Islam and the Drive to Global Justice - (Faith and Politics: Political Theology in a New Key) (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Islam and the Drive to Global Justice: Principles of Justice Beyond Dominant Ethnic and Religious Communities contributes to the current debate over Islam in a globalizing world by drawing on the contemporary and historical justice discourse within the Islamic traditions, and by examining policies and practices of global powers towards Muslim populations in the Global South. The discussions aim at bringing insights from Islamic authoritative sources and scholarly literature, and to enrich the current deliberation on the universality of modern values and the relevance of the Islamic traditions to advancing more inclusive notion of global justice. The book examines in particular several models rooted in the monotheistic traditions, crucial for overcoming three interrelated challenges facing the dispensation of justice in contemporary society: inclusivity, disparity, and selectivity. The book uses the normative framework it outlines to analyze the connection between European powers and the autocratic regimes in the MENA region. Several chapters in the book illustrate how supporting Arab autocracy contributes to the rise of religious extremism and has already produced failed states in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen that undermine both national and global peace and stability.

Review Quotes

As the world is caught up in a whirlwind of multiple crises - social, political and ecological - we desperately need to read this superb volume on global justice from different perspectives including the Islamic one (theorized by Louay Safi as Rational idealism). Some 8 distinguished scholars deliver compiling reflections, raising a loud voice in favor of a more ethical order.

In these well-researched and clearly argued essays, Louay Safi and his colleagues address two themes neglected for too long: how global justice applies to Muslim polities today and how Muslim scholars today seek to implement justice so conceived. Written with verve and deep insight, these essays speak poignantly and practically to the problems besetting our world now.

About the Author

Louay M. Safi is professor of political science and Islamic philosophy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar.