Social Justice in Islam (Paperback)

~ Sayyid Qutb (Author)
Key Phrases: keen moral perception, thousand dirhams, tyrannical monarchy, Abu Bakr, Allah's Messenger, Commander of the Faithful (more...)

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Product Description

"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.

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: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #104,857 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 42 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)

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.

36 of 73 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

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.