Moral responsibility of man as khalifah: an exposition of the foundations of a just order

Sulaiman, Kabuye Uthman (2016) Moral responsibility of man as khalifah: an exposition of the foundations of a just order. International Journal of Business, Economics and Law, 9 (5). pp. 190-197. ISSN 2289-1552

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Abstract

The question of morality is one of the major themes of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and a topic of concern for philosophers and psychologists for thousands of years. It is the reason for creating man as khalifah (vicegerent) and the descent of divine guidance to mankind. This paper discusses the moral responsibility of man as khalifah as enshrined in the Qur’an and Sunnah and focuses largely upon the requirements of a just order. The paper begins with a brief introduction on the importance of moral responsibility and concludes with a summary of man’s moral responsibility in Islam and the foundations of a just order. Using the insights from the Qur’an and Sunnah and quotations from some scholarly articles and books, the paper contends that: firstly, moral refinement is one of the objectives of salat, zakat, sawm (fasting) and hajj (pilgrimage) and therefore the greatest challenge to every individual Muslim; secondly, moral responsibility is the greatest challenger to modern science and civilization; and thirdly, the decline of moral values is one of the factors that promote the decline and fall of civilizations. Finally, the paper contrasts al-Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) to positivism, utilitarianism and libertarianism as foundations of morality. It is hoped that this study will make a valuable contribution to the exploration of issues regarding man’s moral responsibility as khalifah. It is also hoped that this study will inspire scholars to provide additional contributions to the understanding of a just order.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	5215/51106
Uncontrolled Keywords:	just order, al-Tawhid, positivism, utilitarianism and libertarianism
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General) K Law > KBP Islamic Law > KBP1 Islamic law.Shariah.Fiqh > KBP144 General works
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of General Studies
Depositing User:	Dr. Kabuye Uthman Sulaiman
Date Deposited:	24 Jun 2016 14:16
Last Modified:	27 Jul 2016 15:48
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/51106

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