Theodicy And Ethics Within Islam

Theodicy and Ethics within Islam

Critically analyzing and reflecting upon the concept of Theodicy and Ethics, one may interpret these two concepts to have great influence upon the significance of Islam. The functions of these two concepts are to further broaden one's understanding of Islam. Both concepts are essential to learning about the Islamic way of life. Moreover, in Islam theodicy and ethics serve as the basis of the problem of evil, right and wrong, the principle of taklif, practicing forgiveness, and many other doctrines. Muslims render the Qur'an to be their foundation of morality. In this reflection paper, the problem of evil and the basis for moral action will be used to further supplement our perception of Islam.

The concept of Theodicy, however new to my understanding of world religions, is actually quite intriguing. In Islam, the problem of evil stems from free will and human imperfection. If it was the will of God that man be right or wrong there would be no punishment, no heaven or hell. In addition, it's the person's choice whether he or she does wrong so Allah may judge their actions at the end of time to determine their destiny in the afterlife. The Five Pillars of Islam which include: Shahada (the profession of faith), fasting in the month of Ramadan, Alms giving, pilgrimage to Mecca, and praying five times a day, are practices essential to Islam. Nevertheless, God is all-merciful, thus, He takes into consideration a Muslim's ability to perform these essentials.

The doctrine of taklif defines that life is a test for the adherents of Islam. Man is capable of accepting his responsibility. It constitutes for his cosmic significance. On the other hand, if man were to refute these responsibilities than he would be walking in the steps of Satan. Therefore, to relieve oneself of evil and cleanse the body of impurities, one would have to accept responsibility for his/her actions. Thus, man who accepts responsibility for his actions will be forgiven to go to heaven by Allah's mercy; and for those who deny these responsibilities/consequences will be sent to hell by Allah's justice.

According to Islam, God has given us the choice of right and wrong and if Muslims follow the path of the Qur'an, then they shall receive salvation. Additionally, God is omniscient but man still needs punishment for any evil acts. The problem of evil arises when free moral beings choose to do evil acts. We, as free beings, tend to abuse our rights of freedom and cause harm to others and ourselves. For the evil acts committed by man, there are great consequences. Suffering, above all, will be faced by God in order to challenge man to move freely toward moral perfection. Nonetheless, Allah forgives all those who accept responsibility for their actions; man is once again relieved of impurities. God is all merciful. Yes, one does wrong, but when one is truly sorry, Allah will forgive man, for Allah is just and benevolent.

The concept of Ethics is however, not new to my understanding, but I think of this reflection to