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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisA fascinating and surprising history, revealing the peaceful tradition that has existed between Islam and the WestTrade Review'This is an intelligent and continuously interesting book test' * Allan Massie, Daily Telegraph *'Excellent ... in its considered and balanced way, this book is an impassioned plea not to leave the field to the demagogues who believe in a showdown of warring cultures' * Waterstone's Books Quarterly *'A stimulating book with burning contemporary relevance' * Metro *

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Book SynopsisThe Hadith are believed to be the words of the Prophet, memorised by his followers and written down in the first or second centuries AH. This is a clear introduction to the arguments surrounding both the Hadith and the documents themselves. Comparing the views put forward in the Hadith with those of the Qur'an, it takes the student through all aspects of the Hadith in clear and accessible terms.Trade ReviewHighly recommended to academic and public libraries seriously collecting works on Islam. John Burton demonstrates once again his penetrating insight into Islamic tradition. -- Uri Rubin The text is well-written and presented in a fairly lucid and simple style. -- Dr. Muhammed Haron, University of the Western Cape Presents comprehensively and critically the present state of Hadith studies. Glossary, bibliography and index as well as the other well-established high standards of production of volumes published in the Islamic Surveys series make the book a basic tool for the study of Islam in past and present. Highly recommended to academic and public libraries seriously collecting works on Islam. John Burton demonstrates once again his penetrating insight into Islamic tradition. The text is well-written and presented in a fairly lucid and simple style. Presents comprehensively and critically the present state of Hadith studies. Glossary, bibliography and index as well as the other well-established high standards of production of volumes published in the Islamic Surveys series make the book a basic tool for the study of Islam in past and present.

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Book SynopsisThere are no official creeds in Islam, but there is broad agreement in mainstream Sunnite Islam about the chief doctrines. Over the centuries these have been expressed in creeds and have been widely recognised and used for instruction. In this book Professor Watt introduces the history of the creeds and takes the student through a selection of the main ones in translation. Explanatory notes and a single Shi''ite creed are also given in this useful and informative survey.Trade ReviewWatt's translation of the creeds is fluent and clear and is well supplemented by the short explanatory notes. A useful tool for the general reader towards the understanding of some of the main issues of Muslim dogma. Watt's translation of the creeds is fluent and clear and is well supplemented by the short explanatory notes. A useful tool for the general reader towards the understanding of some of the main issues of Muslim dogma.Table of ContentsIntroduction: the historical background; some articles of belief and the relevant terms; note on literature; standard translations. The creeds: the Hanbalites, Ahmad ibn Hanbal; A shorter Hanbalite creed; a longer Hanbalite creed; Al-Ash'ari; Al-Tahawi; the testament of Abu Hanifa; a later Hanafite creed; al-Qayrawani; Al-Ghazali; Al-Nasafi; Al-Iji; Al-Sanusi; Allama-i-Hilli.

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Book SynopsisSurveying the life, aims, character and inspiration of Muhammad, this classic introduction explains the history, form and chronology of the Qur''an, and gives the views of Muslim and Occidental scholars.Table of ContentsThe historical context - Muhammad's prophetic experience; the history of the text; the external form of the Qur'an; features of the Qur'anic style; the shaping of the Qur'an; the chronology of the Qur'an; the names of the revealed message; Muslin scholarship and the Qur'an; the Qur'an and Occidental scholarship.

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Book SynopsisDealing only with the most important historical developments, this is a comprehensive and accessible survey for all newcomers to the subject.Trade ReviewThe author is to be congratulated on a text that compresses a great deal of authoritative information and yet remains very readable. The author focuses on major themes and developments, as well as the historical background from which they arose. His writing is succinct and lucid, making use of primary and secondary sources, in which he shows a remarkable range of scholarship...Daftary's book provides an excellent overview of the history of the Ismailiyya from its inception to the present. Its particular focus is the sect's history, but its doctrines also receive ample treatment. The reader is introduced both to the primary sources and to the scholarly literature- eloquent proof of the author's great erudition. The chapters of the book complement one another to form a fascinating tale that is readable and fluent; at the same time they stand as independent units, any of which can be read on its own. Daftary deserves high prase for this exemplary project, which will be eminently useful for both scholars and students The author is to be congratulated on a text that compresses a great deal of authoritative information and yet remains very readable. The author focuses on major themes and developments, as well as the historical background from which they arose. His writing is succinct and lucid, making use of primary and secondary sources, in which he shows a remarkable range of scholarship...Daftary's book provides an excellent overview of the history of the Ismailiyya from its inception to the present. Its particular focus is the sect's history, but its doctrines also receive ample treatment. The reader is introduced both to the primary sources and to the scholarly literature- eloquent proof of the author's great erudition. The chapters of the book complement one another to form a fascinating tale that is readable and fluent; at the same time they stand as independent units, any of which can be read on its own. Daftary deserves high prase for this exemplary project, which will be eminently useful for both scholars and students

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Book SynopsisA clear account of how Islamic political thought has developed from the politico-religious structure established by Mohammed and his immediate successors.

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Book SynopsisThis highly acclaimed survey provides a thoughtful and concise account of all aspects of Islam in history.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive hisotrical overview of the formative period of Sufism - the spiritual element of Islam - from the ninth to the twelfth century CE.Trade ReviewConcisely and efficiently, Ahmet Karamustafa presents us with a survey of the early development of Sufism that is at once analytic and informative, and fully attentive to social and intellectual as well as purely religious concerns. It supersedes all previous overviews of the formative period of Sufi thought and institutions. -- Hamid Algar, University of California, Berkeley Ahmet Karamustafa's Sufism: The Formative Period is an absorbing and persuasive presentation of the development of Sufism, based on a thorough mastery of the original sources and epitomizing the discoveries of modern scholarship. Students of Sufism and religious studies will welcome this important contribution to Islamic studies. -- Carl W. Ernst, William R. Kenan, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Leaving behind the more speculative approaches to Sufism and Islam of an earlier generation, and based on a comprehensive review of the most recent results of international scholarship in the field, including the author's own original research work, this book provides a highly informative and objective historical overview of the main mystical movements that contributed significantly to the shaping of medieval Muslim society. Elegantly written, it is a must for all those concerned. -- Dr. Hermann Landolt, McGill University, Montreal and Institute of Ismaili Studies, London Concisely and efficiently, Ahmet Karamustafa presents us with a survey of the early development of Sufism that is at once analytic and informative, and fully attentive to social and intellectual as well as purely religious concerns. It supersedes all previous overviews of the formative period of Sufi thought and institutions. Ahmet Karamustafa's Sufism: The Formative Period is an absorbing and persuasive presentation of the development of Sufism, based on a thorough mastery of the original sources and epitomizing the discoveries of modern scholarship. Students of Sufism and religious studies will welcome this important contribution to Islamic studies. Leaving behind the more speculative approaches to Sufism and Islam of an earlier generation, and based on a comprehensive review of the most recent results of international scholarship in the field, including the author's own original research work, this book provides a highly informative and objective historical overview of the main mystical movements that contributed significantly to the shaping of medieval Muslim society. Elegantly written, it is a must for all those concerned.Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements 1. The Sufis of Baghdad Renunciants, the inward turn and the term

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Book SynopsisA general historical introduction to the Muslims of Medieval Italy which presents specific information regarding social, religious, administrative, political, cultural, artistic and intellectual questions.Table of Contents1. The Muslim Expansion into Sicily & the South Italian Peninsula; 2. Sicily under the Fatimids; 3. The Height of Islamic Sicily; 4. The Later Kalbid Dynasty and the Sicilian taifa Period; 5. The Norman Conquest of Muslim Sicily; 6. Muslims under Early Norman Rule: Churches, Charters & Lordships; 7. The Muslims in The Kingdom of Sicily; 8. The Normans in Africa; 9. The Muslim Massacres of the 1160s; 10. Keeping the Faith: The Palace Eunuchs; 11. Monreale and The Muslims; 12. The Art of Leisure; 13. Science, Power and Patronage; 14. The Muslim Revolts and Colony of Lucera.

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Book SynopsisTraces the emergence and development of the idea of literal meaning in Islamic legal hermeneuticsTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Understanding Literal Meaning; 2. Literal Meaning and Scriptural Exegesis; 3. Literal Meaning In Early Muslim Thought; 4. Literal Meaning in Early Muslim Jurisprudence; 5. Literal Meaning in Sunni Jurisprudence; 6. Legal Literalism and Early Zahiri Legal Thought; 7. Literalism and Ibn Iazm's Legal Theory; 8. Literal Meaning in Early Sectarian Legal Theory; 9. Literal Meaning in Classical Imami Legal Theory; 10. Literal Meaning in Modern Muslim Legal Theory; Conclusions; Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisExplores the relationship between the Sufi and theological currents in Islamic history, underscoring aspects of tension and interaction between them.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Part 1: Mystical Theologies; 1. Mystical Theology and the Traditionalist Hermeneutics of Maybudi's Kashf al-Asrar; Annabel Keeler; 2. The All-Comprehensive Circle (al-I?a?a):; Soul, Intellect, and the Oneness of Existence in the Doctrine of Ibn Sab?in; Vincent J. Cornell; 3. One Aspect of the Akbarian Turn in Shi?i Theology; Robert Wisnovsky; 4. Sufism and Theology in the Confessions of ?a?in al-Din Turka I?fahani (d.830/1437); Leonard Lewisohn; 5. A Sufi Theology Fit for a Shi?i King:; The Gawhar-i Murad of ?Abd al-Razzaq Lahiji (d.1072/1661-2); Sajjad Rizvi; Part 2: Theological Approaches to Sufism; 6. The Mystic and the Sceptic in Fakhr al-Din al-Razi; Ayman Shihadeh; 7. Ibn Taymiyya's Commentary on the Creed of al-?allaj; Yahya Michot; 8. Ibn Kemal (d.940/1534) on Ibn ?Arabi's Hagiology; Tim Winter; 9. Scriptural Sufism and Scriptural Anti-Sufism:; Theology and Mysticism amongst the Shi?i Akhbariyya; Robert Gleave; 10. Reconciling Sufism with Theology: Abu l-Wafa al-Taftazani; and the Construct of "al-Ta?awwuf al-Islami" in Modern Egypt; Andreas Christmann.

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Book SynopsisProvides a broad, comprehensive, and yet concise introduction to Islamic philosophy covering a vast subject area in a relatively short book.Trade ReviewCampanini's book achieves everthing that a good introduction to Islamic Philosophy should achieve, and more. It is commendable for its clarity, sound argumentation, sensible organisation, and brevity. Its treatment of the relationship between philosophy and Islami - which defines this philosophical tradition - truly makes the book shine. The reader will close this short book with a firm understanding of what Islamic philosophy is at its core, a healthy appreciation for the Islamic philosophical tradition, and a desire to explore it further. -- W. Craig Streetman, University of Kentucky in Journal of Shi's Islamic Studies Vol II No. 4 (2009) Campanini's book achieves everthing that a good introduction to Islamic Philosophy should achieve, and more. It is commendable for its clarity, sound argumentation, sensible organisation, and brevity. Its treatment of the relationship between philosophy and Islami - which defines this philosophical tradition - truly makes the book shine. The reader will close this short book with a firm understanding of what Islamic philosophy is at its core, a healthy appreciation for the Islamic philosophical tradition, and a desire to explore it further.Table of ContentsForeword Acknowledgements A Note on the Translation Part One: Finding a Paradigm Chapter 1: History Chapter 2: What is Medieval Islamic Philosophy? Chapter 3: Ways of Philosophising Part Two: Thought and Action: Some Major Themes in Islamic Philosophy Chapter 4: Tawhid, Pillar of Islamic Thought Chapter 5: The Structure of the Cosmos Chapter 6: The Human Intellect Chapter 7: Necessity or Freedom in Divine Action Chapter 8: Ethics and Politics Notes Bibliography

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Book SynopsisReceived an honorable mention at the 2016 British-Kuwait Friendship Society Book PrizeKey ''hot-button'' contemporary issues in Islam, often at the centre of public scrutiny, are the focus of this book. By placing the discussion of topics such as the Sharia, jihad, the caliphate, women''s status and interfaith relations within a longer historical framework, Contemporary Issues in Islam reveals their multiple interpretations and contested applications over time.Most public - and occasionally academic - discourses in the West present the Islamic tradition as unchanging and therefore unable to respond to the modern world. Such an ahistorical approach can foster the belief that Muslim-majority and Western societies are destined to clash. This book reveals instead the diversity and transformations within Islamic thought over time. Focusing on this internal diversity permits us to appreciate the scriptural and intellectual resources available within the Islamic tradition for responding to the challenges of modernity, even as this tradition interrogates and shapes modernity itself.About the series: The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys is a well-established and highly regarded series of over 30 volumes introducing key areas within Islamic Studies. Each book is written by an expert in the field, offering an overview of its subject as well as presenting original thinking, making it suitable for students and academics alike.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the iconography of Islamic art, presenting a diverse range of approaches to the subject.Trade Review"The reader will be delighted with this study, which as been produced by a group of experts in an exquisitely and extensively illustrated book." British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies "The reader will be delighted with this study, which as been produced by a group of experts in an exquisitely and extensively illustrated book."Table of ContentsPreface List of Illustrations 1. Birds and Blessings: A Kohl-Pot from Jerusalem Sylvia Auld 2. Remarks on the Iconography of the Medieval Capitals of Cairo: Form and Emplacement Marianne Barrucand 3. A Mongol Envoy Sheila S. Blair 4. Almoravid Geometric Designs in the Pavement of the Cappella Palatina in Palermo Jonathan M. Bloom 5. A Kingly Posture: The Iconography of Sultan Husayn Bayqara Barbara Brend 6. Musical Beasts: The Swan-Pheonix in the Ibn Bakhtishu' Bestiaries Anna Contadini 7. Cup, Branch, Bird and Fish: An Iconographical Study of the Figure Holding a Cup and a Branch Flanked by a Bird and a Fish Abbas Daneshvari 8. Islamic Incense Burners and the Influence of Buddhist Art Geza Fehervari 9. Vine Ornament and Pomegranates as Palace Decoration in 'Anjar Barbara Finster 10. Persianate Trends in Sultanate Architecture: The Great Mosque of Bada'un Finbarr Barry Flood 11. Silks, Pots and Jugs: Al-Jahiz and Objects of Common Use Oleg Grabar 12. Khusrau Parviz as Champion of Shi'ism? A Closer Look at Early Safavid Miniature Painting in the Royal Museum of Edinburgh Ulrike al-Khamis 13. 'Waves of the Sea': Responses to Marble in Written Sources (9th-15th Century) Marcus Milwright 14. The Arboreal Aesthetic: Landscape, Painting and Architecture from Mongol Iran to Mamluk Egypt Bernard O'Kane 15. The Vicissitudes of Rustam B. W. Robinson 16. Made for the Show: The Medieval Treasury of the Ka'ba in Mecca Avinoam Shalem 17. A Pictorial Representation of the Hadith al-Thaqalayn in an Ilkhanid Copy of Bal'ami's Tarjuma-yi Tabari in the Freer Gallery Raya Y. Shani 18. Style versus Substance: the Christian Iconography on Two Vessels Made for the Ayyubid Sultan al-Salih Ayyub Rachel Ward Bibliography of Robert Hillenbrand's works

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Book SynopsisAn introduction to and overview of the debates and questions emerging regarding Islam and modernity. Key issues are selected to give readers an understanding of the complexity of the phenomenon, an historical perspective, and access to several manifestations of modernity in Muslim life.Trade ReviewThis volume offers a good overview of the thematic discourse about contemporary issues of modernity in the Muslim world from various perspectives. -- Imtiyaz Yusuf 'There is no doubt that a textbook like this is urgently needed.' -- Dr Andreas Christmann, University of Manchester 'Has the potential for becoming the standard point of departure for understanding the profound changes in Islamic thought and practice in the modern world! No other book captures current debates with such effectiveness, also placing them in a historical context accessible to students, colleagues, and adventuresome general readers.' -- Professor Dale F. Eickelman, Dartmouth College This volume offers a good overview of the thematic discourse about contemporary issues of modernity in the Muslim world from various perspectives. 'There is no doubt that a textbook like this is urgently needed.' 'Has the potential for becoming the standard point of departure for understanding the profound changes in Islamic thought and practice in the modern world! No other book captures current debates with such effectiveness, also placing them in a historical context accessible to students, colleagues, and adventuresome general readers.'Table of ContentsPreface; Part 1 Conceptualising Modernity; 1. Tradition and Modernity within Islamic Civilisation and the West, Armando Salvatore; 2. Western Scholars of Islam on the Issue of Modernity, Muhammad Khalid Masud and Armando Salvatore; Part 2 Negotiating Modernity; 3. Political Modernity in the Middle East, Sami Zubaida; 4. Islam, Modernity and the Politics of Gender: Perspectives from the Middle East, Central Asia and Afghanistan, Deniz Kandiyoti; 5. Sufism, 'Popular' Islam and the Encounter with Modernity, Martin van Bruinessen; 6. Colonialism and Islamic Law, Ebrahim Moosa; Part 3 Debating Modernity; 7. The Reform Project in the Emerging Public Spheres, Armando Salvatore; 8. The Ulama and Contestations of Religious Authority under Modern Conditions, Muhammad Qasim Zaman; 9. Islamic Modernism, Muhammad Khalid Masud; 10. The Shifting Politics of Identity, Abdulkader Tayob; List of Contributors.

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Book SynopsisA biography of Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406), famous historian, scholar, theologian and statesman.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Preface; Map: Ibn Khaldun's Mediterranean; Timeline; 1. Historian meets History; 2. Ibn Khaldun's Early Life; 3. Ibn Khaldun the Statesman; 4. Egypt; 5. Ibn Khaldun's Method; 6. Modernity; 7. On being Ibn Khaldun; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the applicability of shariah-based structures and Islamic venture capital to the private equity industry. It includes case studies and examples of business financial appraisals to give an in-depth view of the application and operation of shariah compliant private equity and Islamic venture capital.Table of ContentsList of Tables; List of Figures; Glossary of Terms; 1. Growth and Prospects of Islamic Banking and Finance in the MENA and ASEAN Region; 2. Private Equity and Venture Capital Industry in the MENA and ASEAN Regions; 3. Scope of Shari'ah Based and Compliant Private Equity Funding and Islamic Venture Capital; 4. Potential and Limitations of Shari'ah Compliant Private Equity Funding and Islamic Venture Capital; 5. Profit Sharing, Valuation and Risk Mitigation; 6. Exit Strategies and Financial Structure; 7. Trust, Monitoring Methods and Due Diligence.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the applicability of shariah-based structures and Islamic venture capital to the private equity industry. It includes case studies and examples of business financial appraisals to give an in-depth view of the application and operation of shariah compliant private equity and Islamic venture capital.Table of ContentsList of Tables; List of Figures; Glossary of Terms; 1. Growth and Prospects of Islamic Banking and Finance in the MENA and ASEAN Region; 2. Private Equity and Venture Capital Industry in the MENA and ASEAN Regions; 3. Scope of Shari'ah Based and Compliant Private Equity Funding and Islamic Venture Capital; 4. Potential and Limitations of Shari'ah Compliant Private Equity Funding and Islamic Venture Capital; 5. Profit Sharing, Valuation and Risk Mitigation; 6. Exit Strategies and Financial Structure; 7. Trust, Monitoring Methods and Due Diligence.

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Book SynopsisA biography of Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406), famous historian, scholar, theologian and statesman.Trade Review'A superb account of how a historian developed his own historical methodology... Highly recommended.' -- CHOICE Amazon 'A superb account of how a historian developed his own historical methodology... Highly recommended.'Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Preface; Map: Ibn Khaldun's Mediterranean; Timeline; 1. Historian meets History; 2. Ibn Khaldun's Early Life; 3. Ibn Khaldun the Statesman; 4. Egypt; 5. Ibn Khaldun's Method; 6. Modernity; 7. On being Ibn Khaldun; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisEvaluates the East-West encounter portrayed in Maghrebi literature from colonial times to the post-9/11 period.

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