Individual and Social Moral Conduct in the Thought of Sayyid Ibn Tawus

Abstract

The topic of ethics has long attracted the attention of scholars, leading to numerous works that often serve as reference points in sermons and moral discourses. Among these scholars is Sayyid Ibn Tawus (d. 664 AH), whose writings—such as Kashf al-Maḥajja li-Thamara al-Muhajja and Muḥasabat al-Nafs—stand out in this regard. This study, through examining his ethical writings and advice, seeks to answer the question: What is the nature of individual and social ethics in Ibn Tawus's thought?
The analysis reveals that in the realm of individual ethics, his advice focuses on issues such as the importance of reaching the age of legal responsibility (bulugh), the intention behind actions, mindfulness and etiquette in the divine presence, and self-accountability. In the realm of social ethics, his counsel includes moral principles concerning interpersonal relationships, charity and almsgiving, and political engagement.
The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach: it begins with presenting his ethical instructions and then proceeds to analyze their implications. The findings demonstrate that just as Ibn Tawus held notable views in jurisprudence, history, theology, and supplication literature, he also had foundational and distinctive contributions in the field of ethics.