Filial Piety in Confucianism and Islam: A Comparative Literary Analysis of Qur'an, Hadith, and Four Chinese Classics

Abstract

This article is an attempt to compare the teachings of Confucius and Islam, specifically The Four Books, which are authoritative works on Confucius, and the original sources of Islam, Qur’an and Sunnah. The Four Books are the most quoted sources of Confucius’ thought, namely The Great Learning (Da Xue), The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhong Yong), The Confucian Analects (Lun Yu) and The Works of Mencius (Mengzi). The focus shall be on the concept of family and filial piety as found in Confucianism and Qur’an and Sunnah. Both the teachings of Confucius and Islam emphasise the importance of virtues, ties and order in the family system, for example, the husband is the head of the family and responsible for the family’s existence and security. Islam and Confucianism are both patriarchal, and the husband and men are protectors of the family and deserve much respect. Young members of the family must respect and obey the elders and vice versa. To Confucius, these virtues are the heavenly way and must be