Examining the Challenges of Gradual Abandonment of Sin from an Ethical Education Perspective

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in Islamic Ethics Teaching at Islamic Ma'arif University

2 Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute

10.30471/edu.2025.10785.2997

Abstract

This article examines the challenge of gradualism in abstaining from wrongdoing through a religious and moral educational approach. The principle of gradualism is recognized as an effective method for behavior change and abstaining from sins, especially for individuals at various levels of sin. However, the question arises: can an educator use gradualism to help a student abstain from wrongdoing? Does gradualism imply that committing sins is permissible in the early stages? An example of this challenge is an individual who is addicted to alcohol and, in attempting to gradually quit this habit, may continue to engage in part of the sin during the initial stages. The aim of this research is to provide practical solutions for educators when facing gradualism in abstaining from wrongdoing. The research method employed in this article is documentary, analyzing jurisprudential and educational reasons to seek answers to the main question. The results indicate that implementing the principle of gradualism in abstaining from wrongdoing is only permissible under necessary conditions, such that the only way for the individual to escape sin is through gradualism in abstaining from it. Before utilizing gradualism, the educator prepares the ground by enhancing the student's ability to completely abandon the sin, and if the sin continues, as a last resort, offers gradual recommendations for abstaining from wrongdoing. This method is based on three principles: limiting the application of gradualism to emergency cases, avoiding any suggestion of complicity with sin, and using repentance stimuli to sustain the process of abstaining from wrongdoing.

Keywords

Journal of Islamic Education

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 September 2025

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