Islam: Dialogue between Islam and ethics

This topic explores the relationship between Islamic teachings and ethical theory, focusing on how Muslims derive moral guidance from the Qur'an, Sunnah, and scholarly consensus (ijma). It examines key ethical concepts such as justice ('adl), compassion (rahma), and responsibility (taklif), and how they apply to contemporary issues like medical ethics, business ethics, and environmental stewardship. Students will analyse the role of reason (aql) and revelation in Islamic ethics, comparing them with secular ethical frameworks like utilitarianism and Kantian ethics.

Understanding this dialogue is crucial for AQA A-Level Religious Studies because it demonstrates how a major world religion engages with universal moral questions. It also highlights the diversity within Islam, as different schools of thought (e.g., Sunni, Shi'a, Mu'tazila) offer varying perspectives on ethical reasoning. This topic encourages critical thinking about the relationship between faith and morality, and prepares students for essay questions that require evaluation of Islamic responses to modern ethical dilemmas.

In the wider subject, this topic connects to themes of authority, free will, and the nature of good and evil. It also links to the study of religious pluralism and the role of religion in public life. Mastery of this material will enable students to construct well-reasoned arguments about how Islamic ethics can inform debates on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and social justice.