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Theodicy and Ethics Within Islam

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Theodicy and Ethics Within Islam
Theodicy and Ethics within Islam Critically analyzing and reflecting upon the concept of Theodicy and Ethics, one may interpret these two concepts to have great influence upon the significance of Islam. The functions of these two concepts are to further broaden one 's understanding of Islam. Both concepts are essential to learning about the Islamic way of life. Moreover, in Islam theodicy and ethics serve as the basis of the problem of evil, right and wrong, the principle of taklif, practicing forgiveness, and many other doctrines. Muslims render the Qur 'an to be their foundation of morality. In this reflection paper, the problem of evil and the basis for moral action will be used to further supplement our perception of Islam. The concept of Theodicy, however new to my understanding of world religions, is actually quite intriguing. In Islam, the problem of evil stems from free will and human imperfection. If it was the will of God that man be right or wrong there would be no punishment, no heaven or hell. In addition, it 's the person 's choice whether he or she does wrong so Allah may judge their actions at the end of time to determine their destiny in the afterlife. The Five Pillars of Islam which include: Shahada (the profession of faith), fasting in the month of Ramadan, Alms giving, pilgrimage to Mecca, and praying five times a day, are practices essential to Islam. Nevertheless, God is all-merciful, thus, He takes into consideration a Muslim 's ability to perform these essentials. The doctrine of taklif defines that life is a test for the adherents of Islam. Man is capable of accepting his responsibility. It constitutes for his cosmic significance. On the other hand, if man were to refute these responsibilities than he would be walking in the steps of Satan. Therefore, to relieve oneself of evil and cleanse the body of impurities, one would have to accept responsibility for his/her actions. Thus, man who accepts responsibility

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