Tahdhīb al-akhlāq

Tahdhīb al-akhlāq is an Arabic term that can be translated as the "refinement of character" or the "improvement of moral conduct." It's a concept deeply ingrained in Islamic teachings, focusing on moral and ethical education. It is an Islamic/Sufi term syncretic with the LP concept of Alignment

Islamic Terms

Islam > Absolute Essence, Al-Insan al-Kamil, Ascension, Dhat, Drug, Fana, Hadith, Ibn al-'Arabi, Infidelity, Infran, Jadhb, Last Days, Laylat al-Qadr, Mahabbah, Majdhub, Muhammad, Peace be upon them, Quran, Rapture, Right Path, Rtavan, Shariah, Subtle Centers, Sufism, Sulūk-i Ṭarīqa, Tahdhīb al-akhlāq, Taubah, Wajd, Yawm ad-Din

Syncretic Terms

Alignment > Asha, Brahmacharya, Conversion Experience, Divine Perfection, Ethical Perfection, Eudaimonia, Gonennoncwal, Heavenly Marriage, Holiness, Ka'nikonhrÌ:io, Ondinoc, Perfect Connection, Purification, Purity, Rectitude, Renunciation, Repentence, Righteousness, Samyaktva, Sane Living, Self-Actualization, Tahdhīb al-akhlāq, Taubah

Notes

The notion covers various aspects of an individual's life, encouraging good manners, modesty, generosity, truthfulness, forbearance, and many other virtues. It fosters self-improvement and continual growth, emphasizing the need to better one's actions and attitudes in relation to others and in the context of one's spiritual relationship with Allah.

The idea of Tahdhīb al-akhlāq is often invoked in discussions of personal development, ethical philosophy, and in the interpretation and implementation of Islamic law and ethics. It's also seen as a central goal of a Muslim's life, with the ultimate aim of achieving a balanced and comprehensive understanding of Islam, which promotes a peaceful, productive, and just society.

The emphasis on "ethical transformation, on tabdīl al-akhlāq" is there because "in order to return to our original, primordial self, we must" align with "our latent splendorous nature, which is that of imago dei."

Alignment here requires that we "strive to emulate" the virtues of our Spiritual Ego, which are "patience, thankfulness, love, forgiveness, compassion, and benevolence." We must also be cautious and guard against the development of such Connection Pathologies "such as divine lordship, independence, and grandeur" (i.e. Ego Inflation) which individuals with damaged self esteem may be susceptible to.

It's worth mentioning that while the term is explicitly Islamic, the concept it represents, that of Alignment, of improving one's moral and ethical character — is universal and found in many cultures and religions across the world.

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