Explaining the Criterion for Moral Value Based on the Proportion of the Elements of the Optional Act

The explanation of the criterion for the value of moral act has long been dealt with in studying ethics and the philosophy of ethics. The two main approaches in this field are reliance on consequence and duty in moral behavior. Criticizing these two approaches, the following study reviews the criterion for moral value. The research findings show that referring to the consequence and duty means adherence to the moral behavior in the identification and measurement of the moral act; whereas it is necessary to look for moral value in the direct act of the doer. The morality of a behavior depends on the proportion between the elements of the optional act, that is, the knowledge, ability, and ability of the doer. Accordingly, an ethical action can be as graded as the degrees of knowledge and ability. The criterion for the morality of a Muslim’s behavior is confessing to the servant hood of man before God and obeying God's orders, which is an excellent example of moral proportionalism.