Social Justice in Islam [Paperback]

Sayyid Qutb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

"Social Justice in Islam" is perhaps the best known work of Sayyib Qutb, a leading figure in the Muslim Brethen of Egypt who was executed by the regime of 'Abd al-Nasr in 1966. Despite the years that have passed since Sayyid Qutb's death, the imprint of his thought on the contemporary Islamic movements of the Arab world remains profound. The Arabic original of "Social Justice in Islam" was first published in 1949, but this book in particular retains its relevance in many respects: the persistence of gross socio-economic inequality in most Muslim societies; the need for viewing Islam as a totality, imperatively demanding comprehensive implementation; and the depiction of the West as a neo-Crusading force.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John B. Hardie's English translation, first published in 1953 and reprinted several times without modification, has been thoroughly revised and corrected for the present edition by Hamid Algar, Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, who has also contributed an introduction analyzing the work and the life of its author.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Islamic Publications International; Revised edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889999113
• ISBN-13: 978-1889999111
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #584,219 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > Law

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars property and justice, December 14, 2004

By 

Anne Norton (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Social Justice in Islam (Paperback)

Social Justice and Islam confounds many prevalent prejudices about both Sayyid Qutb and Islam. The book, written after Qutb's sojourn in the United States, contains a sharp critique of sexual harassment and the commodification of women. The book explores the political implications of the Muslim practice of zakat. Zakat is ordinarily viewed as a form of charity, a type of alms for the poor. Qutb argues that zakat, properly understood, provides a means for rectifying the imbalances and momentary instabilities of the market while preserving private property and commerce; enables the protection and just distribution of common goods, and provides both principles and practices that secure social welfare without breeding dependency or diminishing human dignity. The most illuminating aspect of the book is the recognition of the importance of human dignity to economic justice and political order. Qutb is of interest not only to Muslims but to anyone interested in political economy.

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Islamic Barbarism, October 8, 2011

By 

Miguel (Seattle) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Social Justice in Islam (Paperback)

There is much in this book which can only be described as wicked, debased, and an insult to all decent civilized human values. I can't imagine anyone wanting to live in a society governed by Qutb's life hating dictates. Read it to know your enemy, then burn it.

44 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Extreme Intolerance & Poor Scholarship, July 15, 2004

By 

Eagle Eye - See all my reviews

This review is from: Social Justice in Islam (Paperback)

Qutb's book is a study in cultural chauvinism, filled with denigration of foreign cultures and religions. In a clash between tradition and modern, Qutb seeks refuge in reactionary rejection of the present and fantasies of some Golden Age that probably never was. He retreats to radical interpretations of the Quran, which he claims are the "original" ones, but which contradict the Quran itself. The Quran calls Jews and Christians, "People of the book". Qutb calls the 'jahili', barbarians. The Quran has five pillars: daily statement, daily prayer, Hajj, Ramadan, charity. Qutb replaces these with his favoirte, "jihad". Mohammed himself calls battle jihad "the small jihad", and prefers the "big jihad" of overcoming ones self. Qutb ignores this totally. So essentially, Qutb replaces the Quran with his own distorted reading of it, based on culture shock and bigotry, and has the audacity to call his own extremists views the "true" Islam.