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Public Freedoms in the Islamic State

Exploring Human Rights and Islamic Governance

Rached Ghannouchi author David L Johnston translator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Yale University Press

Published:10th Jan '23

Should be back in stock very soon

Public Freedoms in the Islamic State cover

This book presents Rached Ghannouchi's influential ideas on integrating human rights within Islamic law, showcasing his vision for modern governance. Public Freedoms in the Islamic State is essential reading.

Available for the first time in English, Public Freedoms in the Islamic State represents a significant contribution from Rached Ghannouchi, a prominent moderate political leader in the Muslim world. Known for his reformist views, Ghannouchi emphasizes that the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be harmoniously integrated within Islamic law. He argues that a proper interpretation of Shari‘a should align with justice and human welfare, challenging the notion that these concepts are exclusive to Islamic governance.

In Public Freedoms in the Islamic State, Ghannouchi articulates his vision for a political framework that respects individual freedoms while remaining rooted in Islamic principles. He posits that the objectives of Shari‘a can be pursued through various means, thus broadening the scope of Islamic governance to include universal human rights. This work serves as a vital discourse on the compatibility of Islamic teachings with modern democratic values.

The release of this book in English marks an important moment for those interested in the intersection of Islam and political theory. As one of the most influential political theorists in the contemporary Middle East, Ghannouchi's insights offer a nuanced perspective on how Islamic thought can engage with and support democratic ideals. Public Freedoms in the Islamic State is not just an academic text; it is a call for a reimagined understanding of freedom in the context of Islamic governance.

“Rached Ghannouchi is one of the most influential, most interesting, and most promising thinkers and leaders of political Islam today. Finally, the magnum opus of his political thought on public and personal freedom is available in English. It is an important document for how human rights and freedoms can be squared with the claims of Islamic political movements.”—Frank Griffel, Yale University

“Rached Ghannouchi presents the case for Islamic democracy in this in-depth study of public freedoms in an Islamic state. David Johnston’s clear translation should be read by anyone interested in the emerging movements of Muslim democrats.”—John O. Voll, coauthor of Islam and Democracy after the Arab Spring

“Rached Ghannouchi is one of the world’s most influential Islamist thinkers, and his Public Freedoms in the Islamic State is essential reading for anyone interested in the relationship between Islam and democracy.”—Anne Wolf, author of Political Islam in Tunisia: The History of Ennahda

ISBN: 9780300211528

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

576 pages