The book "Ethics," part of the Islamic Reference Series edited by Dr. M.A. Shomali, emphasizes the paramount importance of moral values in Islam. It highlights that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to "complete noble traits of character," distinguishing between "good characters" and the more advanced "noble characters". The volume also notes that the moral values of Prophets are greatly emphasized in the Qur'an, with Allah expressing admiration for Prophet Muhammad's "great character".
The book confirms the high position of morality in Islam by pointing out that most supplications by the Infallibles involve moral values. Consequently, Muslim scholars have historically striven to elucidate Islam's moral dimensions.
This volume addresses various aspects of Islamic ethics, including divine and created life in both physical and spiritual forms. Many of its papers are original translations from Farsi or Arabic, offering readers exposure to contemporary Muslim thinkers.
The book contains six papers:
* "A Glance at the History of the Shi'ite Ethics" by Dr. Mohsen Javadi, which provides a historical account of ethics in Islam.
* "A General Scheme of Ethics in Shi'i Islam" by Hujjat al-Islam wa'l-Muslimin Abdolhossein Moezzi, offering an overview of Islamic ethics and its doctrinal foundations.
* "Moral System of Islam" by Dr. M.A. Shomali himself, dividing Islamic moral teachings into four categories based on relationships with God, oneself, other humans, and the environment.
* "Major Values in the Qur'an" by Hujjat al-Islam Dr Sayyidd Ahmad Rahnamaei, reflecting on key values in Islamic ethics.
* "The Concept of Love in Islam" by Mahnaz Heydarpoor, elaborating on the role of love in Islamic ethics.
* "Self-Interest in Islamic Ethics" by Hujjat al-Islam Dr Ali Jaberi, which discusses the basis of values in Islamic ethics.
