Leadership & Unity in Islam

About the Book

The concept of leadership in Islam varies greatly among Muslims. Arguably, the lack of consensus derives from deviations in the interpretation and application of Islamic texts in modern times as well as from pressures exerted by external forces. When the Islamic ethics of disagreement are not observed, the result is the disunion and weakness of the Muslim masses.

Tackling this problem requires objective studies and well-prepared consultations. To that end, IGS (Islamic Guidance Society) and ICOJ (Islamic Circle of Japan) intended to make a modest contri-bution by organizing an international conference on Muslim leadership and unity in August 2001 in Kobe, Japan. This book contains the research papers, essays, and other works prepared for the conference.

Arranged in 5 parts, the 12 chapters of the book combine general and applied works, some focusing on Japan. Rather than opening passionate discussions on the current leadership of the Muslim world, the compilation highlights the prerequisites for successful leadership while investigating the factors affecting Muslim unity. It provides useful information for Muslim scholars as well as leaders at all levels: familial, institutional, national, and international.

Cover picture: The Great Faisal Mosque, Conakry, Guinea

About the Author

The Islamic Guidance Society (IGS) is a non-profit, non-political organization based in Japan. It was created in December 1997 in Matsue, with the main purpose of establishing in Japan an Islamic scholarly forum. Although based in Japan, the group has members and affiliates in several parts of the world. The forum established by IGS is put into practice by publishing an academic journal twice a year. Additionally, the organization holds two offshoot forums of the Journal, namely a conference, organized every two years, and a mailing list, “IGSforum.”