Why do we have morals? That’s a loaded question that every philosopher has to deal with in his or her career.

Let’s start off with some basics. For one, we cannot say that it’s due to evolution. Why would animals evolve to have morals? There’s no benefit. In fact, if “survival of the fittest” is the entire purpose of existence (according to some evolutionists), then we would all be killing each other. Why have a comprehensive sense of right and wrong? Why not just steal someone’s money to better our situations? One can say “Well, there’s consequences!” Regardless, if we look at it from an evolutionary point of view hundreds of thousands years ago, where societies and civilizations did not exist like they do now, what would be the benefit of having morals and restraining yourself?

And whether you are an atheist or not, you can admit that a human being’s comprehension of morality – even that of a 3-year old – is much higher than that of other animals! Why? To be frank, there are not great answers. However, there are several theistic arguments. One is simple – we feel good when justice is served and bad when something bad is done and that is because God put those in us. Then some may ask, don’t people have different definitions of morality and justice? Of course! But the concept is still there!

Now let’s look at it in another angle – the concept of morality is objective. Yup, objective! If you read in the news that a man murdered an innocent child for absolutely no reason, would you agree that the criminal’s action is morally wrong? You, and probably everyone else, would say yes. Then if you are asked, “Was it objectively morally wrong?” Again, you, and probably everyone else, would say yes. It is as objective as the fact that 1+1 = 2. But why? Can we prove it? 

If the idea of morality is truly subjective, that opens a can of worms. No one would need to follow laws and there will be no accountability, BUT the simplest of societies throughout time have had the concept of justice and people would abide by them. In Islam, it is explained that the sense of justice comes from one’s “Fitrah” or “natural disposition” that God put in all of us. It can be corrupted, but we are all born with it. Thus, when looking at the big picture and many studies suggesting that humans do have natural and moral tendencies, the concept of Fitrah does make sense! However, that’s the topic for another article!