CSS 2010 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Importance of Ethical Values in Islam
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2010 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The question requires explaining the importance of ethical values in Islam with Quranic and Sunnah support, followed by a comparison between Islamic and Western moral codes. It focuses on differences in source, motivation, and accountability, divine and absolute in Islam, human-centered and relative in the West. A balanced, example-based analysis is essential.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- Ethics and Morality in the Islamic Framework
3- Importance of Ethical Values in Islam
- Ethical values as divine obligations
- Ethical values ensure justice and social balance
- Strengthening personal character and accountability
- Promotes social cohesion and peace
- Integration with worship and rituals
4- The Western Morality Code: An Overview
- Rooted in human reasoning and philosophy
- Largely secular and relativistic
- Emphasis on individual autonomy
- Progressive and adaptable
- Focus on consequences rather than divine accountability
5- Comparative Analysis: Islamic Morality vs. Western Morality
- Source and foundation
- Motivation and accountability
- Implementation and universality
6- Critical Evaluation
7- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Ethics and morality are the lifeblood of a civilised society. They shape individual character and guide collective behaviour, acting as the invisible thread that binds communities together. In Islam, ethical values are not the product of evolving cultural norms, but are divinely ordained and embedded in the faith. The Qur’an and Sunnah outline a comprehensive moral code that governs all aspects of human life, including personal, social, economic, and political spheres. On the other hand, the Western moral code, rooted in secular philosophy and human reasoning, tends to be dynamic and subject to change. By comparing these two paradigms, one can appreciate the timeless, divine nature of Islamic morality and its potential to create a just and ethical society. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Verily, I have been sent to perfect good character” (Musnad Ahmad), placing morality at the heart of his prophetic mission.
Ethics and Morality in the Islamic Framework
In Islam, morality, referred to as Akhlaq, is not peripheral but central to the faith. It stems directly from the divine will, as revealed in the Qur’an and embodied by the Prophet (PBUH). Moral conduct is seen as an expression of piety and a requirement for true faith. The Qur’an frequently links righteous deeds with belief, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), which declares, “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but [true] righteousness is… to give charity… establish prayer… fulfil promises… and be patient.” This verse underlines that true morality is not ritualistic but behavioural. The Prophet’s conduct in every sphere—whether in diplomacy, warfare, or domestic life—provides a living model of ethics in action.
Importance of Ethical Values in Islam
Ethical Values as Divine Obligations
In Islam, ethics are divine commandments. They are not negotiable or relative. Acts like truthfulness, justice, and kindness are obligatory upon every believer. Allah commands in Surah An-Nahl (16:90), “Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression.” This verse is often recited in Friday sermons, emphasising its foundational role in Islamic ethics. Upholding moral conduct is thus an act of worship and obedience to Allah.
Ethical Values Ensure Justice and Social Balance
Justice is a pillar of Islamic ethics. It transcends kinship and personal interest. The Qur’an states, “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, even against yourselves or your parents or your kin” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135). The governance of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) is often cited as a model of this moral justice, as he held even his own governors accountable and ensured that public wealth was used equitably. Ethics, therefore, serve to create a balanced and equitable society.
Strengthening Personal Character and Accountability
Islamic ethics aim to reform not just society but the individual. The Qur’an reminds in Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7–8), “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” This verse highlights individual accountability before Allah. Such a system promotes constant self-evaluation and integrity. The Prophet (PBUH) used to regularly seek forgiveness, despite being sinless, as a lesson for his followers in personal accountability and humility.
Promotes Social Cohesion and Peace
Ethics in Islam lay the groundwork for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. The Prophet (PBUH) forgave the people of Makkah upon his conquest, saying, “No blame will there be upon you today. Go, for you are free” (Ibn Hisham). This act of forgiveness transformed enemies into allies. The Qur’an commands, “And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that which is better…” (Surah Fussilat, 41:34). Ethical conduct, even towards adversaries, strengthens social bonds and reduces conflict.
Integration with Worship and Rituals
In Islam, worship and ethics are inseparable. Prayers, fasting, and zakat are not mere rituals but tools to build moral character. Allah warns, “Woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer, those who make a show [of it] and withhold simple assistance” (Surah Al-Ma’un, 107:4–7). This verse highlights that ritual without ethical substance is hollow. The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds while fasting, Allah does not need him to leave food and drink” (Bukhari), showing that ethical refinement is the core purpose of worship.
The Western Morality Code: An Overview
The Western ethical framework emerged through centuries of philosophical inquiry, emphasising logic, autonomy, and empirical observation. Thinkers such as Kant advocated duty-based ethics, while Mill proposed utilitarianism, seeking the greatest good for the greatest number. However, lacking a divine source, Western ethics are fluid and often subject to reinterpretation. For instance, what was once socially unacceptable, like same-sex marriage, is now widely legalised and embraced. The absence of divine accountability often leads to shifting standards of morality based on social consensus rather than eternal truths.
Rooted in Human Reasoning and Philosophy
Unlike Islamic ethics, which derive from divine revelation, Western morality arises from human reason. It relies on philosophical principles rather than spiritual truths. This makes it flexible but also prone to contradictions. For instance, Aristotle’s “virtue ethics” differs substantially from Nietzsche’s ideas of moral relativism. The Qur’an cautions against such speculative morality, stating, “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge…” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:36), reminding believers of the dangers of baseless reasoning.
Largely Secular and Relativistic
Western ethics are predominantly secular. They evolve in response to cultural trends and societal needs. This relativism leads to inconsistencies; what is moral in one society may be immoral in another. The Qur’an describes such moral fluidity when it says, “And if the truth had been following their desires, the heavens and the earth… would have been corrupted” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:71). Islam warns against basing morality on fluctuating desires and trends.
Emphasis on Individual Autonomy
Personal freedom is a cornerstone of Western ethics. Individuals are seen as capable of determining their moral paths. While this promotes independence, it also fosters moral subjectivity. In contrast, Islam strikes a balance between freedom and responsibility. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock” (Bukhari and Muslim), teaching that personal autonomy must be guided by ethical responsibility.
Progressive and Adaptable
Western ethics evolve with time. This progressivism allows adaptation to new challenges, but it may also compromise long-held values. For example, issues like euthanasia and abortion are morally acceptable in some societies but controversial in others. Islam, by contrast, provides consistent principles. The Qur’an says, “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you…” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3), reinforcing the finality and completeness of Islamic moral guidance.
Focus on Consequences Rather Than Divine Accountability
Utilitarianism, a dominant Western moral theory, evaluates actions based on outcomes, often ignoring intention. In Islam, both intention (niyyah) and consequence matter. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Actions are judged by intentions…” (Bukhari and Muslim). Islamic ethics teach that even seemingly small deeds, if done with sincerity, are valued by Allah, making morality deeply personal and spiritually driven.
Comparative Analysis: Islamic Morality vs. Western Morality
The most defining difference between the two frameworks lies in their sources. Islamic morality is based on divine revelation, providing a consistent and absolute ethical code. Western morality, rooted in human thought, is fluid and context-based. In terms of motivation, Islam relies on taqwa, consciousness of Allah, and accountability in the Hereafter, while the West often depends on legal enforcement or social pressure. The Qur’an says, “Fear Allah wherever you are” (Surah Al-Talaq, 65:2), making personal ethics a continuous responsibility. Furthermore, Islamic morality applies universally across all spheres, economic, political, and personal, while Western morality often compartmentalises ethics into sectors like law, business, or personal life. This comprehensive nature makes Islamic ethics a holistic framework for living.
Critical Analysis
While both Islamic and Western moral systems contribute to societal development, their foundational differences create distinct implications. Western ethics have helped formulate legal systems, civil liberties, and human rights in many parts of the world. However, the absence of spiritual grounding often leads to moral ambiguity. Islam’s ethical system, though comprehensive and divine, often struggles with proper implementation in the Muslim world due to cultural misinterpretation or weak institutional structures. The Prophet (PBUH) once warned, “Among the people before you, if a noble committed theft, they would let him go, but if a weak person committed theft, they would punish him. By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, stole, I would cut off her hand” (Bukhari), highlighting that the failure lies not in the system but in unjust implementation.
Conclusion
In essence, ethical values are the soul of any society. Islam presents a divinely revealed, universally applicable, and spiritually motivated moral framework that integrates with all aspects of life. The Western moral code, while useful in legal and social spheres, remains human-centred and ever-changing. As Muslims, understanding and embodying Islamic ethics is not only a personal duty but a societal necessity. The Qur’an affirms, “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong…” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:110). Upholding and practising Islamic ethics can restore not just personal integrity but also global justice and harmony.
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