Democracy, human rights and law in Islamic thought
Book Description
In this thought-provoking exploration, renowned Middle Eastern philosopher Mohammad Abed al-Jabri presents a compelling vision for reconciling Islamic heritage with contemporary democratic ideals. Drawing from the rationalist tradition of classical Islamic thinkers like Avicenna and Averroes, al-Jabri challenges readers to examine how concepts of democracy, human rights, and law have evolved within Arab societies throughout history.
Rather than accepting that Islamic doctrine predetermines political structures, al-Jabri demonstrates how social and political contexts shape these fundamental concepts. His essays reveal the complex relationship between religious tradition and modern governance, offering fresh perspectives on age-old questions about faith and civic life.
The author presents a nuanced argument that neither blind adherence to historical texts nor wholesale adoption of Western democratic models will serve the Arab world's quest for just societies. Instead, he calls for a new synthesis—one that honors cultural heritage while embracing the universal human desire for dignity and participation in governance.
For readers interested in understanding how spiritual traditions can inform contemporary social justice, this collection offers valuable insights into the ongoing dialogue between faith and democratic principles. Al-Jabri's work invites thoughtful consideration of how communities can forge authentic paths toward societies that respect both religious values and human rights, creating space for meaningful civic engagement rooted in cultural authenticity.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 258 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religion and politics
- ✓ Explore State and Church relations
- ✓ Explore Politik och förvaltning
- ✓ Explore Islam
- ✓ Explore Equality
- ✓ Explore Religiösa aspekter
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore Mensenrechten
