a comparative study between aristotelian theory of “moderation” and the ethical theory of islam

since the third and fourth centuries ah, “the theory of moderation” which has greek origination and is based on aristotle's ideas in ethics, gradually entered islamic ethical literature and many scholars, such as ibnmiskawayhand khawajehnasir al-din tusi, found their ethical works on this idea. according to this theory, the virtue is complying with “the mean” in every action and avoiding the excess and deficiency which are considered as vices. in this study, by examining this theory and comparing it with the islam's ethical theory – which is expressed in islam's main texts, i.e the qura'n and hadith – i will try to set forth an accurate and inclusive view in this regard. at last, the result of this try is showing the incompleteness of the basis of the aristotelian theory of “moderation” and also proving that according to reliable religious texts, the criterion for the “happiness” is “the intimacy to god” that encompass all excellencesand on the opposite side, “wretchedness” is avoiding every deed that approximates the person to the almighty god.