Traditional Islamic Ethics: The Concept of Virtue and its Implications for Contemporary Human Rights

Occasion for presenting this book:

5 August (14 Mordād): Islamic Human Rights and Human Dignity Day

Book Bibliographic Details:

Author: Dr Irfaan Jaffer

Publisher: Vernon Press

Length: 220 Pages

Language: English

ISBN: 979-8218228996

Publication Date: June 14, 2023

About the Book:

Published in 2021 by Vernon Press, Traditional Islamic Ethics: The Concept of Virtue and its Implications for Contemporary Human Rights explore how traditional Islamic philosophical and spiritual framework can offer a distinct and rich alternative to modern secular-liberal theories of human rights. The book argues that international human rights models often reflect individualistic Western assumptions, creating friction when applied globally without room for alternative ethical paradigms. Drawing from Islam’s 1,400-year intellectual tradition – including foundational Quranic teachings, Hadith, and the perspectives of Islamic Traditionalism – the author proposes a model of human rights grounded in virtue ethics, divine revelation, spiritual transformation, and social duties rather than purely secular individual liberties.

About the Author:

Dr. Irfaan Jaffer is an academic specialising in Islamic studies, pre-modern philosophy, and contemporary ethics. He completed his undergraduate studies at York University, earned his Master of Arts at the University of Toronto, and received his Ph.D. from York University in 2018, where his doctoral research formed the foundation for this book. Dr. Jaffer’s work focuses on traditional Islamic thought, Sufism, and the intersection of traditional religious ethics with contemporary global issues. In addition to his research, he actively engages in academic and interfaith discourse through guest lectures, courses, and studies on pre-modern Islamic philosophy and psychology.

Where to find it:

You can find the book at one of the online bookstores below:

• Al-Buraq Publication
• Vernon Press
• co.uk
• Amazon