The Art of Cultivating Noble Character (PRE-ORDER)

Yasien Mohamed was the first modern scholar to write in English about Raghib al-Isfahani and the field of Islamic Studies remains in debt to his vision and initiative. This book is the culmination of a lifetime of rigorous scholarship and profound expertise. It will be a fundamental reference point for all interested in Raghib's ethical thought - one of the most fecund and innovative syntheses in the premodern Islamic world.

Alexander Key

Tufts University, USA

You hold in your hands one of the most important books of the Islamic tradition. The proof of Islam, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, memorised by heart Kitab al-Dhari'a. Anyone familiar with Imam Ghazali's works will recognise the immense influence this book had on him... We owe a great debt to Dr Yasien Mohamed for bringing this exceptional work into English... With excellent knowledge of Arabic and English, coupled with a serious background in ethics, he provides us with a translation that works well and conveys the contents of the Imam's works.

Hamza Yusuf

Zaytuna College, USA

This seminal philosophical work by Rāghib al-Iṣfahānī, grounded in the Sharīʿah, demonstrates the synthesis of reason and revelation in ethical thought and the unity of transmitted (naqliyyah) and rational (‘aqliyyah) sciences, a hallmark of the tenth and eleventh century Islamic thought. By providing an excellent annotated English translation of this classical work, Yasien Mohamed has made a significant contribution to contemporary Islamic thought and scholarship. This work has the potential to inspire fresh perspectives in the contemporary discourse on comparative ethical thought, facilitating a deeper understanding of the rich intellectual heritage of Islamic philosophy.

Osman Bakar

International Islamic University of Malaysia

The 10th–11th century Muslim Ethicist, al-Rāghib al-Iṣfahānī is a pivotal figure in the development of Islamic virtue ethics. Expanding on an Aristotelian model, he builds an ethical system that aims beyond flourishing in this world to flourishing in the afterlife, looking to the Prophet Muḥammad as an exemplar, taking guidance from Muslim scripture, and connecting the philosophical virtues to Islamic law and ritual. His synthesis is an important milestone in the Islamic tradition and a central inspiration to al-Ghazālī. No scholar knows al-Iṣfahānī better than Yasien Mohamed, whose elegant new translation of The Art of Cultivating Noble Character, along with extensive annotation, makes this important work accessible to an English reading audience.

Kenneth Garden

Tufts University, USA

What drives our actions: ethical values or power and interests? This fundamental question divides the world today. Yasien Mohamed makes a valuable contribution to the academic community by introducing the argument for virtue ethics from the prominent Muslim scholar, Rāghib al-Iṣfahānī. This enriches the discussion on ethics from an Islamic perspective. Ethics is inherently relational, involving the self and others. Therefore, understanding the self and others is a prerequisite for ethical engagement. Iṣfahānī’s approach begins with self-knowledge from an Islamic perspective, then explores the vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationships with other creatures. His ethical framework is triangular, analysing interpersonal relationships in light of the divine connection. The vertical dimension is crucial, as it infuses human relationships with meaning and purpose. This may be Iṣfahānī’s most significant contribution to contemporary ethical discussions.

Recep Şentürk

Hamad Bin Khalifa University, UAE

Yasien Mohamed’s masterful translation of the Dharīʿah marks a monumental contribution to the study of Islamic ethics and philosophy. With meticulous care, this work revives the profound teachings of Rāghib al-Iṣfahānī, offering contemporary readers a unique opportunity to engage with classical Islamic thought on virtues and moral character. By integrating philosophical virtues with Islamic theological principles, this book enriches our understanding of virtue ethics and underscores the timeless relevance of Iṣfahānī’s insights for today’s pursuit of moral and spiritual growth. This book is essential reading for scholars and students interested in the intersection of ethics, religion, and philosophy.

Alparslan Açıkgenç

Uskudar University, Turkey

In an era dominated by deontological and consequentialist approaches to moral philosophy, Dr. Mohamed’s work on Rāghib al-Iṣfahānī revives the rich tradition of virtue ethics within Islam. The Dharīʿah presents a comprehensive ethical framework, harmoniously integrating Qur’anic principles with philosophical virtues. This synthesis offers profound insights into cultivating virtuous character for both worldly success and eternal felicity. Dr. Mohamed’s meticulous translation and insightful commentary illuminate the relevance of these virtues in addressing contemporary moral dilemmas. Al-Iṣfahānī reminds us that ethical living encompasses more than adhering to external laws or calculating outcomes; it’s about nurturing the soul, fostering wisdom, and cultivating character. Dr. Mohamed’s scholarship is truly commendable. His ability to convey the depth and complexity of Iṣfahānī’s thoughts in an accessible language showcases his expertise in Arabic and Islamic philosophy. The annotated translation, enriched with scholarly references and contextual analysis, is an invaluable resource for students, academics, and anyone interested in the intersection of Islamic ethics and philosophical inquiry.

Ahmed El Azhary

Tabah Foundation

The Art of Cultivating Noble Character is an exceptional work that illuminates the ethical philosophies of one of the most profound scholars in the Islamic tradition. As the first English translation of Rāghib al-Iṣfahānī’s ethical treatise, this book represents a monumental contribution to the field of virtue ethics. Iṣfahānī’s examination of virtue ethics, within the Islamic intellectual framework, offers a distinctive perspective that seamlessly integrates classical philosophical traditions with Islamic thought. His profound insights into the nature of intellect, the pursuit of knowledge, adab (proper conduct), and the pivotal role of education are particularly enlightening. Yasien Mohamed’s meticulous translation not only makes Iṣfahānī’s seminal work accessible to a global audience but also significantly enriches the discourse on virtue ethics by introducing an authentic Islamic perspective. This translation’s scholarly rigour, lucidity and precision ensure that it will become an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and anyone deeply interested in ethical philosophy.

Yusef Waghid

University of Stellenbosh, South Africa

Through this lucid and skilful translation of al-Rāghib al-Iṣfahānī’s Kitāb al-Dharīʿah, Professor Yasien Mohamed has rendered a valuable service to the English-speaking reader who now has access to this magisterial work on virtue ethics. It is a significant contribution to a resurgent global discourse on the place of ethics in an increasingly dystopian world and, therefore, highly recommended for both a specialist and general readership.

Asma Afsaruddin

Indiana University, USA

The Art of Cultivating Noble Character is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the nature of moral reasoning in Islamic philosophy. We have known for a long time the significance of Iṣfahānī, thanks largely to the scholarship of the author of this book in his earlier work, and here we have a judicious and accurate translation of one of Iṣfahānī’s major works. The scholarly notes are particularly helpful and this is going to be the definitive text in the area for some time. Mohamed presents the material with clarity, and he has done great service to those interested in Islamic philosophy in this account of an influential and powerful thinker.

Oliver Leaman

University of Kentucky, USA