akhlak

Akhlak (Arabic: أخلاق) refers to the moral character and ethical conduct in Islamic thought. The term derives from khuluq, meaning disposition or temperament, and akhlaq denotes the set of moral qualities that shape a person’s behavior. In Islamic usage, akhlaq covers both inner dispositions—such as sincerity, humility, and self-control—and outward behaviors that express those dispositions—such as honesty, generosity, and justice.

Historically, akhlaq has been treated as a companion discipline to fiqh (jurisprudence) and tasawwuf (Sufism). Scholars argued that faith and worship should be reflected in character, and that moral reform is essential for personal integrity and social harmony. Core virtues commonly cited include truthfulness, trustworthiness, justice, patience, mercy, humility, and generosity. Vices often discussed include arrogance, deceit, greed, envy, and anger when misused or unrestrained.

In practice, akhlaq guides everyday conduct, including interpersonal relations, family life, economic dealings, and civic responsibility. It informs ethical critique within jurisprudence and serves as a standard for evaluating actions beyond legal compliance alone.

In modern contexts, akhlaq is invoked in education, character formation programs, and discussions of moral reform within Muslim communities. Notable classical proponents include scholars such as Al-Ghazali and Ibn Miskawayh, who framed akhlak as integral to a holistic life of faith, knowledge, and service. The concept remains influential in discussions of personal virtue, social ethics, and the cultivation of virtuous societies.