A Comparative Analysis of Ethical Thoughts of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi and Søren Kierkegaard

This study is an examination of the relationship between Islamic and Christian ethical thoughts. In this study, we find that faith is the central element of both ethical thoughts. Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi defining the Islamic ethical thoughts, understands faith as the key determiner of ethics, which is rationally understood by human reason. On the contrary Søren Kierkegaard who argues that surrendering to the will of God, regardless of the rationality of commands of God, is the highest moral trait. Kierkegaard concludes that the goal of humans is to reach the Abrahamic level of submission to the will of God, whereas Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi concludes that the goal of human life is to find happiness obtained by seeking proximity to God.  Both ethical thoughts emphasize the importance of God as the true judge of virtues concluding that acting in accordance with the wish of God is the highest level of morality; but the Islamic ethical thought concludes that ethics are based on ethical truths. The final goal for both ethical thoughts is reaching nearness to God, through human responsibility. This means that both ethical thoughts argue that being ethical means the fulfilment of ethical responsibilities towards God, oneself and others. Finally working together in a symbiosis where God and all His creations are closely connected and upholding virtues in relation to all dimensions of life will lead to final bliss.

کلیدواژه ها:

Moral Thought ، Islamic Ethics ، Christian Ethics ، Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi ، Kierkegaard