Sexual Ethics in Islam and in the Western World

Sexual Ethics in Islam and in the Western World by Morteza Motahhari examines the fundamental differences between Islamic and Western perspectives on sexuality and morality. The book analyzes historical developments that shaped these contrasting worldviews. Motahhari presents Islamic principles regarding marriage, family structure, and gender relations while comparing them to Western approaches. He explores topics including temporary marriage, polygamy, divorce, and sexual freedom through both religious and secular frameworks. The text incorporates arguments from Islamic scholars, Western philosophers, and sociological research to support its comparative analysis. Each chapter methodically builds upon previous discussions while introducing new concepts and ethical considerations. This work provides insight into how different cultural and religious traditions approach human sexuality and suggests the implications of these differences for modern society. The underlying tension between tradition and modernity emerges as a central theme throughout the philosophical discourse.

Readers note this book compares Islamic and Western views on marriage, sex, family dynamics, and gender roles. Muslim readers appreciate Motahhari's clear explanations of Islamic principles around sexuality and relationships, while some non-Muslim readers found it helped them understand Islamic perspectives. Readers liked: - Clear analysis of differences between Islamic and Western approaches - Thorough references to religious texts and scholarship - Balanced tone when discussing controversial topics Readers disliked: - Some found the writing style dry and academic - Limited engagement with modern feminist critiques - Lack of practical relationship advice Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (47 ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) Common reader comment: "Helps bridge cultural gaps in understanding sexuality and gender relations in Islam vs the West" Some readers suggested the book works better as an academic reference than a general guide to sexual ethics.

Sexual Ethics: A Theological Introduction by Lisa Sowle Cahill A comparative analysis of religious approaches to sexuality with focus on Catholic and Islamic perspectives.

Islam, Gender, and Social Change by Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad, John L. Esposito This text examines Islamic perspectives on gender roles and relationships through historical and modern contexts.

Beyond the Veil: Male-Female Dynamics in Muslim Society by Fatima Mernissi A sociological investigation of gender relations in Islamic societies that connects religious texts to contemporary practices.

Marriage and Morals in Islam by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi This book presents Islamic guidelines on marriage, sexuality, and family life with references to both classical and modern interpretations.

Sex and Society in Islam by B.F. Musallam A historical examination of birth control and sexual ethics in medieval Islamic societies with connections to modern debates.

🔹 Morteza Motahhari was assassinated in 1979 shortly after supporting the Iranian Revolution, making this one of his final published works before his death 🔹 The book compares Islamic and Western views on temporary marriage (mut'ah), a practice allowed in Shi'a Islam but prohibited in Sunni Islam 🔹 The author served as the head of the Department of Theology and Islamic Studies at the University of Tehran before the revolution 🔹 The text explores how modernity and traditional Islamic values can coexist, addressing topics like women's rights, marriage customs, and sexual ethics from both perspectives 🔹 Motahhari wrote this book partly in response to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s, offering an Islamic framework for understanding rapidly changing social norms