15 Modern Muslim Political Philosophers

A Handbook

15 Modern Muslim Political Philosophers: A Handbook offers a clear, accessible introduction to the ideas of fifteen major Muslim thinkers from the 18th century to the present. Building on the author’s earlier volume on classical Muslim political thought, this companion book explores how Muslim intellectuals have grappled with colonialism, modernity, statehood, and global political change. Each chapter dives into the personal background, historical context, and core political ideas of one influential thinker, providing a structured and insightful look into how modern Muslim political philosophy has evolved in response to new challenges.

Whether adapting, resisting, or reinterpreting European political concepts, these philosophers offer rich, diverse answers to enduring questions about justice, authority, law, and governance. With its consistent format and detailed summaries, this handbook is designed to help readers—from students to scholars—compare thinkers across time and geography. It’s not just a study of individual ideas, but a window into how a living tradition continues to respond to a rapidly changing world.