Ethics in Islamic civilization

Written by Dr. Ragheb Elsergany

Importance of ethics and values in Islamic civilization

ethicsEthics and values are the moral or spiritual aspect of the Islamic civilization. They are also the essence and basis for any civilization. In the meantime, they ensure the secret of their survival and resilience throughout the history and generations. If this aspect disappears one day, man will lose his moral warmth, which is the spirit of life and existence; mercy will quit his heart; his conscience will not be able to play its role; he will no longer know the truth of his existence and himself; and he will be bound with material restrictions, from which he can not escape.

Ancient civilizations and ethics

Ancient and contemporary civilizations had no major contribution or prominent role in ethics and values, as proved by Western scholars and thinkers. English writer Jude says: The modern civilization has no balance between power and morality, as morality is more backward than science. Natural science has given us a formidable power, but we use it with the mind of children and monsters … Backwardness is a human error in understanding the truth of his position in the universe, and in denying the world of values, which include goodness, right and beauty”[1]. Alexis Carrel says: In modern city we seldom see individuals adopting a moral ideal, although the beauty of ethics outweighs science and art, as it is the basis of civilization.”[2]

In fact, the aspect of ethics and values was given its full right only in the Islamic civilization, which was basically established on values and morals, and its prophet was sent especially to perfect morals after they were fragmented, dispersed and neglected by nations and civilizations.

These ethics and values did not result from intellectual development over centuries, but they were revealed by Allah (be He Exalted) and enacted by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him). So, they were enshrined by the Islamic law fifteen centuries ago.


[1] Quoting Anwar Al-Jindi: Muqadimat Al-Ulum wa Al-Manahij (Introductions to science and curricula), 4/770.

[2] Alexis Carrel: Man, the unknown, p 153.

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