Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues

Table of Contents Title Copyright About the Author Foreword to the Present Edition Preface to the First Edition Introduction Absence of Peace Islam’s Contribution to World Peace 1. Inter-Religious Peace Religious Values Have Become Redundant Universality of Prophethood All Prophets Are Equal Can Rank be Different if Authenticity is Equal?Salvation Cannot Be Monopolised by Any Single Religion Promotion of Harmony and Mutual Respect Amongst Religions The Universality Concept Islam Is a Universal Religion Instruments of Struggle—No Compulsion Survival of the Fittest Freedom of Speech Liberty and Emancipation in the Context of the Contemporary World Blasphemy Inter-Religious Cooperation Conclusion 2. Social Peace Contemporary Social Order Two Climates of Social Order Vanity of a Materialistic Society and Its Ultimate Destination Rejection of Life to Come Four Characteristics of a Materialistic Society Accountability Islamic Social Climate Fundamentals of an Islamic Society Chastity Segregation of Sexes The Dawn of a New Age in Women’s Rights Equal Rights for Women Polygamy Care of the Aged The Future Generation Wasteful, Vain Pursuits Discouraged Bridling of Desires Building of Trust and Inviolability of Trusts and Treaties Eradication of Evil—A Collective Responsibility Do’s and Don’ts DO’S DON’TS Rejection of Racialism 3. Socio-Economic Peace Economic Justice under Capitalism, Socialism and Islam Spending in a Good Cause Even in Adversity Spending in the Cause of the Poor Gratitude No Human Reward for Favours Begging What Can Be Given in Charity?Giving Openly and Secretly Social Responsibilities An Example from Early Islam Extended Boundaries of Expenditure Service to Others Prohibition of Drinking and Gambling 4. Economic Peace Economic Philosophies of Capitalism, Communism and Islam Capitalism Scientific Socialism Islamic Concept Four Characteristics of a Capitalist Society Capitalism Ultimately Leads to Destruction The Changing Economic Order Islamic Economic System Zakat Prohibition of Interest High Interest Rates in Britain Other Evils of Interest Interest as a Threat to Peace Prohibition of Hoarding of Wealth Simple Lifestyle Matrimonial Expense Accepting Invitations from The Poor Moderation in Eating Habits Borrowing Money Economic Class Differences Islamic Law of Inheritance Prohibition of Bribery Commercial Ethics Basic Needs Worship as a Means of Economic Unity International Obligations 5. Political Peace Political Peace Has to Be Carefully Examined at the National and International Level No Outright Condemnation of Any Political System Monarchy Defining Democracy Islamic Definition of Democracy Two Pillars of Islamic Concept of Democracy Mutual Consultation Preferred The Confusion as to the True Nature of Islamic Government Divine Authority Mullahism Divided Loyalties between the State and the Religion Should Religion Have Exclusive Legislative Authority?Islamic Statecraft International Relations—The Principle of Absolute Justice Equally Applicable to All The Role of the United Nations Organisation 6. Individual Peace To Be at Peace with Oneself Vying with One Another in Good Deeds Love Between Kith and Kin Serving Others Seeking the Pleasure of God A Constant Awareness of Other Human Beings A Wider Sphere of Loving Care The Object of Man’s Creation Without God, There Can Be No Peace Index