Studies March 2015

Humanism and humanity in Islam

Since first coined, the term “humanism”, a frequently over-used portmanteau word if ever there was one, has covered fields which are as diverse as they are wide-ranging. Through the centuries, the term has been associated (when not substituted for) philology, philosophy, ethics, progress, romanticism, etc. However, the foundations of humanism may be reduced to two key areas: the quest for knowledge – especially in relation to mankind and its place in the universe – and the love of humanity and the preservation of its dignity.

This paper is written by Ahmed Bouyerdene, a historical researcher, author and Doctor of Mediterranean and oriental studies.