A Comparative Analysis of Hermeneutical Approaches to Ethics in the Islamic Philosophical and Theological Traditions

Abstract

The present study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of hermeneutical approaches to ethics in the Islamic philosophical and theological traditions, identifying their epistemological and methodological similarities and differences. This qualitative research utilized thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 prominent scholars in Islamic philosophy and theology based in Tehran. Purposeful sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were coded and analyzed in three stages—open, axial, and selective—using NVivo software. Results revealed that the Islamic philosophical tradition adopts a rational, intuitive, and metaphysical approach to hermeneutics in ethics, viewing interpretation as a means of deeper understanding of moral values. In contrast, the theological tradition—particularly the Ash‘arite school—emphasizes obedience to scripture and the dependence of ethics on divine command, thereby restricting the scope of hermeneutics. The Mu‘tazilite branch, however, recognizes reason as an independent moral standard and supports rationalist interpretation. The fundamental divergence between philosophical and theological traditions in their approach to ethical hermeneutics plays a crucial role in the contemporary re-examination of Islamic ethics. Leveraging the capacities of philosophical hermeneutics offers new horizons for reconciling Islamic tradition with modern ethical values.