The Justice Discourse in Sultanic Literature by Ibrahim Al-Qadri Boutshish (Book Review)

Abstract

The author explores the concept of justice in the "literature of sultanic ethics" (adaab sultania), writings which reflect the political views of the political structures that governed Muslim societies. This is done by framing the argument in three main categories: by clarifying the definition of justice in Sult discourse, identifying the references that formed the foundation of that discourse, and investigating the seeds of human rights in it. He concludes his study by attempting to find the influence of that discourse on our current political thought and experience. He focuses on four texts in depth: The Counseling Kings by Abu Hassan Ali bin Mohammad al-Mawardi, The Forged Sword in Counseling Kings by Imam al-Ghazali, The Symbols of Ruling an Emirate by Abu Bakr al-Maradi al- Hadrami, and Bright Stars of Beneficial Policy by Abu Qasem bin Radwan al-Maliqi. The discourse of justice is built on three pillars: the narrator (that is, the writer or advisor), the receiver (the Sultan, with whom the Ummah rises or falls), and the topic of the discourse (the specific form of justice for which advice is sought and directions are given). The author discusses these three pillars and the relationship between the Sultan and his subjects, as well as the ways he promotes justice in accordance to this discourse, based on the responsibility of the ruler and the obedience of the ruled.