Justice and Freedom and Their Impact on Human Civilization (ʿUmrān) in the Light of the Prophetic Biography: An Epistemological Perspective in the Context of Contemporary Transformations

Abstract

Justice and freedom are fundamental human values and indispensable foundations of sound civilizational development (ʿumrān). This study examines how the Prophetic Biography (Sīrah) presents these two principles as complementary pillars of a just and humane civilization. It argues that rereading the Sīrah through an epistemological framework responsive to contemporary global transformations renews Sīrah studies and demonstrates the continuing relevance of the Prophetic model to modern political, social, and civilizational challenges. The study investigates how justice and freedom were embodied during the Makkan and Madinan periods and how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ institutionalized them through legal, political, social, and economic measures that protected human dignity, upheld rights, and promoted social cohesion. It further explores how the integration of these values contributed to the establishment of a balanced and sustainable civilization. Methodologically, the research employs inductive-analytical, deductive, and critical-synthetic approaches to examine the textual and historical evidence of the Sīrah and reconstruct an integrated epistemological vision rooted in the universality of the Prophetic message. The study concludes that justice and freedom are inseparable in the Prophetic model and together provide the foundation for a cohesive civilization in which the rights of God, humanity, and creation are harmonized. This integrated vision offers valuable guidance for addressing contemporary challenges and promoting human dignity, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable civilizational development.