The moral code embedded in Islam emphasises the relationship of human beings with their Creator. Islamic belief is that human beings are guided by motivations that are governed by the higher instincts which God has created within them; when motivations are properly controlled, regulated and disciplined, the result is an ideal system of production, exchange and distribution, which in turn becomes the basis of welfare in society. On the contrary, if no proper checks and balances are maintained, these instinctive motivations lead to injustice, exploitation, selfishness, intolerance and a mad race to accumulate wealth. Islamic ethical values are neither time-bound nor biased by the whims of human beings; they prescribe compassion, leniency and benevolence over and above the basic universal values and are intended to secure the welfare of the community as a whole. |
