'This is a very significant study of the Qur'an . . . Insightful and timely, it leads the reader on an exploratory journey through the various manifestations of the objective of divine scripture, "so that people may uphold justice".'M. Abdel Haleem, School of Oriental and African Studies

Explores the ethical structure of the 'just society' within the Qur'an

What is justice? How can it be realised within society? These are universal concerns and are central to the primary scripture of Islam, the Qur'an. Utilising a pioneering theological and hermeneutic framework adapted from both classical Muslim literature and contemporary academic studies of the Qur'an, Ramon Harvey explores the underlying principles of its system of social justice.

Dividing his book into four parts, he covers Qur'anic Ethics (moral narrative, theology and ethics, hermeneutics, historical context), Political Justice (politics, peace, war), Distributive Justice (trade, alms, marriage, inheritance) and Corrective Justice (public and private crimes). His reading of the Qur'an reconstructs the text as normatively engaging these spheres of justice in their socio-historical context and lays the foundations for contemporary articulations of Qur'anic ethics.

Key Features
. Provides a new reading of the Qur'an's ethical world view
. Proposes an original methodology for understanding Qur'anic ethics in the light of Islamic theology
. Highlights passages of the Qur'an that reveal new depth when connected to the broader thematic structure of Qur'anic justice
. Broaches a conversation between Qur'anic ethics and wider theological and philosophical discourse
. Develops a natural law reading of social justice themes in the Qur'an

Ramon Harvey is a Lecturer in Islamic Studies at Ebrahim College.


Cover image: Miniature by Matrakc¿i Nasuh (1480-1564)

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Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; I. Qur'anic Ethics; 1. Moral Narrative; 2. Theology and Ethics; 3. Hermeneutics; 4. Historical Context; II. Political Justice; 5. Politics; 6. Peace; 7. War; III. Distributive Justice; 8. Fair Trade; 9. Alms; 10. Marriage; 11. Inheritance; IV. Corrective Justice; 12. Public Crimes; 13. Private Crimes; Conclusion; Glossary of Arabic Terminology; Bibliography; Notes; Index of Qur'anic Verses; General Index.