Morabet Presents "The Forgotten Ethics of the Quran" in Rabat
Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Moroccan writer and researcher Asmaa Morabet presented her new book, "The Forgotten Ethics of the Quran," at the Rabat International Book Fair.
- The book explores the rich ethical heritage within Islamic thought, drawing on scholars like Al-Hasan Al-Basri and Al-Kindi.
- Morabet emphasizes a holistic, ethical, and spiritual reading of the Quran, distinguishing between contextual verses and universal values to address contemporary challenges.
Hespress, a prominent Moroccan news platform, proudly highlights the intellectual contribution of Moroccan writer and researcher Asmaa Morabet with the presentation of her latest work, "The Forgotten Ethics of the Quran." This event, held at the 31st International Book Fair in Rabat, underscores Morocco's vibrant cultural landscape and its engagement with profound Islamic scholarship.
In this work, which spans 288 pages, Morabet sees the necessity of drawing from the Islamic intellectual heritage to restore a framework for ethical thinking capable of keeping pace with current transformations.
Morabet's book is a significant endeavor to reconnect with the deep ethical traditions within Islamic heritage. In a world grappling with rapid transformations, the author argues for the necessity of drawing from this rich intellectual legacy to establish a framework for ethical thinking that is relevant to contemporary challenges. By referencing seminal figures such as Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Al-Kindi, and particularly Al-Ma'mun al-Warraq, whom she aptly calls the "philosopher of ethics" in the Islamic tradition, Morabet positions her work within a lineage of profound thinkers who sought to understand and articulate universal values.
Islamic thought witnessed, in its early stages, a rich ethical heritage characterized, in particular, by intellectual figures such as Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Al-Kindi, and up to Masqawayh, whom she described as the 'philosopher of ethics' in the Islamic heritage.
The methodology employed by Morabet is particularly noteworthy. She advocates for a "comprehensive and extensive" reading of the Quran, emphasizing the harmony of the entire text. Crucially, she adopts an "ethical and spiritual" approach, differentiating between verses that are specific to a particular historical context and those that embody universal values. Furthermore, her adoption of a historical and critical perspective, focusing not on the sacred text itself but on the human interpretations and exegeses that have evolved throughout history, adds a layer of intellectual rigor to her work.
She adopted a historical and critical approach, focusing not on the sacred text itself, but on the human readings and interpretations produced throughout history.
From a Moroccan and broader Arab-Islamic perspective, Morabet's work is not just an academic exercise; it is a vital call to re-examine and re-appropriate the ethical dimensions of our faith to navigate the complexities of modern life. Concepts such as monotheism (Tawhid), reason ('Aql), justice (Adl), mercy (Rahma), and good deeds (Amal Salih) are presented as the foundational pillars of this ethical reading. In an era marked by political, economic, and technological advancements, including the rise of artificial intelligence, the urgent need to revitalize ethical discourse within contemporary Islamic thought is undeniable. This book offers a valuable roadmap for that crucial undertaking, resonating deeply within a society that values its intellectual and spiritual heritage.
The concepts of monotheism, reason, justice, mercy, and good deeds form the foundations of this ethical reading of the Quran.
Originally published by Hespress in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.