Jwilkies Poli Sci Paper

REL 362: Final Exam

Question No. 6- When discussing the main ethical values taught in the Qur’an I would have to fall back on the knowledge gained in class, the readings, and throughout my paper assignments. I believe the best way to explain the ethics and values taught in the Qur’an would be directly involved with the five pillars of Islam. As it is the basis or guide to believing in the faith. This commitment to believe is a commitment to live the way God intended, honorably and with a righteous manor, while still being humble, and obedient to the practices. This is clearly provided in the verse 33:35,

“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”[1]

This is a great example from the Qur’an as to how believers should live their life. The message is clear to act honorable, with good intentions and conduct. The mention of the ‘believing’, ‘obedient’ persons can be directly linked to the first two pillars in becoming a believer and practicing the religion through daily prayer and routine. The ‘being charitable’ and ‘fasting’ are also both the pillars of Islam as well.

Being honorable and truthful are points of ethics stressed throughout the Qur’an. When reading the book by Tariq Ramadan, it is made clear throughout that the Prophet Muhammed was renowned for his honorable business ethics as a merchant and was even given a nickname noting this.[2] Living as honest as one can is paramount, as described in the Quran, 16:116-117 “Do not say falsely, ‘This is lawful and that is forbidden,’ inventing a lie about God: those...