Abstract

Ethics is derived from the word ethos which mean the inward and attributes assigned to human conduct and states concerning its definition it is said that the soul possesses a faculty that can easily emanate act without depending on a thought. Scholars of ethics have referred to this field of knowledge by means of various terms and expressions. A study of such terms can reveal the different views held by thinkers as to the science of ethics.As one of the most efficient existing frameworks, the system of Islamic ethics evaluates the ethical 'oughts' and 'ought nots' causing man's proximity to or distance from true happiness on the basis of the ultimate criterion, Allah.The issue of 'good and evil' is one of the most important problems of Islamic ethics, giving rise to heated debates among Islamic theologians, e.g. Asha'erites, and 'Adliyyah since long ago. In spite of their differences concerning whether 'good and evil' is a rational or Shar'i problem, the followers of these schools agree on the point that a good or bad act is performed on the basis of a specific evaluation or purpose.It is necessary in Islam to acknowledge the principle of Allah - orientedness in all ethical issues. However, in certain cases, we require a criterion of a lower station to introduce ethical duties in a more sensible way. Through evaluating ethical acts in the light of such strategic principles, we could connect to the ultimate criterion, i.e. God. Thus considering the relation between man and God in Islam, man is considered as the focal point of discussion in Islamic ethics. After all, gaining God's consent and pleasure lies in respecting human beings.