Islam: branches and groups Books
Oldcastle Books Ltd A Short History of the Middle East: From Ancient
Book SynopsisSituated at the crossroads of three continents, the Middle East has confounded the ambition of conquerors and peacemakers alike. Christianity, Judaism and Islam all had their genesis in the region but with them came not just civilisation and religion but also some of the great struggles of history. A Short History of the Middle East makes sense of the shifting sands of Middle Eastern History, beginning with the early cultures of the area and moving on to the Roman and Persian Empires; the growth of Christianity; the rise of Islam; the invasions from the east; Genghis Khan's Mongol hordes; the Ottoman Turks and the rise of radicalism in the modern world symbolised by Islamic State.
£9.74
HarperCollins Publishers THE SUICIDE FACTORY Abu Hamza and the Finsbury Park Mosque
Book SynopsisTwo veteran journalists tell the inside story of convicted hate-monger Abu Hamza, his infamous Finsbury Park Mosque and how it turned out a generation of militants willing to die – and kill – for their cause…
£11.39
Cambridge University Press Caliphate and Imamate
Book SynopsisOne of the most enduring sources of conflict among Muslims is the question of power and authority after the Prophet Muhammad. This anthology of classical Arabic texts, presented in a new English translation, succinctly presents competing views on the prerequisites of legitimate leadership and authority in the Islamic tradition.Table of ContentsA Note on the Translation; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Glossary of Key Terms; 1. A Précis of the Doctrines of Abū 'l-Ḥasan al-Ashʿarī Ibn Fūrak; 2. The Succour of Nations Amidst the Confusion of Darkness al-Juwaynī; 3. The Theoretical Underpinning of the Imamate Abū Ṭālib al-Hārūnī; 4. The Curative Book on the Imamate: A Paraphrastic Rendering al-Shaykh al-Ṭūsī; 5. The Book of Excellence on the Fundamental Principles of Religion Ibn al-Malāḥimī; 6. The concise ʿAbd al-Kāfī al-Warjalānī; 7. The Crown of Doctrines and the Mine of Instructive Points al-Dāʿī Ibn al-Walīd; Bibliography; Index.
£24.69
Peter Lang Publishing Inc Contemporary Islamist Perspectives on
Book SynopsisThis book lies at the intersection of two important and expanding fields of study: Political Islam and International Relations (IR). It contributes to both fields by analyzing the discourses of six moderate-reformist (mainstream) scholar sheikhs from the Sunni and Shii Arab World of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Four of the scholar sheikhs are Sunni Egyptians who received their education at al-Azhar and/or maintained a long-term affiliation with the institution. They are Mahmoud Shaltut (1893-1963), Muhammad Abu Zahra (1897-1974), Muhammad al-Bahi (1905-1982), and Yusuf al-Qaradawi (1926- ). The fifth is the Sunni Syrian Sheikh Wahbah al-Zuhaili (1932-2015). Finally, there is Sayyid Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah (1935-2010), a renowned Lebanese Shia cleric, who received his religious training at al-Hawza in Najaf, Iraq, the Shia equivalent of al-Azhar.The aims of the book are three: (1) to demonstrate the presence of a moderate-reformist (mainstream) strand within politicalTable of ContentsPreface – Introduction: The Moderate-Reformist (Mainstream) Strand of Political Islam – The Founding Generation: Jamal al- Din al- Afghani, Muhammad ‘Abduh and Rashid Rida – The Second Generation: Mahmoud Shaltut and Muhammad Abu Zahra – The Second Generation: Muhammad al-Bahi – The Third Generation: Yusuf al-Qaradawi – The Third Generation: Wahbah al-Zuhaili – The Third Generation: Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah – Conclusion: The Mainstream Islamists Within Their Ideational and Historical Milieus – Bibliography – Index.
£65.11
Edinburgh University Press Religion Orientalism and Modernity
Book SynopsisGeoffrey Nash explores the emergence of the revolutionary Babis and reformist Baha'is and their conflict with mainstream Shi'a Muslims in Iran, and of the parallel Ahmadi movement in North India. Comparing these movements shows that, together, they define important aspects of Islamic modernity.
£81.00
Arc Humanities Press Medieval Islamic Sectarianism
Book Synopsis
£18.54
Vintage Publishing Nine Paths: A Year in the Life of an Indian
Book SynopsisRevelatory, lyrical and immersive, this is an extraordinary book that takes you deep into these ordinary women's worlds... Their stories are urgent and forcefully articulated - and this book gives us the chance to hear them.On an island at the eastern edge of India, rural, remote and dense with jungle, is a Muslim village. In an ever-shifting landscape of mangroves and rivers, the women here dwell among contradictions, constrictions and change in a place where one's neighbours are often too close for comfort.Nine Paths follows the lives of nine of these women, and their families, over the course of a year - from one monsoon season to another. There are weddings to celebrate and deaths to mourn, difficult marriages to navigate and tragedies to overcome, as we observe the everyday drudgery and unexpected turmoil, and the dreams of something better. Revelatory, lyrical and immersive, this is an extraordinary book that takes you deep into these ordinary women's worlds. Anthropologist Lexi Stadlen spent sixteen months in this village, talking, listening, and getting to know these women, who were willing to share their complicated, fascinating lives. Their stories are urgent and forcefully articulated - and this book gives us the chance to hear them.Trade ReviewCompelling, immersive, and beautifully composed, Nine Paths is a story woven from the true accounts of nine Muslim women from rural India. This book is that perfect thing: exquisite storytelling meeting serious research. It makes for a vivid and memorable encounter - a world away brought near by Lexi Stadlen's ingenuity, compassion, and skill. -- Suzannah LipscombIntimate, insightful and powerful, Nine Paths pulls the reader deep into what it means to be a Muslim woman in India, and allows us to appreciate the strength, resilience and bravery in the face of the many forms of violence negotiated daily. Lexi Stadlen vividly brings to life the best of immersive ethnography -- Alpa Shah, author of Nightmarch: Among India's Revolutionary GuerrillasBeautifully written, and so clever - telling us in great detail about the challenges that these women face, but with remarkable skill and such a delicate touch. -- Sonia Faleiro, author of The Good GirlsNine Paths captivatingly portrays life in rural Bengal through carefully interwoven episodes that evoke the village environs, the social atmosphere, and especially the nine Muslim women on whom the book focuses. The reader is taken through a year in their lives, sees the mundane ordinariness as well as the dramas and crises of their everyday lives, meets them as they handle marriage negotiations, contend with awkward dynamics within their household, worry about debts and reflect on their position as Muslims. It is a beautifully written and haunting book. -- Patricia Jeffery, Professor Emerita, University of Edinburgh
£13.49
Oneworld Publications 'Uthman ibn 'Affan: Legend or Liability?
Book Synopsis‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (d. 656) was an early convert to Islam and the third successor to the Prophet Muhammad. As caliph he established the first Islamic navy, consolidated the text of the Qur’an, and expanded the Arab empire. His opponents, however, accused him of being corrupt and questioned his legitimacy. After twelve years ‘Uthman’s troubled caliphate ended in revolt. His death at the hands of rebels led to civil war and contributed to the eventual split between Sunni and Shi’i Islam. In this volume, Heather Keaney examines the life and legacy of the controversial caliph.Trade Review‘Keaney’s book offers as balanced a view of ‘Uthman’s life, character and policies as one could hope for… She skilfully traces how the controversies that first arose with ‘Uthman in the seventh century were spun out in later centuries by various Islamic thinkers, right up to the twenty-first century and the “Arab Spring.” Clearly and engagingly written throughout, it is an outstanding introduction to Islam’s nagging sectarian divisions and political thought.’ -- Fred M. Donner, Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Near Eastern History, University of ChicagoTable of Contents1 CONTEXT Introduction The Challenge of ‘Uthman The Challenge of the Sources ‘Uthman’s World The World ‘Uthman Made and that Made ‘Uthman Conclusion 2 COMPANION Introduction The Man Precedence in Islam (Sabiqa) Generosity Muhammad and the Rashidun Caliphs Conclusion 3 CONSULTATION Introduction Defense of the Shura Deliberations Decision Debates ‘Uthman’s First Acts Conclusion 4 CONQUESTS Introduction Problem of the Sources North Africa Mediterranean Sea Iran Northern Iran and the Caucasus The Iranian Plateau Armenia Mediterranean Sea Conclusion 5 CRISIS Introduction Complaints Rebellion Regicide Aftermath Conclusion 6 CONSEQUENCES Introduction Martyr Unity of the Community Conclusion 7 CONTESTED CONTINUITY Introduction Companion Consultation Caliphate Crisis Conclusion Selected Bibliography Index
£23.75
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC A Short History of Islamic Thought
Book SynopsisFitzroy Morrissey's brilliant guide to Islamic thought – from its foundation in the seventh century to the present day. 'A magisterial accomplishment' Professor Eugene Rogan 'The best guide to Islamic thinking that I've read' James Barr 'I greatly enjoyed [it]' Peter Frankopan, Spectator, Books of the Year Day after day we read of the caliphate and the Qur'an, of Sunni and Shi'a, Salafis and Sufis. Almost a quarter of the world's populate is Muslim. Understanding the modern world requires knowing something about Islam. Tracing fourteen centuries of Islamic history – from the foundation of Islam in the seventh century and the life of Muhammad, through the growth of great Islamic empires, to the often fraught modern period – Fitzroy Morrissey considers questions of interpretation and legacy, of God and His relationship with His followers, of the lives of Muslims and how they relate to others. He presents the key teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith, analyzes the great works of Islamic theology, philosophy, and law, and delves into the mystical writings of the Sufis. He considers the impact of foreign cultures – Greek and Persian, Jewish and Christian – on early Islam, accounts for the crystallization of the Sunni and Shi'i forms of the faith, and explains the rise of intellectual trends like Islamic modernism and Islamism in recent times. In this way, Morrissey presents not a monolithic creed, but a nuanced faith made up of several often competing – and always fascinating – intellectual tendencies. This concise and engaging volume will appeal to readers looking to better understand the world's second largest religion and to those interested in the intellectual history of the last millennium and a half.Trade ReviewA magisterial accomplishment based on extensive reading into Islamic sources across the centuries. Balanced and clear, and a fascinating read, this is the best guide to the history and theology of Islam in print -- Professor Eugene RoganThis lucid, concise and humane book is the best guide to Islamic thinking that I've read. Fitzroy Morrissey explains the key developments, from the Qu'ran to Khomeini, setting them in a context that makes them much easier to grasp and writing in a way that makes you want to know what happened next. If you are looking for an introduction to the principles of Islam, or for enlightenment on the Sunni-Shia split or Islam's different schools of thought, this is the book you need -- James BarrI greatly enjoyed Fitzroy Morrissey's A Short History of Islamic Thought * Spectator *This is a book I know I will frequently refer to. The subject is both relevant and daunting. In Morrissey's hands it is fascinating and a pleasure to read -- James Barr, Engelsberg Ideas
£10.44
The History Press Ltd The Future of Islam
Book SynopsisWilfrid Scawen Blunt was a British diplomat and poet, who fought the case for Egyptian and Irish nationalism. A great admirer of Islam, the author's classic text from the 1880s predicts many of the divisions that affect the world, and speaks of what must happen if the world is to ever be a peaceful one.
£13.50
Peter Lang AG Quran and Reform: Rahman, Arkoun, Abu Zayd
Book SynopsisThe author examines three 20th/21st century Muslims' accounts of reading the Quran. To master contemporary social challenges, Fazlur Rahman (d. 1988), Muhammad Arkoun (d. 2010), and Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd (d. 2010) call for revisiting the Islamic heritage, plus a fresh look onto the Quranic 'spirit'. The investigation leads through following concepts: the nature of the Quran, revelation and prophecy, the role of Muhammad and Prophethood. Discoursing the philosophers' reform ideas leads to an analysis of their exegetical methods. Do the proposed Quran hermeneutics support their reform projects? This book uncovers pros and cons of these socio-intellectual innovations. It finally concludes: the thinkers' scholarly and philosophical attitude exposes itself as a humanistic endeavour.Table of ContentsContemporary rereading of the Quran – Religious thought – Rahman – Arkoun – Abu Zayd – Nature of the Quran – Prophecy and revelation – Reform – Education – Exegesis – Metaphysics – Islamic state – Sharia – Secular democracy – Double movement – Determinism – (Gender) Equality – Violence/jihad-ijtihād – Meaning and significance – Humanism
£43.02
Peter Lang AG Eros and the Pearl: The Yezidi Cosmogonic Myth at
Book SynopsisEros and the Pearl is the first monograph devoted to the Yezidi cosmogonic myth. It is based on the author’s field research among the Yezidi people in Iraq, Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia. The author focuses on the analysis of the cosmogonic motif of Pearl and Love and, referring to various source materials, traces the presence of analogous threads in other religious traditions, esp. Yarsanism, Mandaeism, Manichaeism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, as well as the Greek philosophical concepts of Eros and the primordial One that influenced Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Early Christianity, and Sufism. Demonstrating the complexity of the Yezidi tradition, the author also points to Harranian ‘Sabians’ as those who may have contributed to its beliefs at the beginning of the formation of the Yezidi religion.Table of ContentsYezidi traditions – Yarsanism – Mandaeism – Manichaeism – Zoroastrianism – Hinduism – Gnosticism – Hermeticism – Early Christianity – Sufism – Harranian ‘Sabianism’
£54.90
Brill Reason, Esotericism, and Authority in Shiʿi Islam
Book SynopsisThis volume advances the critical study of exegetical, doctrinal, and political authority in Shiʿi Islam. Naive dichotomies of “reason” and “esotericism” in Islamic Studies have often marginalized Shiʿi thought or impeded its understanding. The studies presented here aim to foster more exacting frameworks for interpreting the diverse modes of rationality and esotericism in Twelver and Ismaili Shiʿism and the socio-epistemic values they represent within Muslim discourse. The volume’s contributions highlight the cross-sectarian genealogy of early Shiʿi esotericism; the rationale behind Fatimid Ismaili Quranic taʿwīl hermeneutics; the socio-political context of religious authority in nascent Twelver Shiʿism; authorial agency wielded by Imami hadith compilers; the position of esoteric Shiʿi traditions in Timurid-era Ḥilla; and Shiʿi-Sufi relations with Uṣūlī jurists in modern Iran. Contributors: Rodrigo Adem, Alessandro Cancian, Edmund Hayes, Sajjad Rizvi, Tahera Qutbuddin, Paul Walker, George WarnerTable of ContentsNote on Transliteration Abbreviations Employed Introduction: On the Use and Abuse of Reason and Esotericism in Islamic Studies Rodrigo Adem and Edmund Hayes 1 Early Ismailism and the Gates of Religious Authority: Genealogizing the Theophanic Secret of Early Esoteric Shiʿism Rodrigo Adem 2 The Imam Who Might Have Been: Jaʿfar “the Liar” between Political Realism and Esoterist Idealism Edmund Hayes 3 Explaining Prayer: Hadith and Esotericism in al-Shaykh al-Ṣadūq’s ʿIlal al-Sharāʾiʿ George Warner 4 The Doctrine of Taʾwīl in Fatimid Ismaili Texts Paul Walker 5 Principles of Fatimid Symbolic Interpretation (Taʾwīl): An Analysis Based on the Majālis Muʾayyadiyya of al-Muʾayyad al-Shīrāzī (d. 470/1078) Tahera Qutbuddin 6 Esoteric Shiʿi Islam in the Later School of al-Ḥilla: Walāya and Apocalypticism in al-Ḥasan b. Sulaymān al-Ḥillī (d. after 1399) and Rajab al-Bursī (d. c. 1411) Sajjad Rizvi 7 Sufi Mysticism and Uṣūlī Shiʿism: Practical Authority in Modern Iranian Shiʿi Sufism Alessandro Cancian Index
£114.95
