Al-Akhlaq (Ethics) Perceptions in Islam: A Textual Interpretation through Imam Muhammad Al-Ghazali

• Main Authors: Mohammed Muneer'deen, Olodo Al-Shafi'i, Mohd Safri, Ali, Engku Ibrahim, Engku Wok Zin, Abdulsoma, Thoarlim
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: BJ Ethics; BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc
• Online Access: http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/1103/1/FH03-FKI-18-12645.pdf; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/1103/
• Institution: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin

Islam contains a general code of conduct; there is neither much doubt nor disagreement on this. That Islam as both a religion and way of life encompasses all religious issues and affairs affecting human’s life is also a fact unchallenged by those of consummate mind. One important aspect of all facets of Islamic discussions, that upon which all arguments sprout and agreements are either diverged and/or reached, that which for its effectiveness also relies on intellectual foundation, is al-Akhlaq (the Ethic). Ethic cum conduct is pertinent in Islamic religious facets. It could be interpreted in many ways and forms; its perception differs from one to the other, and sometimes within an individual, but seldom from one religion to the other. This is an area on which the paper is concentrated. This paper thus seeks to explore the meaning of ethics and the perceptions it has in Islam through the major writings of Imam Muhammad al-Ghazali, an undeniably sounding ethical name among all noble Muslim scholars. It is also the aim of the study to expatiate the importance of ethic in jurisdiction according to al-Ghazali. The study commonly employs qualitative library approach in collecting and analyzing the data. The study maintains that al-Ghazali’s concept of ethics, if carefully applied on most contemporary issues, suffice and proffer long-lasting solutions to various problems intellectually, mechanically, and technically facing the Muslim nations.