ISLAM AND WORLD ORDER: FOUNDATIONS AND VALUES

Much has been written in recent years concerning the current state of affairs which has engulfed the world order. A number of notable theories have been espoused in an attempt to defuse the situation. In all this endeavour the Islamic theoretical perspective was never examined in an attempt to demonstrate its practical alternative to resolve the crisis. This thesis highlights the Islamic alternative proposition in dealing with the important issues prevalent in the world today, namely, institutionalized violence, crippling poverty, societal repression and environmental degradation. The thesis, therefore, outlines a formula which provides an examination of the actual and potential relevance of Islamic law, (Shariah), values and concepts as related to these issues. It utilizes the methodology which combines the four-value system of the global reform as enunciated and identified by the World Order Models Project (W.O.M.P.) as: peacefulness, economic equity, social and political dignity and ecological balance with the work of Z. Sardar's Warrd system. Each of the four values is given an in depth analysis in a separate chapter. The main findings of this thesis include the following main features: (1) Islamic public order is deeply rooted in the Shariah and is regulated by its law and at the same time, guided by its past centuries of experiences. (2) World order in Islam provides a collective value system for the community and thus prescribes a cooperative order. (3) The concept of Community (Ummah) is probably the single most important and influential concept within the lexicon of Islamic thought. (4) The major and significant roles that the scholars, philosophers, and jurists have played in the development of Islamic thought, i.e., within the realm of social, economic, ecological as well as political knowledge and disciplines. (5) The variety and entire spectrum of legal thought inculcated within Islamic law have been, fundamentally, the basis for the legal schools claim to a universal application of an alternative paradigm. Finally, the thesis reassesses the contribution of the Islamic order; its basic foundations and values to the emerging world order, with the objective of stimulating further research in Islamic and world order studies.