Justice in Islam: The Quest for the Righteous Community From Abu Dharr to Muhammad Ali

Islam is the fastest-growing major religion in the world, but hostility in the West makes understanding its global reach difficult. Abu Dharr al Ghifari, the companion of the Prophet Muhammad, has provided a human face for Islamic justice, but extremism may challenge this. Islamic intellectuals have stepped forward to restore balance and moderation, such as Hassan al Banna, Sayyid Qutb, Shaikh Muhammad al Ghazalli, Sa id Nursi, Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Fadlallah, Baqir al Sadra, Ali Sheriati, and Muhammad Ali. Baker argues that appreciation for their work is essential to understanding how an awakened Islam with justice at its core has become a global phenomenon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Islam stands as one of the world's fastest-growing major religions, yet the pervasive hostility towards it in the West poses significant challenges to understanding its expanding global reach. It is unfortunate that Islam is often portrayed through a narrow lens that solely focuses on the small minority of violent extremists, overshadowing the vast majority of Muslims who constitute the moderate mainstream. The true essence and heart of Islam lie in its centrist principles, which attract new adherents in remarkable numbers.

For centuries, Abu Dharr al Ghifari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century, has served as a human embodiment of Islamic justice, representing the core value of the faith. While Abu Dharr's influence may have waned at times, the resilience of Islamic intellectuals has emerged to restore balance and moderation. We are currently witnessing a period of renewal and a sweeping awakening of midstream Islam.

In this insightful study, Raymond Baker delves into the contributions of prominent intellectuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the Islamic Awakening. These individuals include Egyptians such as Hassan al Banna, Sayyid Qutb, and Shaikh Muhammad al Ghazalli; Turkish scholar Sa id Nursi; Lebanese Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Fadlallah; Iraqi Grand Ayatollah Baqir al Sadra; Iranian radical intellectual Ali Sheriati; and American athlete and Muslim convert Muhammad Ali. Baker argues that a deep appreciation for the work of these esteemed figures is essential in comprehending how an awakened Islam, driven by justice as its central tenet, has transcended national boundaries and become a global phenomenon.

The Islamic Awakening has brought about a transformative shift in the global landscape, fostering a renewed understanding and appreciation of Islam. It is crucial to recognize that the majority of Muslims adhere to the principles of peace, tolerance, and compassion, which align with the core teachings of the Quran. By shedding light on the contributions of these intellectual giants and highlighting the centrality of justice in Islam, we can foster a more inclusive and harmonious world where diverse religions can coexist and contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197624975