Arguing the Just War in Islam

Explore the profound insights of John Kelsay in his pivotal book, Arguing the Just War in Islam, published by Harvard University Press in 2009. This enlightening work spans 272 pages and delves into the intricate relationship between jihad and just war doctrine within Islamic thought, history, and culture. Kelsay expertly utilizes original sources to illuminate the tradition of shari'a—Islamic jurisprudence and reasoning—revealing how it frames jihad as the Islamic counterpart to the Western concept of a "just" war. This book is essential for anyone interested in the intersections of Islam and politics, as well as the religious aspects of warfare. Engage with Kelsay’s timely analysis and broaden your understanding of these critical themes in contemporary discourse.