Moral Consequentialism in Islamic Mysticism

The present paper uses an analytical method to investigate consequentialism in philosophy of ethics which is considered as a general approach in normative ethics. First, this approach focuses on the consequence of act instead of its inherent characteristics. Secondly, it gives prime importance to and stresses actions when actions and characters are included in moral values. Among the theories of consequentialism is the general moral utilitarianism which stands as the most intelligent theory. This theory tries to find the criterion of the moral value in the emergence of the greatest good (utility) for the greatest number. There are differences of opinion among the supporters of utilitarianism over the nature and concept of the greatest good (utility) which we are after. However, if we want to compare the theories presented on this regard with the ethical theory of Islam, we will find that none of them is identical to it. Anyway, in order to find a common ground between ethical consequentialism and practical Islamic mysticism, we need to modify utilitarianism theory and give a plausible explanation of the issues about practical gnosis related to this subject.