Key Classical Works on Islamic Ethics

Mutaz al-Khatib (editor)
Hardback, 342 pages
9789004459465

This book transcends the narrow philosophical concept of ethics confined to the Greek model, demonstrating that “Islamic ethics” is an interdisciplinary field. It encompasses both theoretical and practical ethics, incorporating disciplines such as Quran, ḥadith, biography of the Prophet (sira), theology (kalam), jurisprudence (fiqh), Sufism, and philosophy. The book provides analytical readings of a list of Islamic ethical heritage sources covering a period from the 3rd/9th to the 8th/14th century. It emphasises two ideas: first, the richness and diversity of ethical perspectives within Islamic tradition, showcasing multiple approaches including the Greek philosophical, narrative, and analytical approach belonging to other disciplines beyond philosophy. Second, it challenges the perception of scarcity in ethical sources within Islamic civilization.

Contents
1. Mapping Islamic Ethical Sources
2. The Ethics of Certainty
3. Adab al-Tabib by Ishaq b. 'Ali al-Ruhawi
4. In Arabic: The Moral Vision of Nawader al-Usul of Al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi: Between the Guardianship of Morals and the Guardianship of Authority
5. The Cognitive Therapy of Abu Bakr al-Razi's al-Tibb al-Ruhani
6. Didactics of Blame and Tactics to Tame
7. Miskawayh's Kitab Taharat al-Nafs as a Program Leading to Ethicisation of Knowledge
8. Meta-Ethical Contributions of Ash'ari Theological Writings
9. Ihya 'Ulum al-Din by Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
10. Ethical Dimensions of al-Qadi lyad's al-Shifa
11. In Arabic:Al-'Izz ibn 'Abd al-Salam and the Foundation of Islamic Ethics as a Multidisciplinary Field
12. Ibn Taymiyya's al-Tuhfa al-Iraqiyya
13. Al-Adãb al-Shar'iyya by Ibn Muflih