The ethics of reciprocity: a comparative hermeneutical analysis of the Golden Rule in Islam and Confucianism

Mohd Nor, Nur Suriya (2026) The ethics of reciprocity: a comparative hermeneutical analysis of the Golden Rule in Islam and Confucianism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS), X (VII). pp. 10070-10081. ISSN 2454-6186

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Abstract

The Golden Rule, or the ethic of reciprocity, constitutes a foundational moral imperative across psychological, philosophical, sociological, and religious paradigms. While this principle exhibits universal presence across global faith traditions, its metaphysical foundations, linguistic structures, and operational mechanisms diverge significantly. Utilizing Aaron Stalnaker’s “bridge concept” methodology alongside an explicit three-tier evaluative framework, this paper provides a comparative hermeneutical analysis of the ethic of reciprocity in Islam and Confucianism. It demonstrates that Islam grounds reciprocity in a transcendent framework where moral action (akhlaq) and divine devotion (ibadah) converge, driven by the emulation of God's benevolence (Rahmah) and realized through altruistic preference (ithar). Conversely, Confucianism presents an immanent, human-centered framework operationalized through the dynamic dyad of Zhong (conscientiousness) and Shu (empathetic reciprocity). To avoid monolithic essentialism, this study examines internal diversity across legal, theological, and mystical schools in Islam, alongside classical, Neo-Confucian, and modern developments in Chinese thought. Furthermore, by drawing upon contemporary moral psychology (Theory of Mind and dual-process empathy) and historical socio-institutional applications (Waqf and Xiangyue), the paper demonstrates how both traditions bridge theory and praxis. Ultimately, this study offers concrete applications of reciprocal ethics for pressing contemporary issues, including intercultural dialogue, organizational leadership, and intergenerational climate ethics.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Golden Rule, Ethic of Reciprocity, Comparative Religion, Islam, Confucianism, Shu, Zhong.
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1188 Religious ethics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr Nur Suriya Mohd Nor
Date Deposited:	14 Aug 2026 08:28
Last Update:	14 Aug 2026 08:28
Queue Number:	2026-08-Q4724
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130770

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