The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective (Fundamental Rights and Liberties in Islam Series) [Paperback]

Prof. Mohammad Hashim Kamali (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1903682002 | ISBN-13: 978-1903682005 | Publication Date: June 1, 2002 | Edition: 2nd

The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective provides the most detailed study to date on the subject of the dignity of man from the perspective of Islam. M H Kamali sets out the proclamations on human dignity found in the Qur'an and then discusses topics pertaining to or resulting from human dignity: the physical and spiritual nobility of man; God's love for humanity; the sanctity of life; and the necessity for freedom, equality and accountability. Finally, the author examines the measures that the Shariah has taken to protect human dignity and to promote it in social interaction. The discussion is here presented in the light of the debate on the universality of human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This book goes a long way towards exploring an alternative to Western concepts of human rights. The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective is part of a series of studies on fundamental rights and liberties in Islam and should be read with its companion volumes of Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam, and Freedom of Expression in Islam.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr Mohammad Hashim Kamali is Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia where he has been teaching Islamic law and jurisprudence since 1985. Among his other works published by The Islamic Texts Society are: Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, Freedom of Expression in Islam, Islamic Commercial Law, and Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam.

Product Details

• Paperback: 134 pages
• Publisher: Islamic Texts Society; 2nd edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1903682002
• ISBN-13: 978-1903682005
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,656,062 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on this subject and a must read !!, January 27, 2011

By 

yunush "yunush" (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective (Fundamental Rights and Liberties in Islam Series) (Paperback)

Dr. Kamali has yet produced another masterpiece on a subject that is so comprehensive yet essential to the understanding of Islam and Muslims. The author starts with a historical background on the human rights and dignity, especially the rapid changes leading to massive human rights abuses during the two world wars in the twentieth century. He then expounds the Western concept of human rights and immediately jumps into the topic of human dignity and rights from an Islamic perspective. He expounds on the topics of the intimate process of creation of human beings (thus reflecting God's adoration for humankind), the universal quality of human fraternity, the pre-eminence of human beings above others, and the rights God conferred upon humankind including (not limited to): right to personal privacy, right to safety, equality, compassion and tolerance, protection from abuse, etc. He provides an excellent elaboration on all of these topics from an Islamic perspective supporting it with classical and contemporary references including the Quran, Hadith (statements and actions of Prophet Muhammad), scholarly works of old and new, and other academic references. This book is a definite must read for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to understand better the favors and rights God conferred upon human beings 1350 years before UN's Declaration of Human Rights. Reader should also take caution because Kamali drifts into a couple of controversial areas where he appears to prefer more contemporary thoughts at the expense of classical and well established exegesis (e.g. creation of Adam vs. Eve). Overall, I rate this book very high due to its literacy quality as well proof value.