Types of Morality in Islam Along with Definitions, Examples, and Benefits

Kapanlagi.com - Every human being must have morality in living their lives in this world. Morality means the behavior of a person driven by a conscious desire to do something. Actually, there are several types of morality in Islam that can determine the rewards and goodness in a person's life.

Morality in Arabic comes from the word khuluk which means behavior, character, or nature. In terminology, morality is the behavior of a person driven by a fundamental desire to do something. Meanwhile, according to Imam Al Ghazali, morality is the behavior that is inherent in a person that can trigger good deeds without considering thoughts beforehand.

Now, for those KLovers who want to have good morality, you need to know what are the types of morality in Islam. According to various sources, here are some types of morality in Islam that you need to know. Let's check it out KLovers.

1. Understanding Morality in Islam

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Before knowing what kinds of morality exist in Islam, you must also understand the true meaning of morality itself. Morality is a system that governs human actions and attitudes in everyday life. In the teachings of Islam, this value system is a source of ijtihad as one of the Islamic thinking methods. Morality triggers actions and relationships between Allah, fellow humans, and the universe.

According to Imam Al-Ghazali, as quoted from merdeka.com, morality is one of the qualities inherent in the human soul that can lead to an action that is easily done without any further thought. Meanwhile, Muslim Nurdin states that morality is a value system that governs human actions on the earth's surface.

As for the understanding of morality according to Muslim Nurdin, it is divided into two perspectives, namely Suluq Azzahriah and Bataniah. Suluq Azzahriah is a perspective that shows visible aspects within oneself, such as speech, behavior, and character. Meanwhile, from the Bataniah perspective, morality is a science that discusses various problems faced by humans related to psychological matters.

2. Types of Morals According to Islam

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There are 2 types of morals in Islam, the first is akhlakul karimah (praiseworthy morals) and akhlakul mazmumah (blameworthy morals). The definitions are as follows:

- Akhlakul Karimah

Akhlakul Karimah or known as praiseworthy morals is one of the types of morals that every Muslim should possess. Examples of such morals include self-sacrifice, honesty, politeness, humility, reliance on God, fairness, patience, and so on. As Muslims, we should always maintain praiseworthy morals in our daily lives.

- Akhlakul Mazmumah

Akhlak Mazmumah or blameworthy morals are bad actions that every human being should avoid. This should be avoided because akhlakul mazmumah can bring harm to oneself and others. Examples of blameworthy morals include arrogance, envy, jealousy, pride, oppression, backbiting, and so on. As Muslims, we should avoid blameworthy morals.

3. Types of Noble Character

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And here are some examples or types of noble character that you need to know:

- Honesty, is a behavior that encourages good intentions or desires with the aim of not causing harm to oneself or others.

- Behaving well, is a person's psychological reaction to their environment in a praiseworthy manner.

- Modesty, is a person's behavior to refrain from bad and despicable actions, thus being able to prevent someone from committing sins and transgressions and can prevent someone from neglecting others.

- Humility, is the quality of a person who can place themselves on equal footing with others and not feel superior to others.

- Generosity, is the attitude of willingly giving to others without expecting anything in return.

- Patience, is enduring everything that befalls oneself (desires).

4. Types of Blameworthy Morals

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Then there are also types of blameworthy morals that are one of the types of morals in Islam. Here are some of these blameworthy morals:

- Riya, performing good deeds or actions with the intention of being seen by people or receiving praise from them. In other words, Riya means showing off.

- Sum'ah, doing or saying something to be heard by others with the intention of making one's name known.

- Ujub, admiring oneself.

- Takabur, boasting about oneself because one feels superior to others.

- Tamak, being greedy or covetous of what one wants to possess.

- Malas, being lazy or unwilling to do something.

- Fitnah, saying something that is not true.

- Bakhil, not liking to share or give something that one possesses with others (stingy).

5. Benefits of Akhlakul Karimah

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Every Muslim is encouraged to have akhlakul karimah or good morals. For someone who possesses such behavior, it can bring benefits in their daily life and in the hereafter. And here are some benefits of various good morals:

1. Loved by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

The first virtue of having akhlakul karimah is being loved by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It is mentioned in a hadith that a Muslim with good qualities becomes someone close to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). As stated in the following hadith, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"The people whom I love the most and who will be closest to me on the Day of Judgment are those with noble character. While the people whom I hate the most and who will be the farthest from me on the Day of Judgment are those who are harsh, greedy, disrespectful, and arrogant." (HR. Tirmizi).

2. His weight on the Day of Judgment

A Muslim who has noble character will be saved by Allah SWT in the hereafter. In addition, every Muslim who has noble character can also achieve the status of someone who fasts and prays. This is as stated in a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"There is no deed that, when placed on the scale, is heavier than noble character. Indeed, a person with noble character can reach the level of someone who diligently fasts and prays." (Narrated by Tirmidzi).

3. Close to the Help of Allah SWT

The first benefit of having noble character is that Allah SWT promises help to those who have good character. There is a reciprocal relationship given by Allah SWT based on a person's behavior. A person with noble character will be respected by many people, and vice versa.

In society, the practice of noble character (akhlaqul karimah) can be realized through good social interaction. A person who likes to help others will easily receive help when they need it. And a person who respects others will also be respected by others.

Those are some of the noble characters in Islam that you need to know. Hopefully, by knowing what these characters are and understanding the benefits we can gain from practicing good character, we will also receive rewards and goodness.

(kpl/dhm)