Moral Rationalism and Shari'a

Independent rationality in modern Shi'i usul al-Fiqh

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Middle East Religions, Islam, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book Moral Rationalism and Shari'a by Ali-Reza Bhojani, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ali-Reza Bhojani ISBN: 9781317627548
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: March 24, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Ali-Reza Bhojani
ISBN: 9781317627548
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: March 24, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Moral Rationalism and Sharī'a is the first attempt at outlining the scope for a theological reading of Sharī'a, based on a critical examination of why 'Adliyya theological ethics have not significantly impacted Shī'ī readings of Sharī'a.

Within Shī'ī works of Sharī 'a legal theory (usūl al-fiqh) there is a theoretical space for reason as an independent source of normativity alongside the Qur’ān and the Prophetic tradition. The position holds that humans are capable of understanding moral values independently of revelation. Describing themselves as 'Adliyya (literally the people of Justice), this allows the Shī 'a, who describe themselves as 'Adiliyya (literally, the People of Justice), to attribute a substantive rational conception of justice to God, both in terms of His actions and His regulative instructions. Despite the Shī'ī adoption of this moral rationalism, independent judgments of rational morality play little or no role in the actual inference of Sharī 'a norms within mainstream contemporary Shī'ī thought.

Through a close examination of the notion of independent rationality as a source in modern Shī'ī usūl al-fiqh, the obstacles preventing this moral rationalism from impacting the understanding of Sharī 'a are shown to be purely epistemic. In line with the ‘emic’ (insider) approach adopted, these epistemic obstacles are revisited identifying the scope for allowing a reading of Sharī'a that is consistent with the fundamental moral rationalism of Shī'ī thought. It is argued that judgments of rational morality, even when not definitively certain, cannot be ignored in the face of the apparent meaning of texts that are themselves also not certain. An 'Adliyya reading of Sharī'a demands that the strength of independent rational evidence be reconciled against the strength of any other apparently conflicting evidence, such that independent judgments of rational morality act as a condition for the validity of precepts attributed to a just and moral God.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Moral Rationalism and Sharī'a is the first attempt at outlining the scope for a theological reading of Sharī'a, based on a critical examination of why 'Adliyya theological ethics have not significantly impacted Shī'ī readings of Sharī'a.

Within Shī'ī works of Sharī 'a legal theory (usūl al-fiqh) there is a theoretical space for reason as an independent source of normativity alongside the Qur’ān and the Prophetic tradition. The position holds that humans are capable of understanding moral values independently of revelation. Describing themselves as 'Adliyya (literally the people of Justice), this allows the Shī 'a, who describe themselves as 'Adiliyya (literally, the People of Justice), to attribute a substantive rational conception of justice to God, both in terms of His actions and His regulative instructions. Despite the Shī'ī adoption of this moral rationalism, independent judgments of rational morality play little or no role in the actual inference of Sharī 'a norms within mainstream contemporary Shī'ī thought.

Through a close examination of the notion of independent rationality as a source in modern Shī'ī usūl al-fiqh, the obstacles preventing this moral rationalism from impacting the understanding of Sharī 'a are shown to be purely epistemic. In line with the ‘emic’ (insider) approach adopted, these epistemic obstacles are revisited identifying the scope for allowing a reading of Sharī'a that is consistent with the fundamental moral rationalism of Shī'ī thought. It is argued that judgments of rational morality, even when not definitively certain, cannot be ignored in the face of the apparent meaning of texts that are themselves also not certain. An 'Adliyya reading of Sharī'a demands that the strength of independent rational evidence be reconciled against the strength of any other apparently conflicting evidence, such that independent judgments of rational morality act as a condition for the validity of precepts attributed to a just and moral God.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The CEO: Chief Engagement Officer by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book New Directions in Global Economic Governance by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book New Religions As Global Cultures by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book Taking Responsibility by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book People, Aid and Institutions in Socio-economic Recovery by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book From Here to Sustainability by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book Western Mysticism by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book Sensibility, Reading and Illustration by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book Destiny Obscure by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book Temperament and Personality Development Across the Life Span by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book Modern Italian Grammar by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book US Textile Production in Historical Perspective by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book Power, Resistance and Conflict in the Contemporary World by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book Theology on the Menu by Ali-Reza Bhojani
Cover of the book The Demand for Imports and Exports in the World Economy by Ali-Reza Bhojani
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy