and honor your contracts and commitments.