HOLY BOOKS AND MODELS OF SOCIAL ORGANIZATION

The aim of the course is to outline the core values underpinning Islamic culture, drawing on its foundational texts – the Qur’an and the Sunnah – and to trace their development and interpretation throughout history up to the present day.

Students are able to understand the primary sources of Islamic ethics and the role of jurisprudence (fiqh) in defining behaviour. They are familiar with the key concepts of adab (etiquette) and akhlāq (morality), and the fundamental virtues of a good Muslim. They can distinguish between the rules of worship ('ibādāt) and relational and social norms (mu'āmalāt). They can analyse contemporary case studies (bioethics, economics, social relations) in the light of Islamic moral doctrine. They have acquired the methodology for independently consulting primary sources (or reliable secondary sources) to explore ethical issues in depth and are able to engage in constructive dialogue on sensitive topics related to morality and daily life in Islamic societies.

General knowledge of Islamic studies acquired during the three-year undergraduate degree.

After a general definition of “Holy Book” and “sacredness,” also approached from a comparative perspective, the course examines the doctrine of the “Most Beautiful Names” of the Divine. It extrapolates the so-called “shared” Names reflected in human creatures and, on this basis, offers an exploration of the principal qualities required of a good Muslim.
The course addresses gratitude and patience; sound judgement and the ability to respond to evil with good, and mercy; hospitality; silence and the “etiquette” of speech; modesty and reserve; beauty and the necessity of perceiving it; repentance and forgiveness; tolerance; peace; kindness and care for the vulnerable, including animals; and finally, environmental stewardship.

I. Zilio-Grandi, Le virtù del buon musulmano, Torino: Einaudi 2020;
I. Zilio-Grandi, The Virtues of the Good Muslim, Venezia: Edizioni Ca' Foscari 2025.

The oral examination will be aimed at assessing students’ understanding of the topics covered during the course.
Students’ presentations of articles or book chapters delivered during the course may also be taken into consideration for assessment.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Marks range from 18 to 30 with honours, depending on the student’s ability to present and articulate their answers to the lecturer’s questions.

Traditional lecture-based teaching and an in-class presentation of an article or chapter agreed with the lecturer.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "International cooperation" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development