Prosocial Behavior in Islam

Abstract

Moral behavior is emphasized by all major religions and prosociality is taught strongly as a virtue. Many studies emphasize that there is a relation, between religion and people who volunteer in helping fellow humans, with prosocial behavior. In this research apart from effects of Islam on social behavior, effects of gender, grade of religiosity and their interconnection with prosocial behavior is also explored. There is a positive correlation between self-reported prosociality and religiosity. Experimental studies on the long-hypothesized relation between religion and prosocial behavior revealed equivocal results. Role of religious importance for creating prosocial behavior has been highlighted in the recent work. However, most of the result was centered on Christian subjects in the laboratory environment, making biased generalization in the actual world. It further strengthens the theory that religious rituals play a part in enhancing prosocial behavior. Promotion of prosocial behavior is observed when religious traditions are in practice. In a financial decision-making a shop owner revealed heightened prosocial behavior when adhan (prayer call in Islam) was pronounced and was audible in contrast to when it was not audible. This observation adds to the expanding literature on relation between cultural signs, practicing religion and social behavior. This study also focuses on prosocial behavior development in children. It is recommended that along with inculcating strong Islamic values in not only children but also in adults, individuals should be encouraged to be strong role models and exhibit good moral behavior to ensure prosocial behavior in the society.