Ma`rifat

Abstract Many books on ethics have emphasized that desirable morality is based on reason and undesirable morality is based on the evil-prompting self. Based on such arguments, some might assume that there are two opposing forces within man. However, this is not true. This is due to the verbal association and different usages of the word ethics, which is sometimes used in a real sense and sometimes in a figurative sense. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to such specific words and terms. According to the enlightening verses of the Qur’an, potentially there are two types of tendencies within every human being: tendency towards sins and bad deeds and tendency towards things that lead to human perfection and happiness. Therefore, in every human being, there is both a tendency towards good and a tendency towards evil. It is up to man to control his desires and rise by using reason or to fall by pursuing his sensual desires.