Rights, Religion and Reform: Enhancing Human Dignity Through Spiritual and Moral Transformation

Description

This book discusses issues concerning human rights and religion. It attempts to develop human rights thinking beyond its liberal democratic roots through reflections on the concept of the human being embodied in religious philosophy. By linking rights, as conventionally understood, to responsibilities, roles & relationships, as articulated in religious thought, the author constructs a holistic vision of human dignity. It is a vision that is critical of mainstream religion's obsession with form rather than substance. The importance of garnering the essence of faith for social transformation is a theme that is emphasised over and over again through a series of essays on Islam as it impacts upon state, politics and social change. A genuine commitment to social justice and human dignity rather than a blind adherence to rituals and symbols is the distinguishing characteristic of Islam. It is with this argument that the author makes a passionate plea for Islamic reform. He argues that only if there is reform will it be possible to persuade Muslims of the significance of inter-religious dialogue. The author does not, however, confine his call for reform to religion. Politics, civil society and the economy, in Malaysia in particular, and in other societies in general, are also in need of reform. Ethnic relations could be improved by harnessing shared values embodied in the different religious traditions. The novel and often challenging ideas on human rights and human dignity and the strong advocacy of religious reform establish the relevance of the work to a world where both human rights and religion occupy centre stage. For human rights intellectuals and religious thinkers, for young activists and established opinion makers, this book will be of immeasurable value.

Dr. Chandra Muzaffar is one of Asia's leading public intellectuals, and has written widely on politics, human rights and religion. A former university don, he has been a social activist for 30 years and is President of the International Movement for a Just World.

'These essays brilliantly support a global call for human rights from an Asian and Islamic perspective. No one is more eloquent, distinctive and illuminating on these crucial issues than Chandra Muzaffar' - Richard Falk, Professor of International Law, Princeton University; 'Chandra Muzaffar has become one of the great voices for social justice and human rights reverberating from Asia. Muzaffar combines a passion for fair play with clarity of spiritual vision. In this book his ethical concerns interplay with policy preferences in the context of moral universalism and global reform. He is eloquent and compelling' - Ali A. Mazrui, Director of Global Cultural Studies, State University of New York; 'Chandra Muzaffar is one of the most influential and admired intellectuals in the Islamic world. His message, articulated by exemplary action as well as the power of the pen, is a source of inspiration for those concerned about the future of democracy and the development of a culture of peace for the global community.' - Tu Weiming, Professor of Chinese History and Philosophy, Harvard University, USA; 'How can the global community be infused with the same ethical responsibility capable of subduing the brute struggle for power and profit? Chandra Muzaffar addresses precisely this question, and does so in an eloquent and inspiring manner.' - Fred Dallmayr, Professor of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame, USA 'Rich in detail and insight, this book promises to make an enduring contribution to a debate that will substantially shape our common future.' - Joseph Camilleri, Professor of International Relations, La Trobe University, Australia