The pillars of the ethical theory of Muhammad Abdullah Daraz

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the ethical theory of a contemporary thinker of ethics, Muhammad Abdullah Daraz, in order to shed light on his ethical approach in the contemporary ethical theory, which is characterized by the transition from merely focusing on practical ethics only, as was prevailing among the ancient moralists, to dealing with both theoretical and practical ethics. To achieve this objective, the method of analysis and discussion was followed. This resulted in a number of findings. Highlighting Daraz's theoretical strength in the ability to establish a contemporary Islamic ethical theory, whose principles are summarized in five pillars: moral obligation, ethical responsibility, penalty, intention and motives, and creative effort, in addition to raising the question of the theoretical framework of contemporary Islamic ethical thought. Daraz excelled in approaching this question, as he produced an integrated theory of theoretical ethics, which is worthy of being an epistemological basis and a theoretical framework for ethical studies in contemporary Islamic thought. Sheikh Daraz presented all his ideas of his ethical theory in his book: "The Constitution of Ethics in the Qur'an". He developed the principles of his theory from the Qur’an, without being influenced by Persian and Greek theories, as was the case with ancient and modern theoreticians.