Questions About Ethics for School Broadcasts
This article presents a series of questions and answers regarding ethics in the context of school broadcasts, as well as an exploration of the concept of ethics in Islam, its significance, and its benefits.
What is the Concept of Ethics in Islam?
Ethics in Islam refers to the principles and rules that govern human behavior, established through divine revelation to guide individuals in achieving the ultimate purpose of their existence in the most complete manner. The Islamic ethical system is characterized by two main aspects:
- First: A divine aspect, meaning that it stems from the will of Allah.
- Second: A human aspect, indicating that individuals play a role in defining this system through their actions.
Question 1: What is the name of the Prophet who was sent to perfect moral character?
Answer: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Question 2: Can you mention a Hadith from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that encourages good character?
Answer: Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about what most leads people to Paradise, to which he replied: “The fear of Allah and good character.”
Question 3: What is the most significant way to gain the love of the Prophet (peace be upon him) on the Day of Judgment?
Answer: It is through good character, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved of you to me and the nearest to me in position on the Day of Judgment will be those who have the best character.”
Question 4: What are the sources of ethics?
The primary source of ethics is the Holy Quran, while the second source is the Prophetic Sunnah.
Questions for School Broadcasts on the Importance and Benefits of Ethics
Below are a few questions and answers that highlight the importance and benefits of ethics:
How did the Prophet make the goal of his mission the promotion of good character?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “I was sent to perfect good character.” This statement emphasizes the significance of ethics, even though they may not be the primary reason for the Prophet’s mission—belief and worship hold greater importance. Nevertheless, his emphasis on ethics illustrates their critical role.
How does Islam elevate the status of good character?
Islam does not regard good character as merely a behavioral trait; rather, it is viewed as an act of worship that earns a person rewards and becomes a domain for competition among Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) made good character a fundamental criterion for virtue on the Day of Judgment, stating: “Indeed, the most beloved of you to me and closest to me on the Day of Judgment will be those with the best character. And the most despised and distanced from me on the Day of Judgment will be the talkative, the boastful, and the arrogant.” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, we know about the talkative and boastful, but who are the arrogant?” He replied, “They are the ones who are prideful.”
What evidence supports the claim that ethics are foundational to the survival of nations?
Ethics serve as a key indicator of a nation’s success or decline. A nation that experiences a collapse in its moral standards is likely to face disintegration. This is evident in the Quranic verse: “And when We intend to destroy a city, We command its affluent to be disobedient therein, and thus the decree is confirmed against it, and We destroy it with complete destruction” (Quran, Al-Isra: 16).
How do ethics promote affection and diminish enmity?
Allah states: “And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel by that [deed] which is best; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity will become as though he was a devoted friend.” (Quran, Fussilat: 34). The reality in Islam showcases numerous instances where enmities were resolved through good character, such as the reconciliations between Umar and Ikrimah and the enmity of Quraysh towards the Prophet (peace be upon him).