The Golden Rule of Ethics in the Religions and Its Origin In Islamic Traditions

The golden rule of ethics, often expressed as "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," has been a prominent principle in various religions and cultures throughout history. Among the definitions offered in different cultures and languages, the one presented by Harry J. Gensler in his book, ethics and the golden rule, appears to be more comprehensive and widely accepted: "treat others only as you consent to being treated in the same situation." This study aims to explore the origin of this ethical rule and identify the distinctive feature that has made it widely recognized and accepted regardless of the type of religion, culture, or era of human life. Through a descriptive-analytical approach and an examination of Islamic sources and related traditions, this article concludes that the dynamic and enduring nature of this ethical rule in various religions and philosophies can be attributed to the inherent inclination of reason and human nature toward concepts such as justice, humility, and fairness. According to Islamic traditions, these concepts form the foundation for observing the golden rule of ethics. Ultimately, the origin of the golden rule of ethics, according to Islamic traditions, lies in human nature and its rational acceptance of this principle and this study emphasizes a nativist approach in line with Jonathan Haidt's propositions regarding the roots of ethical matters.