The Role of Filial Piety in Shaping Society: A Comparative Study of Confucian and Islamic Thought

Abstract

Filial piety is a deeply rooted ethical and spiritual value in both Confucian and Islamic traditions, shaping how individuals relate to their parents and, more broadly, to society. This paper offers a comparative exploration of filial piety as presented in two foundational texts: The Analects of Confucius (论语Lunyu) and the Qur’an. Focusing on themes such as respect and obedience, compassion for aging parents, the role of filial duty in moral development, emotional sincerity, ethical boundaries of obedience, and ritual expressions of reverence, the study examines how each tradition defines and practices filial responsibility.

While Islam and Confucianism share a profound respect for parents and view filial piety as essential to family and social harmony, they differ in significant ways. In Islam, filial piety is a religious obligation, firmly grounded in divine revelation and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Confucianism, on the other hand, frames filial piety as a philosophical and social principle tied to the maintenance of order and hierarchy. The practice of ancestor veneration, which is central to Confucian tradition, contrasts sharply with Islamic teachings, which emphasize monotheism and discourage such rituals. By examining both the similarities and the differences in these two traditions, this study aims to foster deeper cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for the diverse ways in which families and moral values are shaped across civilizations.