"ETHICAL FOUNDATIONS AND CIVILIZATIONAL FRAMEWORKS: THE ROLE OF MORALITY IN SHAPING ISLAMIC SOCIETY"
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63878/aaj749Keywords:
Islamic civilization, Islamic ethics, moral architecture, justice in Islam, Islamic governance, prophetic ethics, Islamic philosophy, ihsan, adl, amanah, maqasid al-shariah, Islamic institutions, Muslim society.Abstract
The development of Islamic civilization has historically been rooted in a moral and ethical framework that transcends mere legalism and political structures, embodying a comprehensive vision of human existence. Ethics in Islam is not confined to individual piety but extends into the collective, influencing governance, education, commerce, family life, and social justice. This paper examines the central role of morality as an organizing principle in shaping the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural architecture of Islamic society. By drawing on the Qur’an, Hadith, and the intellectual traditions of classical scholars such as Al-Farabi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Khaldun, the study explores how ethical imperatives translated into civilizational patterns of behavior, law, and social institutions. The concept of akhlaq (character and virtue) served as a unifying force that informed jurisprudence (fiqh), spiritual development (tasawwuf), and political philosophy, ensuring that civilization was not only materially advanced but also spiritually anchored.
Furthermore, the paper investigates how ethical principles functioned as a safeguard against moral decline, offering resilience and adaptability in times of social and political upheaval. In doing so, it argues that Islamic civilization’s enduring strength lay in its integration of the sacred and the social, where morality structured both private conduct and public policy. By engaging with contemporary challenges, including globalization, technological advancement, and ethical relativism, the study underscores the continuing relevance of Islamic moral philosophy in shaping modern societies. Ultimately, this research posits that the architecture of Islamic civilization is best understood not merely as historical structures and institutions, but as a living moral framework that continues to guide and inspire Muslim communities in their pursuit of justice, harmony, and human flourishing.
