An Analytical Comparison of the Views of Three Contemporary Thinkers on the Origin of Human Moral Responsibility

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. student in Islamic Studies, University of Ma’aref, Qom, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Research Institute of Islamic Sciences and Culture, Qom, Iran

10.22034/ethics.2024.51447.1690

Abstract

The rationale and philosophy behind moral responsibility, often referred to as the origin of moral accountability, vary between Islamic and non-Islamic ethics. In Islamic ethics, the ultimate questioner and examiner is God. However, due to differences in reasoning, ethical foundations, and intellectual approaches among scholars, diverse interpretations emerge regarding God's role as the ultimate questioner and humans' role as the ones accountable. This study examines the perspectives of three contemporary thinkers — Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, Ayatollah Javadi Amoli, and Muhammad Abdullah Daraz — using a descriptive-analytical methodology. The findings reveal that while all three thinkers identify God as the source of moral responsibility, Mesbah Yazdi emphasizes God's ownership, Javadi Amoli focuses on the vicegerency relationship between humans and God, and Draz underscores human free will as a prerequisite for accountability. The second view is noteworthy for its practical application of ethics in society, while the third view stands out for its ability to address doubts concerning moral responsibility.
 

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Journal of Moral Studies
Volume 7, Issue 2 - Serial Number 23
September 2025
Pages 27-50

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