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SOCIAL ETHICS OF HOLY QUR'AN.
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Examines relationship between religious doctrine & social ethics based on standards for conduct (prayer, purity, honesty), rewards for virtuous & punishment for wicked.... More...
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Paper Abstract:
Examines relationship between religious doctrine & social ethics based on standards for conduct (prayer, purity, honesty), rewards for virtuous & punishment for wicked.

Paper Introduction:
INTRODUCTION A connection exists between religious doctrine and social ethics in the Holy Qur'an because one of the goals of Islam is the establishment of a holy, organized society. Ideally, this society would be based on eternal principles of righteousness and fair dealing, cleanliness and sobriety, honesty and helpfulness. The moral code in the Qur'an is an attempt to put these principles into concrete form, to create a complete system of religion that suits the times and circumstances, and the varying needs of the average individual. The laws governing human conduct in the Qur'an define both social and economic justice, and the pursuit of a good life in society. The Qur'anic code of social ethics sets forth spiritual guidelines regarding lawful and unlawful actions, and rewards for

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Thisbrotherhood is considered impossible to achieve without moral codes thatare both explicit and strict.CONCLUSION The code of social ethics in the Qur'an was written for thebetterment of humanity. Woman are required to observe certain strict guidelines concerningclothes, ornaments and attitudes towards men. If they do not they will be at war withAllah. The Qur'an is a living, dynamic document that servesas a refuge in a world characterized by disorder and immorality. Works CitedAyoub, Mahmoud. The attainment of universal brotherhood is the goal. Selections from the Koran. The Qur'an also lays emphasis on honest dealing. The moral code in the Qur'an is an attempt to putthese principles into concrete form, to create a complete system ofreligion that suits the times and circumstances, and the varying needs ofthe average individual. The Qur'an was revealed through the Prophet Muhammad, and much of therevelation resulted from specific personal or social problems that theProphet encountered. In writing the Qur'an, Muhammad set out to abolishthe abuses and immorality that were rampant in contemporary Arab society,and that the Prophet envisioned would exist in the future as well. For this reason, in some way it had toreflect the problems of society directly and concretely" (Ayoub 18). The human body isconsidered to be an outward sign of the inward state, thereforecommandments are given regarding physical cleanliness. The Qur'an and Its Interpreters, Vol 1. By converting thesethree evil deeds (idolatry, homicide and fornication) into good deeds, thesinner will be forgiven, and even transformed: "And they who do not callupon another god with Allah and do not slay the soul, which Allah hasforbidden except in the requirements of justice, and (who) do not commitfornication; and he who does this shall find a requital of sin" (Shah 84). Economic justice is equally important to avoid the creationof a society polarized into haves and have-nots. Excessive drinking and gambling are likewise destructive to acommunity, and the Qur'an discusses these vices as well. Although the code of socialconduct in the Qur'an seems excessively strict to some observers, it is theveritable Word of God to the Muslim. Muslims areexhorted to have respect for one another at all times: "and do not findfault with your own people nor call one another by nicknames; evil is a badname after faith, and whoever does not turn, these it is that are theunjust" (Shah 89-9 ). A number of rules of social behavior regarding women appear in theQur'an. The Qur'an itself is considered an entity with the power to protectMuslims from straying off the path of righteousness and from predatoryindividuals who have no knowledge of God. Commandments are also given regarding quarreling,both within marriage and in the community. The laws governing human conduct in the Qur'andefine both social and economic justice, and the pursuit of a good life insociety. Albany: StateUniversity of New York Press, 1984.Rahman, Fazlur. In Muslim countries the observance ofRamadan is an important social event which creates strong bonds betweenfamilies and communities. Thedevout Muslim can expect to prosper because God, who is in control of allthings, sees and will reward generously. The Qur'an forbids usury, which is the increase or addition to moneyby means of interest. In general, the Qur'an gives menauthority over women. Therefore, creditors must renounce part of theirclaim which consists of usury. Social justice is important because withoutconsideration for fellow human beings, society would lack order andcohesiveness. A key feature of the Qur'an is its emphasis on prayer. Creditors also must grant relief to debtors who are in difficulty,but it would be better for them to waive their claim altogether as an actof charity: "And if (the debtor) is in straitness, then let there bepostponement until (he is in) ease; and that you remit (it) as alms isbetter for you, if you knew" (Shah 3 ). The specific rules laid down generally fall within theheadings of conscience, virtue, honor, loyalty, and the sense of duty andresponsibility: "Thus, besides being an ethical guide and a handbook ofmorality, the Koran is also a book of good manners and an authority on thehumanities" (Shah vii). Chicago: University of ChicagoPress, 1979.Shah, Sirdar Ikbal Ali. The Qur'an teaches thatmoral disorder prevails whenever humans do not conscientiously strive formoral order: "the Qur'an emerges as a document that from the first to thelast seeks to emphasize all those moral tensions that are necessary forcreative human action" (Rahman 35). Impurity, in the moral sense, is strictlycondemned in the Qur'an. Muslims areexpected to abide by the principle of giving a full measure and weight.The person who violates this rule becomes subject to the wrath of God. Among these are rules against gossip and mocking others. Muslims are urgedto reflect on whether these practices bring them closer to God: "They askyou about intoxicants and games of chance. The godless, the sinner, and the wicked areconsidered impure. The Qur'an was intended to provide an answer for every social andeconomic dilemma encountered in daily living. INTRODUCTION A connection exists between religious doctrine and social ethics inthe Holy Qur'an because one of the goals of Islam is the establishment of aholy, organized society. Regarding misconduct, a special treatment is reserved for the threecrimes of idolatry, homicide and fornication, all of which are consideredparticularly detestable. Throughout the period of thepilgrimage, certain rites are to be observed, such as putting on thepilgrim's garment, not shaving the head, or indulging in obscenities.Ritual acts are observed as well, e.g., circumambulating the Ka'ba orpraying at certain specified locations. Muhammad himself is considered to be the model ofsocial conduct: "Muhammad's moral intuitive perception rose to the highestpoint and became identified with the moral law itself" (Rahman 33).DISCUSSION The Qur'an is divided into 114 Chapters, known as Suras. Islam, 2nd edition. For this reason, the devoutMuslim is the avid reader of the Qur'an and memorizes verses so that theywill be readily available in time of need: "the Koran, according to theMoslem code, supplies sound direction for all the affairs and perplexitiesof life" (Shah vii). Fasting involves not only abstaining from food and drink but alsofrom sexual intercourse as well. Fasting is likewise one of the religious duties of the Muslim. Throughoutthe Qur'an there are moral injunctions, describing what a Muslim should orshould not do. By living in accordance with Qur'anicprinciples, Muslims seek to minimize discord and maximize cooperation insociety. The quality of pureness isattributed to objects which are considered to be sacred, such as the leavesof the Qur'an and to things ritually or legally permitted, such as certainfoods: "This day (all) the good things are allowed to you, and the food ofthose who have been given the Book is lawful for you and your food islawful for them" (Shah 49). Say: In both of them there isa great sin and means of profit for men, and their sin is greater thantheir profit" (Shah 23). The range of moral issues addressed in the Qur'an is trulycomprehensive. Several historical or legendary women arementioned in the Qur'an in different contexts to provide guidance on howMuslim women should conduct themselves. The Qur'an teachesthat God loves those who make themselves pure. London: OctagonPress, 198 .----------------------- 7 Another religious duty of the Muslim is to make a pilgrimage to theKa'ba (the House of Allah) at Mecca. The virtuous Muslim does not allow impure urgesto come between his or her relationship with God. The Qur'an does not, however,forbid trade, and the expectation of receiving profit from labor. The Muslim isexhorted to pray regularly: early morning, afternoon, late afternoon, duskand night. Recognizing that this obligation could be difficult to adhereto in times of military confrontation, the Qur'an provides for socialcooperation, dividing the congregation into two parties, allowing one partyto pray while the other keeps watch: "then when they have prostratedthemselves let them go to your rear, and let another party who have notprayed come forward and pray with you, and let them take their precautionsand their arms" (Shah 47). It also consists of religiousobservance obligations, such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. Notonly are Muslims enjoined to be honest in business transactions, thisexpectation applies to dealings with orphans and women as well: "men shallhave the benefit of what they earn and women shall have the benefit of whatthey earn" (Shah 46). The Qur'anic code of social ethics sets forth spiritual guidelinesregarding lawful and unlawful actions, and rewards for the virtuous andthreats of punishment for the wicked. The Qur'an places special emphasis on purity. Women are commanded to lowertheir gaze, guard their chastity, and cover their bodies from all excepttheir immediate male relatives. On the one hand, emphasis is placed on thepunishment that will occur to the sinner in this life and the next; on theother hand, the virtues of repentance are extolled. Theperiod for fasting is the whole month of Ramadan, from daybreak untilsunset. TheQur'an is explicit in these principles because of the moral tension thatexists in daily living: "[The Qur'an] is therefore deeply involved withthe daily life of Muslim society. Ideally, this society would be based on eternalprinciples of righteousness and fair dealing, cleanliness and sobriety,honesty and helpfulness. The Qur'an gives various commandments regarding general socialbehavior that might prove detrimental to the unity of the Muslim community.

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