CSS 2010 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Faith and Ethics are Closely United
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 explores the connection between faith (Iman) and ethics (Akhlaq) in Islam, highlighting their close unity. Despite this, Islamic societies face moral disarray. It prompts an analysis of why ethical standards often fall short, examines root causes, and discusses potential solutions to restore the ethical integrity prescribed by Islam.
Outline
1-Introduction
2–Quranic and Prophetic Emphasis on Ethical Conduct as a Reflection of Faith
3-Contemporary Disconnection between Faith and Ethical Practice in Muslim Societies
4-Root Causes Behind the Ethical Crisis in Islamic Societies
- Lack of sincere internalisation of Islamic values
- Failure of religious education to develop moral character
- Influence of political, economic, and cultural corruption
5-Consequences of Ethical and Moral Disintegration
- Social injustice, extremism, and trust deficit
- Weak institutions and a declining global image of Muslims
6-Islamic Solutions to Reconnect Faith and Ethics
- Revival of character-based Islamic education
- Role of leaders, scholars, and media in ethical transformation
- Need for self-accountability (Tazkiyah) and collective reform
7-Critical Evaluation
8-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
In Islam, faith (Iman) and ethics (Akhlaq) are intricately linked, forming the core of a believer’s life and guiding their actions. The teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah emphasize that one’s ethical conduct is a direct reflection of one’s faith. However, despite these clear teachings, contemporary Islamic societies are grappling with moral and ethical disarray, where societal issues such as injustice, corruption, and social instability have become prominent.
Quranic and Prophetic Emphasis on Ethical Conduct as a Reflection of Faith
The Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer clear guidance on the unity of faith and ethics. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Indeed, the believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith.” (Al-Anfal, 8:2). This verse illustrates the deep connection between faith and righteous action. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasized this by stating, “The best of you are those with the best character.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). In both the Qur’an and Hadith, ethical behavior, including honesty, justice, and kindness, is presented as a manifestation of genuine belief in Allah and His Messenger.
Contemporary Disconnection between Faith and Ethical Practice in Muslim Societies
Despite the Quranic and Prophetic emphasis on the unity of faith and ethics, many contemporary Muslim societies exhibit a disconnect between religious belief and ethical practice. A large number of people may perform religious rituals such as prayer and fasting, but fail to exhibit high moral standards in their daily lives. This disconnection is evident in practices such as dishonesty in business, a lack of justice in society, and widespread corruption in government systems. Faith, in this sense, has become more of a ritualistic exercise rather than a driving force for ethical transformation, leading to the degradation of societal values.
Root Causes Behind the Ethical Crisis in Islamic Societies
Lack of Sincere Internalization of Islamic Values
One primary reason for the ethical crisis is the failure to internalize Islamic values deeply. Many individuals view Islamic teachings as external rules to follow without understanding their deeper spiritual and moral significance. As a result, while outward practices may conform to Islamic principles, internalization of these values in one’s character is often absent.
Failure of Religious Education to Develop Moral Character
Moreover, religious education, though widespread in many Muslim societies, often focuses more on rote memorization of texts rather than developing a deep understanding of ethical behavior. The lack of a character-building framework in the education system means that students may grow up with knowledge of Islamic laws without understanding the moral reasoning behind them or how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
Influence of Political, Economic, and Cultural Corruption
Furthermore, political and economic corruption has further exacerbated the ethical decline in Muslim societies. Leaders often fail to embody the moral values prescribed by Islam, and a lack of transparency, injustice, and dishonesty mark the political systems that govern many Muslim-majority countries. Additionally, globalization and the cultural impact of the West have led to the erosion of traditional Islamic ethical norms, with many Muslims adopting secular values that contradict the core teachings of Islam.
Consequences of Ethical and Moral Disintegration
The breakdown of ethics in Islamic societies has far-reaching consequences. Social injustice has become rampant, with the poor and vulnerable often marginalized and exploited. Extremism has also found a breeding ground, where individuals, disillusioned by the failure of ethical leadership, resort to violence and radical ideologies. The trust deficit in institutions has widened, leading to political instability and poor governance. Furthermore, the decline in ethical standards has tarnished the global image of Muslims, contributing to misconceptions about Islam in the international community.
Islamic Solutions to Reconnect Faith and Ethics
Revival of Character-based Islamic Education
To address this crisis, a revival of character-based Islamic education is essential. This education should focus on instilling values such as honesty, justice, kindness, and humility, alongside knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence. Schools and institutions should emphasise the practical application of these values in daily life, demonstrating how faith can guide ethical behaviour.
Role of Leaders, Scholars, and Media in Ethical Transformation
Leaders, scholars, and media figures have a pivotal role in reshaping the moral fabric of society. Islamic leaders must serve as role models, embodying the virtues of faith and ethics in their personal and public lives. Scholars should focus on delivering sermons and lectures that not only address legal matters but also emphasize the moral teachings of Islam. Media can be used as a powerful tool to disseminate these ethical messages to a broader audience, especially to counter the negative portrayals of Islam in the mainstream media.
Need for Self-Accountability (Tazkiyah) and Collective Reform
At the individual level, self-accountability, or Tazkiyah—the process of purifying one’s soul—should be emphasized. Muslims must engage in self-reflection and strive to align their actions with the ethical teachings of Islam. Additionally, collective reform is necessary, where communities, governments, and organizations work together to restore ethical integrity in society, ensuring that justice, equity, and the rule of law are upheld.
Critical Evaluation
While the solutions proposed above are valuable, they also have their challenges. The political and economic corruption entrenched in many Islamic societies may resist reform, and the global influence of secularism can make it difficult to restore traditional Islamic values. Furthermore, the fragmented nature of Muslim societies and the diversity of interpretations of Islam can complicate efforts for collective ethical reform. Nonetheless, the holistic approach of integrating personal, social, and institutional reforms offers a comprehensive path forward.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the disarray observed in many Islamic societies despite the close unity between faith and ethics in Islamic teachings highlights a fundamental crisis in the application of Islamic values. The solution lies in a multifaceted approach, including a revival of character-based education, leadership, and media-driven ethical campaigns. By re-aligning faith with ethics and internalizing these values, Muslim societies can restore justice, equity, and social harmony, thus fulfilling the ethical mandates set forth by Islam.
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