From the Divine to the Human

For those of us who have sometimes felt let down after encounters with lackluster approaches to the question of evil and suffering, this remarkable collection of essays provides clarity, hope, and inspiration. The authors take fresh and invigorating dives into oceans of philosophical, theological, and literary material; we are the fortunate beneficiaries of their rich findings and reflections. Their energetic and synergistic efforts combine to provide us with multiple approaches and paths of wisdom that highlight the creative and transformative possibilities for human beings facing the inevitable trials of this world. Kristin Zahra Sands, Frieda Wildy Riggs Chair in Religious Studies, Sarah Lawrence College The product of an innovative and collaborative conference on evil, suffering, and the COVID-19 pandemic, From the Divine to the Human makes a distinctive contribution to the globalization of philosophy of religion, advancing a unique array of Islamic perspectives on the classic problem of evil, many of which relocate the problem to the human sphere, where evil serves as a catalyst of spiritual and ethical development. Timothy D. Knepper, Professor of Philosophy, Director of The Comparison Project, Drake University This incredibly rich volume brings together a series of eloquent and inspiring studies that mine the spiritual and intellectual contributions of a wide range of Muslim luminary thinkers, past and present, for wisdom and understanding in the face of suffering, including the extraordinary global suffering brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Few books demonstrate as broadly and powerfully as this one the continuing relevance, vibrancy, and practical applications of Muslim philosophical, theological, ethical, and mystical thought to our contemporary human struggle. Maria Massi Dakake, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, George Mason University Muhammad Faruque and Mohammed Rustom are to be congratulated for this scholarly tour de force that brings some of the best minds in contemporary Islamic thought to weigh in on one of the most vexing problems in the history of human thought. The so-called problem of evil is here cast in an entirely new light that will be as instructive for Islamic Studies as it will for a variety of other disciplines across the humanities and the social sciences. Yousef Casewit, Associate Professor of Quranic Studies, University of Chicago Divinity School At a time when indigenous Muslim perspectives on issues related to human suffering are often overlooked, this volume amplifies the voices of premodern and contemporary Islamic philosophers and theologians. It speaks to the most pressing questions that pull at the strings of our conscience in a way that is academically rigorous and publicly accessible, shifting the current focus in the discipline of the philosophy of religion from the divine to the human experience. As such, From the Divine to the Human offers compelling insights on global challenges ranging from climate change and mental health, to the pandemic and post-traumatic healing. Hadia Mubarak, Assistant Professor of Religion, Queens University of Charlotte Resplendent with insights, this volume presents a range of vibrant voices that collectively construct a philosophy of religion based on Islamic sources. The original thinking assembled here demonstrates the plurality of perspectives and practices internal to the Islamic tradition. The contributors also highlight several critical concepts from Sufi virtue ethics for thinking creatively and compassionately about the tribulations facing our planet today, from COVID to climate change. Ali Altaf Mian, Assistant Professor of Religion and Izzat Hasan Sheikh Fellow in Islamic Studies, University of Florida