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Textbook
Islam: A Brief History, 2nd EditionDecember 2009, ©2010, Wiley-Blackwell
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- An expanded new edition of this concise, illuminating introduction to Islam, written by one of the field’s leading scholars
- Spans Islamic history from the life of Muhammad and the birth of Islamic ideals, through Islam’s phenomenal geographical expansion and cultural development, to the creation of modern states and its role in today’s global society
- Features expanded coverage of the Qur’an, Sufism, and Muslim views on human rights, including the rights of women
- Includes fascinating vignettes of Islamic life, representing mainstream Muslim viewpoints on issues of global concern
- Explores the complex interrelationships of cultural, political, and ideological developments woven throughout Islamic history, drawing on specific examples including current developments in Pakistan
Foreword.
Preface.
Preface to the First Edition.
Maps.
1 Many Paths to One God: Establishing the Ideals.
The Quran.
The Quran and Other Scriptures.
Themes of the Quran.
The Exemplary Life of Muhammad, Prophet of Islam: The Sunna.
The Early Muslim Community and the Pillars of Islam.
The Successors ("Caliphs").
Early Communal Disputes.
Conclusion.
2 The Pursuit of Knowledge in the Service of God and Humanity: The Golden Age.
Institutions.
Law.
Political Structure.
Cultural Achievements.
Spirituality and the Mystical Tradition: Sufism.
Conclusion.
3 Division and Reorganization.
The Crusades and Other Disasters.
The Decline of the Abbasids and Rise of the Ottomans.
Persia: The Safavid Empire.
India and the Rise of the Mughals.
Understanding Developments in Islamic History.
Conclusion.
4 Colonialism and Reform.
Colonialism.
The Outcome of World War I.
The Effects of Colonialism: The Challenge of Islamic Reform.
Themes of Islamic Reform: Personal Initiative and Social Solidarity.
Themes of Islamic Reform: Ijtihad.
Themes of Islamic Reform: Commitment to Learning.
Conclusion.
5 Obstacles and Prospects for Islamic Reform.
Obstacles: The Impact of Colonialism.
Prospects for the Future.
Islam, Human Rights, and Democracy.
Islam among World Religions.
Notes.
Further Reading.
Source Acknowledgments.
Index.
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An expanded new edition of this concise, illuminating introduction to Islam, written by one of the field’s leading scholars
-
Spans Islamic history from the life of Muhammad and the birth of Islamic ideals, through Islam’s phenomenal geographical expansion and cultural development, to the creation of modern states and its role in today’s global society
-
Features expanded coverage of the Qur’an, Sufism, and Muslim views on human rights, including the rights of women
-
Includes fascinating vignettes of Islamic life, representing mainstream Muslim viewpoints on issues of global concern
-
Explores the complex interrelationships of cultural, political, and ideological developments woven throughout Islamic history, drawing on specific examples including current developments in Pakistan
— John Voll, Georgetown University
"This is a masterful study accessible to students, scholars and the general reader. Few authors are more knowledgeable or better equipped to write such a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the history of Islam."
— John L Esposito, Georgetown University
