Basic Principles of Islamic Worldview

by Sayyid Qutb, Hamid Algar, Rami David

Sayyid Qutb, executed in 1966 by the Egyptian government but still broadly influential today, was deeply convinced that Islam provides an ideal framework for all of human existence -- individual and social, political and economic, intellectual and spiritual. He believed equally that in all these various aspects the religion had been obscured or ditorted by an influx of alien influences. In this, one of this most widely read works, he addresses himself to the task of retrieving what he regards as the authentic mode of thought that is distinctive of Islam or even unique to it. This he does through the concise presentation of seven characteristics of Islamic thought, abundantly illustrated with citation of relevant Qur'anic verses.

Genres: Islam

255 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 1995

About the author

Sayyid Ibrahim Husayn Shadhili Qutb (Arabic: سيد قطب) was an Egyptian political theorist and revolutionary who was a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

As the author of 24 published books, with around 30 unpublished for different reasons (mainly destruction by the state), and at least 581 articles, including novels, literary arts critique and works on education, Qutb is best known in the Muslim world for his work on what he believed to be the social and political role of Islam, particularly in his books Social Justice and Ma'alim fi al-Tariq (Milestones). His magnum opus, Fi Zilal al-Qur'an (In the Shade of the Qur'an), is a 30-volume commentary on the Quran. Even though most of his observations and criticism were leveled at the Muslim world, Qutb also intensely disapproved of the society and culture of the United States, which he saw as materialistic, and obsessed with violence and sexual pleasures. He advocated violent, offensive jihad.

During most of his life, Qutb's inner circle mainly consisted of influential politicians, intellectuals, poets and literary figures, both of his age and of the preceding generation. By the mid-1940s, many of his writings were included in the curricula of schools, colleges and universities. In 1966, he was convicted of plotting the assassination of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and was executed by hanging.

Qutb has been described by followers as a great thinker and martyr for Islam, while many Western observers (and some Muslims) see him as a key originator of Islamist ideology, and an inspiration for violent Islamist groups such as al-Qaeda. Qutb is widely regarded as one of the most leading Islamist ideologues of the twentieth century. Strengthened by his status as a martyr, Qutb's ideas on Jahiliyya (pre-Islamic Arabia) and his close linking of implementation of sharia (Islamic Law) with Tawhid (Islamic monotheism) has highly influenced contemporary Islamist and Jihadist movements. Today, his supporters are identified by their opponents as "Qutbists" or "Qutbi".

Reviews

[Sydney Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is insightful read from a devout Muslim who fully believes in the Qur’an and nothing else. No outside logic, metaphysics, ethics, or empiricism. Strictly and only the Qur’an and its literal meaning.

As an outsider, I find that the Qur’an has contradictions, so I would’ve appreciated some response to any criticism to his beliefs or the Qur’an; however, none was present.

To his credit, I don’t think it was his goal to respond to any criticism. So for his purpose, it was refreshing to read someone so dedicated to his holy book and religion. I can always respect someone who tries to live out their beliefs (and he ultimately died for them).

[Christopher Hurtado]

Basic Principles of Islamic World view by Sayyid Qutb; Hamid Algar (2005)

[Craig Bolton]

Basic Principles of Islamic Worldview by Sayyid Qutb (2006)