The Factors and Stages of Formation of Moral Behavior in Islam

Islam regards a behavior as a moral behavior if is conducted according to possibility, free will and necessary knowledge. This kind of behavior may be as an external physical behavior or as an internal state like jealousy and bigotry. The stages of formation of moral behavior originate from soul, are based on intrinsic material and spiritual needs, and are the influenced by internal, external and environmental factors. The process and stages of behavior originate from a need and after passing the stages of perception (cognition), imagination, intent and motive, and faith and will behavior reaches the external stage. In the meantime, various factors and processes are raised, which can be discussed and analyzed in due course. Muslim philosophers seek for the main origin of man's behavior in the soul, making use of its powers. Psychologists believe that motivation and need are the main factors of the formation and realization of behavior. Muslim moralists tend to treat the realm of soul and axiological-moral factors as intrinsic-spiritual attitudes…. The present paper provides a good ground for discussing this issue.