ABSTRACT
This chapter focusses on Qutb’s concept of the universe (al-kawn) and its socio-political and religious implications for the concept of sovereignty (hakimiyyah), servitude (‘ubudiyyah) and the notion of universality. It will also examine the significance of the concept of al-kawn in the articulation of his theory of society. This will entail a brief outline of Qutb’s ideas and methods with regard to the observation of the universe, taking into account differences between his concept of the universe (al-kawn) and that of Nature (tabi‘ah). Qutb’s ideological view as regards man and his responsibility will then be outlined.
