Islam ethics

Questions of right and wrong considered according to Islam. Islam teaches that the only God is Allah, and that it is a sin (known as shirk) to make other things or people equal to Allah by admiring them, worshipping them, or putting inappropriate effort and desire into obtaining them. Other actions that are strictly forbidden include murder, theft, adultery, lending money for profit, the practice of magic, cowardice in fulfilling Allah's wishes, saying bad things about other people, and using drugs or alcohol. The sacred book, the Koran, promotes faith in God, promoting justice for everyone, forgiving others, and being compassionate, merciful, generous, humble, and tolerant. Muslims are also expected to take responsibility for the well-being of all life, and to be courageous in following God's laws and in standing up to injustice and tyranny.

The family is the central place where Islamic practices are passed on. Bringing up children in the faith is extremely important, and extended families are close. The concept of compassion and care for others is a central Islamic belief, and all humans are considered to be equal.

Relations with others Islam teaches that all humans have rights, granted by Allah, and that Muslims would be going against Allah if they did not defend those rights, whether of Muslims or non-Muslims. Men and women in Islam have equal rights, although they may take different roles in family life. Women are expected to dress modestly, so that they do not arouse men other than their husbands. Some Muslims believe that this gives women much greater freedom, sparing them from invasive looks, and making them appreciated for who they are as people. Many of the countries that have oppressive practices, such as enforced purdah (separation and seclusion of women), are enforcing cultural rather than religious rules.

Marriage and sexuality A Muslim marriage is considered to be a joining of equals. However, the roles of men and women are different, and men are expected to provide for the household while women raise children and support their husband and family. Muhammad advised couples to choose their partner for their religious piety. In theory, polygamy (marrying more than one wife) is permitted in Islam, but the husband must keep all wives equal, not just financially, but in the receipt of his time and attention, and the first wife must give her total consent. In reality, this is difficult, and, combined with adherence to the civil law of many countries that instruct monogamy, it is accurate to say that polygamy is not common. Opinions on the use of contraception vary greatly among different Muslims. Abortion is lawful if the life of the mother would be at risk if she continued with the pregnancy (according to the Surah 6:151). Divorce is strongly discouraged, but in itself is a simple procedure, and remarrying is permitted. Muslims do not support celibacy for religious reasons. Sexual relations within marriage are believed to have been given to people by God, and are therefore a natural, wholesome part of life not to be suppressed. According to the Koran (Surah 4:16–18), homosexuality is forbidden.

The body and physical care Consuming alcohol or other recreational drugs is strictly forbidden in Islam. Smoking is not mentioned in the Koran, but it is considered in the same way – ultimately, the body belongs to Allah, and should not be degraded and harmed.

Suicide and euthanasia According to the teachings of Islam (Surah 53:42–47), only Allah knows why people are suffering or when they will die, and it is a great sin both to take life and to try to alter God's will. As such, euthanasia is forbidden, and suicide is not acceptable to Muslims. Those who commit suicide are believed to suffer further after death because they will be far more aware of the grief and suffering of those they left behind, but be unable to help. In reality, people who attempt suicide may be suffering from mental illness and be disturbed to such an extent that they are considered not responsible for their actions; in these cases Muslims believe that they will receive Allah's forgiveness.

Wealth and charity A religious duty to give (zakat) is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims should give 2.5% of their surplus income and goods. Zakat is seen as a reminder not to cling to what is neither important nor one's property (because everything belongs to God). It is far more important to help to distribute wealth among all people, especially the needy. The motivation for giving zakat is different to that of charitable giving (sadaqah). There are many Islamic charities, and Muslims have a duty to care for anyone suffering need (Surah 3:91, 2:195).

Suffering and evil Muslims believe that God gave people free will, and that their wrong choices bring evil into the world. They may also be tempted to do wrong by the Devil (Iblis) (Surah 15:29–31, 15:39).

Crime and punishment Muslims believe in following the justice set out for them in the Koran. If a crime is committed against someone, they can forgive the perpetrator, and ask for a lesser punishment to be given. This is considered to be the best course of action (Surah 42:40). The death penalty is given for murder or for open attacks on the Islamic faith (Surah 17:33). A thief may have his hand cut off, and drunkenness may carry a penalty of flogging (beating). However, circumstances surrounding the crime are taken into consideration. For example, if a person steals because their family is starving, it is the responsibility of the community to feed them and find them work. Muslims believe that in communities where Islam is followed thoroughly, crimes are very rare.

Secular and religious authority In Islam, religious and secular law are the same thing – Shari'a. Ideally, religion and everyday life are indivisible. An Islamic state would be one modelled on the community Muhammad established at Medina. The Koran sets out very clearly the correct way of running an Islamic state; this includes support for the rights of religious or racial minorities living within it. Muslims believe that no human authority should expect them to act against the will of Allah.

Animal rights and the environment Because Muslims believe that the world belongs to God, and that people will be held accountable for their actions on Judgement Day, they are expected to protect and care for the environment and to treat animals with care and respect. Cruelty to animals is forbidden, as are blood sports, but animals may be killed in the appropriate manner for food or for other uses. Experimenting on animals to produce cosmetics and other luxury goods is forbidden, but in some circumstances, some Muslims might accept experimentation on animals to save human life.

Creation story Muslims believe that God created the whole cosmos. He created all creatures; angels from light, man from clay, and jinn (spirits) from fire. He made rain to break up the soil, and caused the plants to grow and produce fruit. After producing Adam from seven kinds of clay, and placing him in Paradise, God created Eve from Adam's side. God told the angels to bow down to Adam, but Iblis (the Devil) refused. In this way, Iblis began his disobedience, and his attempts to lure people from following God's will. Iblis tempted Adam and Eve to eat fruit that had been forbidden by God; when they disobeyed God, they were sent out of Paradise and into the world. Muslims believe that those who follow God's commands will be rewarded by returning to Paradise after Judgement Day.