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In the current era of rapid technological advancement, software engineering plays a pivotal role in shaping the operations and interplay of societies. As a scholar in the field, it is imperative to recognise the importance of ethical considerations in software engineering. This is because the practise carries significant responsibilities towards society at large, as well as individual clients and nations. Numerous establishments have implemented ethical guidelines to ensure that software developers conduct themselves in a manner that benefits the collective welfare. The IEEE Code of Ethics is a well-recognized framework that underscores the importance of ethical principles within the realm of software engineering. The aim of this academic paper is to examine how Islamic legal principles align with ethical software engineering. This will involve analysing the consistency of these ethical doctrines in relation to Islamic jurisprudence.

The development of ethical standards in the field of software engineering has become increasingly prominent in recent years. This phenomenon can be attributed to a growing awareness of the potential impact of software on society, as well as a recognition of the need for ethical guidelines to ensure that software development is conducted in a responsible and socially conscious manner. As such, the emergence of ethical standards in software engineering represents an important step towards the establishment. 

Shihab E. Ahmed's paper highlights a recent trend within the software engineering community that prioritises the development of ethical standards. According to the speaker, this particular trend is deemed to be positive and inspiring. Professional organisations, including the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and the Computing Sciences Accreditation Commission (CSAC), have established codes of ethics to provide software engineers with a framework for ethical behaviour. Mohamad Fauzan Noordin, a scholar hailing from Malaysia, has conducted an observation indicating that numerous ethical values bear resemblance to the principles upheld by Islam.

The intersection of the IEEE Code of Ethics and Islamic Jurisprudence is a topic of interest for scholars and practitioners alike. The IEEE Code of Ethics outlines the ethical principles that IEEE members are expected to uphold in their professional conduct. Similarly, Islamic Jurisprudence provides a framework for ethical behaviour based on Islamic teachings and principles. The examination of how these two ethical frameworks intersect can provide valuable insights into the ethical considerations

The present study centres on the evaluation of the ethical principles of the IEEE code of ethics through the lens of Islamic jurisprudence. As per the prologue of this code, software engineers are entrusted with the responsibility of developing software that upholds the health, safety, and welfare of the general populace and does not pose any threat to the same. The code of conduct is composed of eight fundamental principles, among which the most significant include the prioritisation of public welfare, safeguarding the interests of customers and employers, upholding superior product quality, and exercising prudent judgement. The initial principle, denoted as 'Public', underscores the importance of engineers being cognizant of the welfare of the general public and acting in accordance with their best interests. The second provision, labelled as 'Client and Employer', mandates that engineers exert their utmost effort to safeguard the interests of both their employer and client. The third principle pertains to the aspect of 'Product', which necessitates that the engineer guarantees that the product conforms to the utmost quality standards of the profession. On the other hand, the fourth principle, 'Judgement', emphasises the importance of upholding the highest standards in software judgement. The fifth principle advocates for the provision of comprehensive managerial backing in the implementation of ethical principles, while the sixth principle emphasises the importance of safeguarding public interest in software development. The seventh ethical principle emphasises the importance of mutual assistance, while the final principle underscores the engineer's obligation to uphold these ethical standards throughout their professional career.

The convergence of Islamic jurisprudence and ethical software engineering is a topic of great interest and significance. This intersection presents an opportunity to explore the compatibility of Islamic principles with the ethical considerations of software engineering. It is a fascinating area of study that has the potential to contribute to the development of software that is not only technically sound but also ethically responsible.

When analysed through an Islamic lens, these concepts align with the principle of al-Maslahah Mursalah, which refers to the evaluation of societal benefits and interests. Dr. Iyad asserts that Islamic jurisprudence accords paramount importance to the well-being of the populace at large. He posits that upholding ethical norms is a means to ensure the safeguarding of individuals' lives and possessions. The perspective expressed aligns with the initial tenet of the IEEE code, which prioritises the importance of considering the well-being of the broader community. The second principle, in alignment with the legal concept of al-istijr, pertains to the ethical obligation of professionals to act in the best interests of their clients and employers. This principle is commonly referred to as "acting in the interests of clients and employers" within the hire system.

The concept of maslaha is a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence, which pertains to the welfare or benefit of the people. The concept of Maslaha can be classified into two distinct categories, namely Maslaha Aama, which refers to the public interest, and Maslaha Mursalah, which pertains to the unrestricted public interest. The notion of maslaha is rooted in several Quranic verses and Hadiths that underscore the significance of taking into account the well-being of individuals in the course of making decisions.

Apart from the Quranic verses, there are several Hadiths that lend support to the notion of maslaha. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm" (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 33, Hadith 2340).

The aforementioned Hadith underscores the significance of refraining from causing harm and advancing the well-being of individuals in every facet of existence.

The notion of maslaha has been thoroughly examined by Islamic scholars across a range of fiqh literature. Imam Al-Ghazali, a prominent legal scholar, highlighted the significance of maslaha in his scholarly work titled "Al-Mustasfa min 'Ilm al-Usul". The author posited that the fundamental aim of Islamic jurisprudence is to advance the well-being of individuals and safeguard them from any potential harm. In his work "Al-Muhalla", Ibn Hazm, a jurist from Andalusia, delved into the notion of maslaha and emphasised the significance of taking into account the well-being of the populace when crafting and implementing Islamic jurisprudence.

The convergence of Islamic jurisprudence and ethical software engineering presents a promising opportunity for harmonious integration.The application of the principles of maslaha aama (public interest) and maslaha mursalah (unrestricted public interest) can be deemed relevant in the domain of software engineering. This can ensure that ethical considerations are duly taken into account during the development and implementation of software systems. The intersection of Islamic jurisprudence and ethical software engineering can be observed in the IEEE code of ethics. This code prioritises the welfare of the general public, safeguards the interests of customers and employers, ensures high product quality, and promotes the exercise of sound judgement.

Through the integration of the principles of maslaha aama and maslaha mursalah into the ethical framework of software engineering, practitioners can ensure that their endeavours align with the greater good and advance the well-being of society. The proposed methodology aligns with the principles espoused in the Quran and Hadiths, as well as the discourse on maslaha found in diverse fiqh literature.

Ensuring strict confidentiality is a crucial ethical consideration within the realm of software engineering. The IEEE code of ethics places significant emphasis on the imperative need to uphold confidentiality of client and employer information. The researcher was unable to ascertain a precise statement regarding this matter. However, a vague quotation suggests that individuals who come across embarrassing substances while bathing a body should refrain from disclosing their presence. In addition to the IEEE code of ethics, software engineers ought to take into account a variety of other ethical concepts. It is imperative for individuals to have a comprehensive understanding of intellectual property rights and to exercise caution to prevent any infringement of legal rights of other entities in their work. It is imperative for professionals to maintain transparency and integrity in their interactions with clients and other relevant parties. They must refrain from misrepresenting their abilities or the calibre of their work.

The ethical obligations of software engineers in fulfilling their professional duties. Furthermore, it is the ethical obligation of software engineers to ensure that their endeavours do not have adverse effects on individuals or the broader community. It is imperative for individuals to ensure that the professional tasks they undertake do not facilitate discriminatory practises, cyberbullying, or any other form of detrimental conduct. It is imperative for individuals to exercise caution and consideration with regards to the potential ecological ramifications of their occupation. They ought to take proactive measures to alleviate any unfavourable effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is imperative to consider ethical principles when operating within the software engineering sector. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has formulated a code of ethics that provides a valuable structure for guiding ethical conduct. A significant number of the concepts presented are in alignment with the Islamic legal system's perception of the universe. Software engineers are faced with several crucial ethical considerations, such as safeguarding confidential information, respecting intellectual property rights, maintaining transparency, and prioritising the mitigation of potential harm. By adhering to these principles with utmost dedication, software engineers can ensure that their work is socially beneficial and contributes to the greater good.

References

1. Abū Ḥāmid Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Gazzālī, Al-Mustasfa min 'Ilm al-Usul (Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-'Ilmiyya, 2004).
2. Addison Wesley. Engenharia De software- aspctos eticos e profissionais in “Software Engineering” lan Sommerville,. Hugera. Uac. <http://www.hguerra.uac.ptes0910ES0910AspectosEticosProfissionais.pdf >(accessed November 15, 2014).
3. Ali bin Ahmad bin Sa’id Ibn Hazm, Al-Muhalla (Beirut: Dar al-Afaq al-Jadida, 1983).
4. Mohamad Fauzan. Noordin,  Application of Privacy, Security and Ethics in Islamic Concerned ICT Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research (IDOSI Publisher2013)  Vol-XIV, no. XI P- 1548-1554.
5. Shihab AHameedSoftware Engineering Ethical Principles Based On Islamic Values. Journal of Software ( Academy PublisherAugust, 2009) Vol-IV, no. 6 P-563-570

About the author

Ashraful Khalq, PhD Scholar, Centre for Development Studies (JNU), this is taken from his PG dissertation submitted in Darul Huda Islamic University, India