Revelation as a Source of Morality

Religious Studies: KS3, topic 3.1.8

Different interpretations of morality can be seen through how different Schools of Thought interpret and apply the Qur’an.

God (Allah) is the ultimate source of morality in Islam.
On the Night of Power, the angel Jibril appeared to the Prophet Muhammad and told him to ‘recite’.
Although he could not read, Muhammad was suddenly able to recite the message,
This is why the word Qur’an means ‘recitation’.

Muhammad received revelations for 23 years.
Muhammad's followers wrote his teachings on materials like bones and parchment, which later became the Qur’an.
The Qur'an has 114 chapters (Surahs) in Arabic and includes the 99 names of Allah, such as ‘The All-Wise’ and ‘The Beneficent’.
As the final messenger, Muhammad is known as the ‘Seal of the Prophets.’

Example: The Qur’an forbids alcohol because “intoxicants… are abominations”.
In Hanbali-influenced Saudi Arabia, this is very strict, with a complete legal ban. Offenders face fines, prison, or deportation (if they are foreigners).
However, Hanafi scholars may still uphold the ban while emphasising Allah’s beneficence by focusing on repentance rather than punishment. This shows a more compassionate interpretation.
Many Muslims interpret the Qur’an in relation to their own experience and personal connection to Allah.

Test yourself on Revelation as a Source of Morality

Why do Hanbali scholars in Saudi Arabia ban alcohol completely, while some Hanafi scholars focus on repentance instead?
What effect did attending Martin Luther King Jr's March on Washington have on Amina Wadud?
Select the correct statement for each pair.