The Ethics of Disagreement in Islam

Preface

The publication program of the IIIT has already addressed important issues in the field of Islamic thought and the Islamization of knowledge. In this respect a number of books and booklets have already appeared in several languages under eleven main series: Dissertations; Human Development; Indices; Islamic Methodology; Islamization of Culture; Islamization of Knowledge; Issues in Islamic Thought; Lectures; Perspectives on Islamic Thought; Research Monographs; and Studies in the Islamization of Knowledge.

At the heart of this publication program is a deep awareness of the close relationship between useful knowledge and desirable social change. It is hoped that this book will be seen as strengthening this connection.

This volume is based on the third edition of Dr. Taha Jabir al `Alwani's Adab al Ikhtilaaf fee al Islaam which was first published in Qatar in 1986 and then by the International Institute of Islamic Thought in 1987 as a part of its Islamization of Culture Series.

The English version of Adab al Ikhtilaaf fee al Islaam has been prepared by AbdulWahid Hamid from the original Arabic. The number of chapters has been increased from six to ten by turning the author's original preface into the first chapter, dividing the second chapter of the Arabic version into three chapters, and making the conclusion into a final chapter. Some chapters have been edited to a certain extent, but the attempt has been made by and large to remain close to the orginal.

The author, Dr. al `Alwani, regards this work as an essential element in the treatement of a grievous and widespread malady that is presently besetting the Muslim world. Indeed, this is the disease of discord and division that has arisen from a faulty understanding of the meaning of the ethical guidelines prescribed by Islam for its conduct.

In The Ethics of Disagreement in Islam Dr. al `Alwani sheds light on the positive aspects of disagreement and shows how the early generations of Muslims put it to use as a fecund and vitalizing facet of their society. In order to fashion a viable Muslim civilization, argues Dr. al `Alwani, Muslims must relearn the art and etiquette of agreeing to disagree and thus become more capable of dealing with potentially divisive situations and issues. More importantly, however, they must master the methods of making disagreement work for them, rather than against them.

The Ethics of Disagreement in Islam comes at a time of acute and painful divisions and conflicts in the Muslim world. It is hoped that it will contribute in some measure to a raising of consciousness of the paramount need for Muslim unity and solidarity.

International Institute of Islamic Thought
Herndon, Virginia, U.S.A.
Muharram 1414/July 1993