Overview

Since the 1970s, Islam has been undergoing a tremendous resurgence throughout the world. This resurgence has often been labeled ""Islamic fundamentalism"" by the media, but it includes believers of every persuasion, from the most conservative to the most liberal. Given this fact, it is vital for the West to understand the terms in which Islam thinks and to communicate effectively with Muslims. This anthology includes writings central to Islamic thought, some translated earlier but here redone, and others which have never before appeared in any Western language. The selections include an interpretation of the Qur'an, as well as portions of the Hadith, or sayings and actions of the Prophet; Islamic law; mysticism (Sufism); theology; and sectarian writings. A final essay on Islam today places these writings in their contemporary context and shows the breadth and variety of Islamic belief and practice. Compiled with the intention of letting Islam describe itself in its own words, the book is an important source for all students of Muslim culture and world religions. This book is similar in scope to Williams' well-known 1961 George Braziller publication, but freshly written and much improved.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Alden Williams
Publisher:   University of Texas Press
Imprint:   University of Texas Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 3.80cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.399kg
ISBN:  

9780292790766

ISBN 10:   0292790767
Pages:   240
Publication Date:   01 February 1994
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

IntroductionGuide to Pronunciation of Arabic Terms1. The Word of God: The Qur'anGod Speaks to HumankindHe Speaks through the ProphetsGod Reveals HimselfHe CommandsHe Rewards and Punishes2. The News of God's Messenger: The HadithThe Beginnings of the RevelationThe Founding of the CommunityMuhammad as Legislator and FounderMuhammad as Model and GuideThe Science of Hadith3. The Law of God: Shari`a and FiqhThe Acts of ServanthoodFamily LawGovernment of the CommunityRitual Slaughter and Animal SacrificeThings Disliked and Things ForbiddenEnjoining Good and Preventing Wrong (Hisba)The Interpretations of the Jurisconsults4. Interior Religion: SufismAsceticsEcstaticsAntinomiansPoetsDervishes5. The Statements of Theologians: KalamAbu Hanifaal-Maturidial-Ash'arial-Juwaynial-GhazaliIbn Taymiya6. Sectarian MovementsKharijis and IbadisZaydi Shi'isTwelver Shi'is: Ithna'asharisSevener Shi'is: Isma'ilism and DevelopmentsAfterword: Islam TodayNotesIndex

Reviews

This work is destined to be treated as a pioneer and a classic in its field.... It offers a highly readable, lively, and proportionate examination of the Islamic canon and its various internal currents.

This work is destined to be treated as a pioneer and a classic in its field... It offers a highly readable, lively, and proportionate examination of the Islamic canon and its various internal currents. American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences

This work is destined to be treated as a pioneer and a classic in its field.... It offers a highly readable, lively, and proportionate examination of the Islamic canon and its various internal currents. * American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences *

Author Information

John Alden Williams is the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Humanities in Religion at the College of William and Mary.

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