Islamic life and practice Books

Book Synopsis“A ‘self-help’ book for Muslims, which seeks both to inspire Muslim women, but also to educate those outside the faith” – Dr Myriam FrancoisSince her conversion to Islam in 2002 Mathilde Loujayne has crossed paths with women from all walks of life on a common spiritual journey to discover Islam from a feminine perspective. Fuelled by a desire to find the right words to explain to her mother her choice to embrace Islam, this guide was born. Through Mathilde Loujayne's personal experiences - grief, high school, moving abroad, work, marriage, and motherhood - she addressses women's common concerns as they take the big, little steps towards finding a balanced lifestyle and a glowing heart in Islam.Trade ReviewBig Little Steps breaks down a woman's journey to Islam in big little pieces. — Grazia Middle EastThis is a book full of heart. New Muslims and those who are newly committed to their religion will find much useful information conveyed with common sense and compassion. — Dr. Ingrid Mattson, London and Windsor Community Chair in Islamic Studies at Huron University College (Canada)Big Little Steps is a holistic and feminine take on the ins and outs of Islam, written by a young French lady. It is an easy to understand and useful guide to anyone wanting to become Muslim, especially brave women! I wish I'd had a book like this when I embraced Islam in 1995. — Kristiane Backer, author of From MTV to IslamBig Little Steps is a heart-warming journey of an intelligent woman seeking the peace of Allah. Full of practical advice and insightful thoughts, this is one book that every Muslimah should be talking about. — Quake Books“Mathilde weaves her own personal story of conversion to Islam, into this accessible manuscript in which personal anecdotes mix with more formalistic descriptions of religious practise.” — Dr Myriam Francois, taken from the prefaceTable of ContentsIntroduction — Epiphany Chapter 1 — Faith Who is God? Understanding Islam The five pillars of Islam Chapter 2 — A Way of Life Fasting benefits for the body Natural medicine Praying: a physio-spiritual practice Beauty secrets Animal welfare ‘Bon appetit! Bismillah’ Mental health Chapter 3 — Womankind The creation of (wo)mankind The role of women in a muslim society Women’s rights Modesty Chapter 4 — Prayer The sweetness of faith Ablutions? Enlighten me The Mosque Get connected: special occasions Chapter 5 — Togetherness Soul sisters Citizens of the world Let the festivities begin! Death Love Leap of faith Terminology Notes References Index

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Book SynopsisIn Allah Loves… Omar Suleiman explores who and what Allah loves so that we may become one of those who are beloved to Him. The Prophet Muhammad said that one of the supplications of Prophet Dawud was, “O Allah I ask You for Your love and the love of those that love You and all of those actions that would bring me closer to being loved by you.” Looking at our actions, characteristics and beliefs, this book will help us become better people, citizens and believers that are deserving of Allah's endless, infinite and ever-lasting love. Made up of 30 short and spiritually enriching chapters, this book is a reminder that throughout our lives, the Creator's love is always there, increasing through everyday actions such as showing generosity or remaining consistent with unnoticeable good deeds.

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful presentation of a selection from the Holy Qur'an engages the reader in a moment of daily reflection. Edited for ease of comprehension, English-speaking readers will find this compilation both spiritually enriching and easy to understand. With 365 verses covering the whole year, this is a must for every home. An introduction to the Qur'an and its eternal message for humanity is included, giving the reader an insight into its origin, purpose, and style. Abdur Raheem Kidwai is professor of English at the Aligarh Muslim University in India and the well-known author of many works on the Qur'an and Islam.Trade Review"Just 1 page each day makes a difference in each of the 365 days of the year." Goodreads

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Book SynopsisAl-Ghazali on Patience and Thankfulness is a translation of the thirty-second chapter of The Revival of the Religions Sciences (Ihya'' ''Ulum al-Din). This chapter falls in the section dealing with the virtues or what is conducive to salvation. Ghazali here presents definitions for patience and its different forms; the need for patience; the degrees of patience; and why patience is considered to be half of faith.The second part of this chapter deals with thankfulness, and again Ghazali gives us definitions for thankfulness, its nature and its blessings. In addition to the translation, Dr Henry Littlejohn provides an extensive introduction which illustrates the importance of the topics of patience and thankfulness in Islam throughout the centuries.In this new edition, the Islamic Texts Society has included a translation of Imam Ghazali''s own Introduction to the Revival of the Religious Sciences which gives the reasons that caused him to write the work, the structure of the whole of the Revival, and places each of the chapters in the context of the others.

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Book SynopsisIn this work, here presented in a complete English edition for the first time, the problem of knowing God is confronted in an original and stimulating way. Taking up the Prophet''s teaching that ''Ninety-nine Beautiful Names'' are truly predicated of God, Ghazali explores the meaning and resonance of each of these divine names, and reveals the functions they perform both in the cosmos and in the soul of the spiritual adept. Although some of the book is rigorously analytical, the author never fails to attract the reader with his profound mystical and ethical insights, which, conveyed in his sincere and straightforward idiom, have made of this book one of the perennial classics of Muslim thought, popular among Muslims to this day.This volume won a British Book Design and Production Award in 1993.

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Book SynopsisComplete and unabridged, this is The Qur’an in an elegantly designed, hardcover edition.

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Book SynopsisChaperones, suitors, and arranged marriages aren't only reserved for the heroines of a Jane Austen novel. They're just another walk in the park for this leading lady, who is on a mission to find her leading lad. From the brilliant comics Yes, I'm Hot in This, Huda Fahmy tells the hilarious story of how she met and married her husband. Navigating mismatched suitors, gossiping aunties, and societal expectations for Muslim women, That Can Be Arranged deftly and hilariously reveals to readers what it can be like to find a husband as an observant Muslim woman in the twenty-first century.So relevant in today's evolving cultural climate, Fahmy's story offers a perceptive and personal glimpse into the sometimes sticky but ultimately rewarding balance of independent choice and tradition.

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Book SynopsisIt's Not About the Burqa is an anthology of frank and insightful essays by Muslim women about the contemporary Muslim female experience.'Passionate, angry, self-effacing, nuanced and utterly compelling in every single way' - Nikesh Shukla, editor of The Good ImmigrantWhen was the last time you heard a Muslim woman speak for herself without a filter?In 2016, Mariam Khan read that David Cameron had linked the radicalization of Muslim men to the ‘traditional submissiveness’ of Muslim women. Mariam felt pretty sure she didn’t know a single Muslim woman who would describe herself that way. Why was she hearing about Muslim women from people who were neither Muslim, nor female?Years later the state of the national discourse has deteriorated even further, and Muslim women’s voices are still pushed to the fringes – the figures leading the discussion are white and male.Taking one of the most politicized and misused words associated with Muslim women and Islamophobia, It’s Not About the Burqa is poised to change all that. Here are voices you won’t see represented in the national news headlines: seventeen Muslim women speaking frankly about the hijab and wavering faith, about love and divorce, about feminism, queer identity, sex, and the twin threats of a disapproving community and a racist country.With a mix of British and international women writers, from activist Mona Eltahawy's definition of a revolution to journalist and broadcaster Saima Mir telling the story of her experience of arranged marriage, from author Sufiya Ahmed on her Islamic feminist icon to playwright Afshan D'souza-Lodhi's moving piece about her relationship with her hijab, these essays are funny, warm, sometimes sad, and often angry, and each of them is a passionate declaration calling time on the oppression, the lazy stereotyping, the misogyny and the Islamophobia.What does it mean, exactly, to be a Muslim woman in the West today? According to the media, it’s all about the burqa.Here’s what it’s really about.Shortlisted for Foyles Non-Fiction Book of the Year'Engrossing . . . fascinating . . . courageous' – ObserverTrade ReviewAn incredibly important collection of essays that explores the pressures of being a Muslim woman today. These essays are passionate, angry, self-effacing, nuanced and utterly compelling in every single way -- Nikesh Shukla, editor of The Good ImmigrantWide-ranging . . . engrossing . . . fascinating . . . these essays take a courageous and panoramic view of Muslims * Observer *A landmark anthology . . . frank and engaging essays on sex and religion, mental health in the Muslim community and queer identity from an impressive selection of writers and activists * Cosmopolitan *Essential reading for our times. These essays are funny, angry, hopeful, sorrowful and inspired - and will leave you feeling much the same -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and StarsAn intelligent and much needed book * Red Magazine *It’s about pushing past the stereotype placed on Muslim women and hearing the individuals themselves; it’s required reading * Stylist *Refreshing, insightful and occasionally raw, It’s Not About the Burqa is a phenomenal collection of essays by a very diverse range of Muslim women. An absolute must read for anyone wanting to better understand the lives and experiences of Muslim Women in the West. -- Akeela AhmedThe result is It’s Not About the Burqa, 17 brilliantly wide-ranging essays covering everything from the rise of the sexualised Islamic influencer, to the Quran’s take on bisexuality – and of course insidious, ugly Islamophobia * i News *Forget the ravings of politicians and pundits, hear from voices who have real, lived experiences across religion, feminism, sex, love and identity, and turn to this nuanced and wide-ranging collection * Emerald Street *Table of ContentsIntroduction - i: Introduction by Mariam Khan Chapter - 1: 'Too Loud, Swears Too Much and Goes Too Far' by Mona Eltahawy Chapter - 2: 'Immodesty is the Best Policy' by Coco Khan Chapter - 3: 'The First Feminist' by Sufiya Ahmed Chapter - 4: 'On the Representation of Muslims: Terms and Conditions Apply' by Nafisa Bakkar Chapter - 5: 'The Clothes of My Faith' by Afia Ahmed Chaudhry Chapter - 6: 'Life was Easier Before I was Woke' by Yassmin Midhat Abdel-Magied Chapter - 7: 'There’s No Such Thing as a Depressed Muslim: Discussing Mental Health in the Muslim Community' by Jamilla Hekmoun Chapter - 8: 'Feminism Needs to Die' by Mariam Khan Chapter - 9: 'Hijabi (R)evolution' by Afshan D’souza-Lodhi Chapter - 10: 'Eight Notifications' by Salma Haidrani Chapter - 11: 'Shame, Shame, It Knows Your Name' by Amna Saleem Chapter - 12: 'A Woman of Substance' by Saima Mir Chapter - 13: 'A Gender Denied: Islam, Sex and the Struggle to Get Some' by Salma El-Wardany Chapter - 14: 'How Not to Get Married (or why an unregistered nikah is no protection for a woman)' by Aina Khan OBE Chapter - 15: 'Not Just a Black Muslim Woman' by Raifa Rafiq Chapter - 16: 'Between Submission and Threat: The British State’s Contradictory Relationship with Muslim Women' by Malia Bouattia Chapter - 17: 'Daughter of Stories' by Nadine Aisha Jassat

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Book SynopsisAnyone with the enthusiasm to pick up a pen will be able to unearth the inner workings of the Quran and its deeper treasures. Through tracing the verses, they will gain the tools to appreciate the Qur''an and its teachings in a lasting personal way. This is a stimulating journey, and its starting point tests on using the pen, the very instrument that Allah almighty SWT places centrally in His first Revelation to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH *Read: Your Lord is most Generous, He who taught by the pen (Taught man that which he knew not " [Surah Al-Alaq 96.3-51) In using "The Tracing Quran'' methodology, we can give the pen its rightful position as a medium of peace and guidance "The Tracing Our''an includes: A reminder of the importance of engaging with the Ouran The virtues of engaging with the Quran by way of tracing and writing. An approach to tracing or writing the Quran. A tracing, writing & memorisation checklist.

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Book SynopsisMuslims are required to pray five times a day, but for too manyof us these are little more than physical movements devoid of anyspirit or divine connection? In contrast, the Prophet characterised prayer as the spiritual ascent(mi''raj) of the believer. In a modern world of constant distraction,how are we to achieve the communion with the Divine that prayer issupposed to be? How can we reach the state of the Prophet who wouldask his Companion Bilal to give the call to prayer with the expression:Give us repose through it, O Bilal.The present short but valuable work provides us with the answer.Dr Bassam Saeh, a scholar of the Arabic language, casts a refreshingnew perspective on prayer in the modern context. With practicalexamples, and in contemporary idiom, he charts a path for theseeker of God's pleasure to attain a deeper sense of consciousnessand devotion in prayer. The short chapters of this work are designedto be read and reread as constant reminders for us to renew ourcomTrade Review"I read this book on a train journey and every five minutes I looked up from the book to share ... bits from [it]. There were so many gems" — gildeddunya.com "From the one who struggles to do their daily Salah to the one who never misses them, we all still struggle to make each and every Salah meaningful and full of khushu. This book is great for both kinds of people." — gildeddunya.comTable of ContentsCONTENTS Supplication1. An Appointment with God2. ‘And this, indeed, is a hard act...’: But Why?3. From Duty to Privilege4. The Satisfaction of Waking up Early for Prayer5. The Joy of Patient Perseverance6. Why Do we Pray?7. The Rhythm of Prayer and the Rhythm of Life8. Variety: The First Lesson in Civilisation9. The Call to Prayer and its Ten Wonders10. The Two Ritual Ablutions11. Communal Prayer:The Key to Advancement and Civilisation12.The Friday Khutbah (Sermon): A Course in Development13. The Five Lines of Prayer14. Red Key No. 1: ‘God is Greater’15. Reading, Reciting and Chanting16. The New Language of the Qur’an17. Open Language and ‘Fertile Spaces’18. The Role of the Fatihah19. Red Key No. 2: ‘You alone do we worship, and unto You alone do we turn for aid’20. The Centrality of Bowing and Prostration21. Red Key No. 3: ‘Blessed Greeting to God’22. Red Key No. 4: ‘Peace be upon us…’23. A Session for Supplication and Private Worship24. Computing Profits and Losses25. Let Your Whole Life be a PrayerEndnotesIndex

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Book Synopsis‘LaYinka, if you died today, what would your children have to say about you?’ This was the question LaYinka Sanni asked herself when she hit rock bottom many years ago. It was this question — and the uncomfortable answer that followed it — that inspired her to embark on a deeply personal journey of self discovery, learning and, ultimately, homecoming. Honest, tender and wise, A Beautiful Homecoming is a self-help book for every Muslim woman who has become buried beneath her labels — mother, wife, daughter, sister, employee — and who wants to reconnect with who she is and finally embrace all parts of herself. Drawing on her work as a transformation coach, her own personal experiences and her faith, LaYinka Sanni has penned a powerful love letter from one striving woman to another, an invitation to step into a new internal reality, and a practical guide that will change the way you view the world — and yourself — forever.

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Book SynopsisAt its core, Home Sweet Home is about relationships: the power it has over one’s sense of peace and self and how knowing one’s rights and duties can empower one to confidently set boundaries. Most importantly, it discusses issues and conflicts that may exist within the home and how to ensure they are not mismanaged and handled disproportionately. It emphasizes the need to reflect and ponder over the origins of conflict and aims to make its readers more cognizant of the Islamic principles related to every relationship and interaction. In particular, there is a focus on the positive impact faith can have on smoothing out many common problems. This is underpinned by psychological concepts, the Qur’an and Hadith literature. By taking into account the various issues faced by many and the different types of relationships, a holistic understanding can be crucially obtained. Through the insights provided by this book, there is hope that it leads to better and more confident decisions being taken in the home so that family members can thrive together and support each other.

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Book SynopsisSurah Yusuf, a chapter of the Qur'an (Koran), was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad at a critical juncture of his life. This was the time when he had gone through ten to eleven years of ridicule and rejection in Makkah, a time when he lost his wife and partner, Khadija, a time when he lost his dear uncle Abu Talib. Allah revealed this precious surah to strengthen the Prophet Muhammad’s heart. To remind him that he lives in the footsteps of the great prophets of the past and that Allah’s help and support is there. This surah is full of meaningful messages of patience, reliance on Allah and how to overcome hardship and betrayal. It was also educational, teaching the Prophet Muhammad the answers to queries that were posed to him by the local Jews and Muslims. Finally this surah was a timely morale booster for the Prophet and his companions in a time of need. Yasir Qadhi has clearly divided the surah into related themes, as per the revelations, so that the reader can easily understand and grasp the great wealth of knowledge relayed through this surah to all.

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Book SynopsisWhat are the hidden Qur'anic gems that lead to optimal faith, success, taqwa and overall health?Allah has given us the answers. He has taught us how we eat, drink, sleep, behave and live--all to maintain perfect balance and harmony. And yet, when we disrupt Allah's balance, we contribute to the global epidemic of lifestyle-based chronic diseases affecting our mind, body, spirit and even the planet.The latest evidence-based research shows that when we live according to Qur'an and Sunnah, we can optimize our brain and body function, unlocking the secrets to optimal physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health.Trade ReviewDr. Madiha Saeed has performed a great service to the Muslim Ummah with her book, “The Qur’anic Prescription.” Plunging into the deep and rich waters of the Qur’an and Sunnah, she brings forth priceless pearls of life-enhancing wisdom. More than just a medical text, “The Qur’anic Prescription,” examines the role that natural healing modalities, sleep, diet and various forms of stress relief play in fostering not just good health, but overall wellbeing. Building on her previous bestseller, “The Holistic RX,” “The Qur’anic Prescription,” is a book that should be in the library of anyone searching for natural paths to healing and good health.” Imam Zaid ShakirIt’s wonderful news to see such a bright and useful book come to us at this time. Muslims have a great tradition of genuine medical advancement, right from guidance from the Quran and Hadith, to the extensive writings of great Islamic doctors like Ibn Sina, known as Avicenna in the west. Dr Saeed takes you on a journey of understanding that will, inshallah, bring you right up to date with living healthily as a Muslim of today. Enjoy the experience. Dt TK Harris MD, author of Instant Insights and other Islamic mental health guides. This book is Phenomenal! If you are serious about being informed on how to improve the quality of your life, not just your health, read this book! She does a great job of legitimizing the fact that it is an Islamic obligation to take care of our health; that which Allah has given us and can easily take away. Reading this book will encourage you to read the Qur’an and leave with your own enlightening reflections regarding gratitude and its manifestation of self-care via nutrition. Sh Abdullah OduroThe Qur’anic Prescription is a comprehensive guide to planning and preparing yourself and your family for a healthy future. It's a must-read for anyone interested in gaining the wisdom of the Qur'an to deal with the dietary and lifestyle challenges of our modern times. Yvonne Maffei My Halal Kitchen Healthcare has made amazing advances, but there's still so much knowledge and science of the human body left to discover and understand. Islam promotes the pursuit of that knowledge and it's easy to find so many Quranic inspirations for this. Science and religion can work together and their synergy will unlock mysteries kept hidden from us by ignorance and arrogance. Dr. Saeed's promotion of this beautiful synergy is admirable and should be used as a guidepost for further scientific endeavor while keeping the faith. Marium Husain, MD, MPH The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematology/Oncology Fellow IMANA, President www.imana.org WAPPNA President www.sciencejummah.com, FounderThere is a pandemic of chronic diseases and people are under the illusion that they can eat whatever they want and be healthy and that there is a pill for every ill, majority of doctors are not trained on nutrition and holistic health But Dr. Madiha Saeed is and this book is an amazing resource to taking the priceless gift of health seriously and investing in yourself and your family so you can have a better quality of life and avoid sickness and chronic disease inshaAllah Br Eddie, The Deen Show The Quranic Prescription by Dr. Madiha Saeed, MD, offers groundbreaking nutritional healing methodologies that use powerful Quranic verses to instil hope in a time of despair. It's impressive to see science and Islamic teachings working together to help those suffering from various diseases. This book is both eye-opening and a game-changer! Haleh Banani, M.A. Clinical Psychology, Founder of The Mindful Hearts Academy- A Global Support Group for Women

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Book Synopsis***** THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER *****'A beautiful unique day-by-day companion throughout the Holy Month' - DR. OMAR SULEIMAN------------------------------------------A must-have intimate journal to guide you through Ramadan and deepen your individual connection to Allah for the year ahead.With inspiring reflections, practical exercises, powerful quotes and drawing from the spiritual wisdom of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah, it offers an invitation to...- Let your heart ponder through stillness and reflection on insightful words that stir the soul.- Immerse yourself in du'a and use this opportunity to speak to your Lord in supplication.- Journal about spiritual themes and subjects, encouraging you to turn inwards and pen personal revelations for you.A journey within a journey. A space for transformation. This journal is a path with and for The Most Merciful.Trade ReviewThis book is a beautiful unique day-by-day companion throughout the Holy Month, engaging the Believer's reflections as they are immersed in the worship of Allah, and encouraging the journaling of those thoughts as the book moves them to take steps towards Him. -- Dr. Omar SuleimanI enjoyed reading Ramadan Reflections. It took me on a journey through daily emotions and struggles. It beautifully combines the relationship between who you are and what you do in this life with the Qur'an and Sunnah. It is easy to read and yet very deep and thoughtful. -- Dr. Haifaa Younis

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Book SynopsisJust one more sleep before EID! Safa is so excited for Eid-al-Fitr. As her mum takes her on an adventure to gift delicious Eid treatsto all their neighbours, Safa learns an important lesson: whatmakes Eid exciting is sharing special moments with the people welove.

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Book SynopsisFrom the prize winning and bestselling author of Lullaby and Adele: a fascinating and witty collection ofessays on the lives of women grappling with sexual politics in a deeply conservative culture.Trade Review'Slimani trusts in her outrage, in the force of her own voice, and the voices of the women she listens to.' - Guardian'This book of impassioned pleas, and of human impulses that resonate, is one step to more women breaking free.' - Evening Standard

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Book SynopsisMany of us may be unaware that some things that we do, are actually sins - acts of disobedience to Allah (swt). Even when we are aware of them, we don't think that our sins can have negative consequences for us, in our relationship with Allah (swt), other people, and even the world.Learning about sins is an eye-opening, transforming experience that changes your heart and mind. Furthermore, it makes you look at the world from a new perspective which can change your life forever. Discover, dissect and digest how to prevent and even overcome that which poisons the heart of the believer. Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Part 1 - The poison that kills the heartChapter 2 - Part 2 - The poison that kills the heartChapter 3 - Sins and deprivation of knowledgeChapter 4 - Sins weaken and ultimately sever my relationship with Allah

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Book SynopsisThis spiritual guide to the self is a handbook of tazkiyah or ''self-purification''. Not only does it illustrate the maladies of the human spiritual condition, it recognises the struggles and insecurities we all succumb to from time to time, and offers up the remedies too. The antidotes to our ailments are drawn from Qur''anic verses and authenticate ahadith (Prophetic sayings), inspiring mindfulness of the Almighty Cherisher (SWT) and His Beloved Prophet (PBUH). This guidebook, drawing on the 11th and 12th Century works of the ''Proof of Islam'' and the wondrous sage, Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali can be applied to our busy lives in the modern, hi-tech era, and will prove accessible to people of all ages, all denominations: believers and non-believers alike. 

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Book SynopsisThe Book of Love, Longing, Intimacy and Contentment is the thirty-sixth chapter of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali''s Revival of the Religious Sciences. This was the first treatise which established not merely the possibility but the necessity for the love of God. Ghazali argues that all the virtues and spiritual stages that precede love, like repentance, patience and thankfulness, lead to love; and all the spiritual stages that follow on from love are a result of it. Out of Ghazali''s pioneering treatment would emerge not only new trends in Sufi theory and practice, but an entire body of mystical poetry including that of the great Persian poets Rumi and Hafiz. The translation is preceded by an extensive introduction which sets the work in its historical and spiritual context.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis''Work for your terrestrial life in proportion to your location in it, and work for your afterlife in proportion to your eternity in it.'' This is part of the advice that the great theologian and mystic Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111 AD) put down in his Letter to a Disciple. An old disciple of al-Ghazali had studied the Islamic sciences, including the many works of his master, for most of his life. Faced with the proximity of death, he turns again to his master this time asking for a summary of all his teachings. Letter to a Disciple is al-Ghazali''s response. The emphasis in this short treatise is on religious and spiritual action and on putting into practice the knowledge that one has acquired. Letter to a Disciple can be considered as the last testament of he who is regarded as Hujjat al-Islam, the ''Proof of Islam''. This new translation is presented here as a bilingual Arabic-English edition.

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Book SynopsisIslam is the only major world religion that resists the juggernaut of alcohol consumption. In many Islamic countries, alcohol is banned; in others, it plays little role in social life. Yet, Muslims throughout history did drink, often to excess—whether sultans and shahs in their palaces, or commoners in taverns run by Jews or Christians. This evocative study delves into drinking’s many historic, literary and social manifestations in Islam, going beyond references to ‘hypocrisy’ or the temptations of ‘forbidden fruit’. Rudi Matthee argues that alcohol, through its ‘absence’ as much as its presence, takes us to the heart of Islam. Exploring the long history of this faith—from the eight-century Umayyad dynasty to Erdoğan’s Turkey, and from Islamic Spain to modern Pakistan—he unearths a tradition of diversity and multiplicity in which Muslims drank, and found myriad excuses to do so. They celebrated wine and used it as a poetic metaphor, even viewing alcohol as a gift from God—the key to unlocking eternal truth. Drawing on a plethora of sources in multiple languages, Matthee presents Islam not as an austere and uncompromising faith, but as a set of beliefs and practices that embrace ambivalence, allowing for ambiguity and even contradiction.Trade Review'[A] sensitive and nuanced exploration of the inner lives of people with whom, though remote in time and place from us, we would have enjoyed sharing a drink.' -- Asian Review of Books‘This evocative study delves into drinking’s many historic, literary and social manifestations in Islam.’ -- H-Net'That Islamic culture makes no room for alcohol is a myth that has long clouded views of and within Islam. Rudi Matthee debunks this myth with the deftness and authority we have come to expect from one of our most accomplished scholars of Islamic cultures. Intoxicatingly good.' -- Christopher de Bellaigue, author of 'The Islamic Enlightenment' and 'The Lion House''Matthee's fascinating study of wine and wine-drinking in the Muslim world explores not only production and consumption but a rich culture of poetic ecstasy and revelry. Erudite and yet accessible, this outstanding book will find its deserved place within a growing body of sociocultural histories.' -- Abbas Amanat, William Graham Sumner Professor of History Emeritus, Yale University, and author of 'Iran: A Modern History''An excellent and important book covering the entire history of Islam and a very large part of the Islamic world. Drawing on a wide variety of sources, it is engaging and well written throughout.' -- Devin Stewart, Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Emory College of Arts and Sciences'The first comprehensive engagement with the history of alcohol in the Islamic world, from the early days of the revelation to the nuances of contemporary alcohol policy and practice in major Muslim-majority countries. A novel, timely and compelling contribution.' -- Maziyar Ghiabi, Senior Lecturer in Medical Humanities and Politics, University of Exeter

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Book SynopsisAre your duas not being accepted? Unhealthy addictions and depression are widespread: some of us find the uncertainty and emotional darkness eating away at us. 700 years ago, a diligent Muslim scholar told of a cost-free universal psychotherapeutic cure, writing: "Happiness comes with sincere du''a." He was Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah (RA); his teacher was Ibn Taymiyyah (RA). Riding on the coattails of our pious predecessors, we too seek routes to accepted prayers and eternal reward within the tradition of the Holy Qur''an and authentic ahadith (Prophetic sayings). This book builds on the debut A Handbook of Spiritual Medicine and isn''t simply a compilation of recommended du''as. Instead, it is a carefully considered framework that aligns our emotions with the most beautiful du''as, all of which have a profound constructive purpose: the aim is to transport us smilingly and with the noblest etiquette towards the ma''arifat (higher knowledge of Allah SWT) and istiq

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Book SynopsisDocuments the rarely-heard voices of Muslims who live in secular democratic countries and who are gay, lesbian, and transgender.Trade Review"As is the case with followers of other religious traditions, Muslims today are engaged in a passionate debate over gender and sexuality. Kugle provides an indispensable chapter in this saga by redirecting our attention to the voices and lived experiences of Muslim people who are living out this debate in the context of their everyday lives." -- Omid Safi,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill"An excellent contribution to the emerging literature on LBGTQ Muslims. Living Out Islam provides fascinating biographies of Muslims facing both homophobia and Islamophobia in the context of modern secular democratic nation-states and creates a platform for LBGTQ Muslims to speak for themselves about their lives and struggles. I was riveted in following the details of their efforts to overcome the conflict of competing identities." -- Amina Wadud,Starr King School for the Ministry"Kugle's careful attention to the lived experiences and multiple contexts of gay, lesbian, and transgender Muslims makes this a highly valuable and much needed contribution to the religious studies and gender and sexuality studies areas." * Sex Roles *"Persistently and helpfully rooted in Islamic texts, traditions and juridical practices, Kugles work . . . is clearly anchored to specifically Islamic communities and practices. The careful, knowledgeable, and conscious location of arguments buffers against a possible critique of being too & Western, or too & modernist, and subsequently that it cannot easily & fit into the study of Islam and Muslim societies. The experiences of Kugles research participants indicate clearly that even within conservative religious social spheres, some Muslims reconcile their identities as both queer and Muslim. This work is well-worth the read and should be suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate study as well as for those generally interested in gender activism, and complications that gender and sexuality bring to religious debate." * Sociology of Islam *"[] I applaud Kugles commitment to articulating the voices of this under-studied and much misunderstood minority. The 15 stories this book tells constitute a unifying narrative about the human capacity for positive meaning-making, as well as personal and socio-political change." * Sociology of Religion *"An interesting, well-researched book; easy reading." * Choice *Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Engaging Religious Tradition 2. Challenging Family and Community 3. Adapting Religious Politics 4. Adjusting Secular Politics 5. Forging Minority Alliances 6. Journeying toward Individual Identity ConclusionAppendix Glossary of Terms Notes Bibliography Index About the Author

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Book SynopsisI.B.Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies Emerging from a period of long seclusion, the leader of the burgeoning community of Ismaili Shi'i Muslims was declared the first Fatimid Imam-caliph in the year 909. Abd Allah al-Mahdi founded the only sustained Shi'i dynasty (909-1171) to rule over substantial parts of the medieval Muslim world, rivalling both the Umayyads of Spain and the Abbasids. At its peak, the Fatimid Empire extended from the Atlantic shores of North Africa, across the southern Mediterranean and down both sides of the Red Sea, covering also Mecca and Medina. This accessible history, the first of two volumes, tells the story of the birth and expansion of the Fatimid Empire in the 10th century. Drawing upon eyewitness accounts, Shainool Jiwa introduces the first four generations of Fatimid Imam-caliphs -- al-Mahdi, al-Qa'im, al-Mansur, and al-Mu'izz -- as well as the people who served them and those they struggled against. Readers are taken on a journey through the Fatimid capitals of Qayrawan, Mahdiyya, and Mansuriyya and on to the founding of Cairo. In this lively and comprehensive introduction, readers will discover various milestones in Fatimid history and the political and cultural achievements that continue to resonate today.Trade ReviewIn bringing the Fatimids' history to a new audience, Shainool Jiwa's book performs an important service. It should be on the reading list of all serious students of Islamic history. * History Today *

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Book SynopsisIlija Trojanow's journey from Mumbai to Mecca is told in the tradition of the rihla, one of the oldest genres of classical Arabic literature and describes the Hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy sites of Islam. 'From the very first moment they realise that the Hajj - the pilgrimage to Mecca - is among the duties of each and every Muslim, the faithful long to go.' Trojanov, with the help of his friends, donned the ihram, the traditional garb of the pilgrim. He joined hundreds of thousands of Muslims who each year go on the Hajj, the greatest demonstration of the Muslim faith. In three short weeks he experienced a tradition dating back over one thousand years This is his account, personal yet enlightening, for the interested non-Muslims who remain barred from the holy sites of Islam.

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Book SynopsisA Young Muslim''s Guide to the Modern World, by one of Islam''s greatest contemporary scholars, was written specifically for Muslims, and in particular young Muslims, urging them to become familiar with their religion and to gain an understanding of the modern world from the Islamic point of view in order to respond positively to its challenges. This guide, the first of its kind in any language, presents an exposition of the teachings of Islam as revealed in the Qur''an, explained in the hadith and Sunnah of the Prophet and commented upon by Muslim scholars and thinkers, as well as outlining the Western religious and intellectual tradition.

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Book SynopsisIn America today, online spaces serve as critical alternatives for tech-savvy Muslims seeking a place to root their faith, forge religious identity, and build communities. With a particular focus on the Inayati Order, a branch of the oldest Sufi community in the West, Robert Rozehnal explores the online revolution in internal communication, spiritual pedagogy, and public outreach – and looks ahead to the future of digital Islam in the age of Web 3.0.Trade Review‘Essential reading for students and academics with interests in the diverse expressions of contemporary Islam, on- and offline.’ -- Gary R. Bunt, author of Hashtag Islam, and Professor of Islamic Studies, University of Wales Trinity Saint David‘Captivating, thought-provoking, and groundbreaking. Cyber Sufis is a serious attempt to explore the highly understudied and mostly overlooked spiritual and mystical dimension of the “digital ecosystem.”’ -- Sahar Khamis, Associate Professor of Communication, University of Maryland, and co-author of Islam Dot ComTable of ContentsIntroduction: Cyber Sufis in the Digital Age 1 Mapping Digital Religion and Cyber Islam 2 (Mis)interpreting Sufism 3 Sufism in the American Religious Landscape 4 Narrating Identity in Cyberspace: Inayati Tradition and Community 5 Virtual Practice: Inayati Rituals and Teaching Networks 6 Bridging the Digital and Analog worlds: Inayati Social Engagement 7 Contextualizing American Cyber Sufism Bibliography Notes Index

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Book SynopsisHow is the new generation of British Muslims navigating relations across three distinct religious and social worlds? This book looks at how they are balancing expectations from traditional Islam imported from their ancestral homeland, expressions of Islam drawn from across the global Muslim community the Ummah and from Britain itself.Trade Review"A timely antidote to the, arguably, twisted characterisation and popular perception of British Muslims in circulation." -- Professor Humayn Ansari, Royal Holloway

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Book SynopsisWhile much current research on political Islam revolves around militant Islamism, the genesis of this ideology remains little understood. A System of Life is a pioneering examination of the earliest attempt at a systematic outline of Islamist ideology, namely that proposed in the 1930s and early 1940s by the renowned Indo-Muslim intellectual Sayyid Abu'l-A'la Mawdudi. Hartung reconstructs his thought in the light of the competing ideologies at play at the time, taking seriously his claim to recast Islam as an all-comprehensive, self-contained and inner-worldly system 'of life.' This analysis is embedded in an understanding of the history of ideas that has assumed an increasingly global dimension in the colonial encounter: by showing how Mawdudi has attempted to align elements of Western philosophical thought with selected traditional Islamic ideas and concepts, he is depicted as a major protagonist of this development, while 'Islamism' is established as an Islamic contribution to a universalistic notion of modernity. Besides offering a detailed portrayal of Mawdudi's system of thought, Hartung also discusses the reception and modification of his ideas in the Middle East, predominantly among intellectuals of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, and among their imitators in postcolonial South AsiaTrade Review'[A System of Life] is a detailed study of [Mawdudi’s] thought and legacy was long overdue, and Hartung’s book certainly fills that gap… the book is clearly based on a deep knowledge of Islamic thought in both pre-modern and modern times. More than that, in placing Mawdudi’s thinking within the wider context of modern political ideologies – Western as well as Muslim – it contributes to a healthy trend of seeing Islamic thought as a fully pledged participant in the global contest of ideas.' -- Asian Affairs Journal

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Book SynopsisA personal story of the author reflecting on her journey of life with references to quotes from the Qur'an, Hadith and contemporary thinkers.Trade Review"Naima brings out our dynamism by letting us see her (usually invisible) fragility. I was crying by page ten and ready to take on the world a chapter later! This is a boost in times of global fear and personal challenges!" – Lauren Booth, Author Finding Peace in the Holy Land and Accidentally Muslim“I read Show Up in exactly 3 hours! When I decided to read it the morning I received it, my intention was just to get started, however, the writing style was so beautiful, the message so straight to the point and the actionable takeaways were so clearly outlined, I couldn’t stop. It’s about time someone gave us the wake up call! And who better than one who is already living the truth she is inviting others to?” – Aishah Adams, Author, Rise, Irrespective CEO, The Support Lounge“Through a deeply personal narrative of her own journey after the death of her husband, Na'ima B. Robert inspires Muslim women to gather the resources available to them so they can be the heroine in their stories and show up as victors. Show Up is a powerful testimony of the beauty that's possible when you choose to rise in the face of life's challenges as a heroine in your life story.” ­– LaYinka Sanni, Host, Honest Tea Talk"I was so overwhelmed with emotion and started sobbing three pages in. I appreciate Na’ima sharing a love story that will - insha Allah - continue in the heavens above. " – Selina Bakkar, Founder, AmaliaFinally. Finally a motivational self-help, self-care book written for the Muslim woman, with Islamic references and stories intricately woven in. This gives it beautiful depth. Naima B. Robert has written an insightful book, full of raw vulnerability, sharing her own deeply personal stories and experiences. This book reads like a love-letter to the sisterhood of Muslim women to inspire her to “...choose courage over fear”. It takes the reader on a reflective journey that lights a fire of hope for whichever life stage she’s at, and for situations she has faced or is facing. It guides her on how to ‘show up’ authentically with an easy to follow, step-by-step process. This is a must-read for any Muslim woman ready to be present as a hero in her life, and for any woman trying to find the courage to do so. As Robert asks “Now is the time for it, if not now, then when? And, if not you, then who?”. Tumkeen, Writer and Poet, Contributing Writer for Detroit Mom and Lansing Mom

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Book SynopsisThoughtful and challenging, this book argues for a reassessment of the role historically played by Islam in Africa, and offers new hope for in creased mutual understanding between African people of different faiths. Drawing on a wealth of sources, from the colonial period to the most up-to-date scholarship, the author challenges the widely held perception th at, while Christianity oppressed and subjugated the African people, Islam fitted comfortably into the indigenous landscape. Instead, this penetrating account reveals Muslim settlers to be as guilty of enforcing slavery and conversion as those of their more maligned sister tradition. Only with an acknowledgement of the true roles of both faiths in African history, suggests Azumah, can the people of both traditions move themselves and their continent towards a new future of tolerance and self-awareness.Table of Contents1. A glance at Post-Colonial Assessment of the Western-Christian and Arab-Islamic Legacies in Tropical Africa; Definition of the Problem; A Critique of Prevailing Approaches and Perceptions; Methodology, Outline and Sources. 2. Indigenous Africa as a Cultivating Ground for Arab-Islam; Introduction; The Introduction of Islam to Tropical Africa; The Indigenous African Environment and Conversion to Islam; Conclusion. 3. Muslim Jihad and Black Africa; Introduction; Sunni Muslim Doctrine of JihadJihad - Theories and Campaigns in Africa; Interpreting the Jihad Tradition in Africa; Evaluating the Jihadists' Shari`a Rule; Conclusion. 4. Muslim Slavery and Black Africa; Introduction Slavery in Muslim Africa - Indigenous or Islamic Stimuli?; Classical Muslim Ideology of Enslavement; Muslim Slavery and the Slave Trade - The Arab-Oriental; Dimension; Muslim Slavery and the Slave Trade - The African Dimension; The Various Roles of Slaves in Muslim Lands; The Condition of Slaves in Muslim Lands - Theory versus Practice; Encountering the Encounters - Arab-Islamand Black African Experience; Introduction; Truth, Dialogue and Confessional Loyalty; The Need to Rethink Arab-Islam in Light of the African; Experience; The Arab Factor in Sunni Islamic Orthodoxy.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Daily Contemplations, a guided journal designed to inspire mindfulness and self-awareness with the encouragement of Islamic wisdom. Featuring quotes from notable Muslim poets, mystics, scholars, leaders, the prophet Muhammad and his companions, and the Quran itself, these pages touch on universal themes of gratitude, humility, patience, knowledge, nature, and more. Daily questions invite you to contemplate these topics and explore the roles they play in your life. Inviting and accessible, this journal is a powerful tool for self-discovery and development.

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Book SynopsisWINNER of Gourmand Awards 2023 Best Influencer Cookbook of the Year Discover 80 delicious, easy-to-make recipes perfect for the holy month of Ramadan.In this cookbook, you'll find all the recipes you need to make your Ramadan meals family-friendly, fuss-free and filling.From perfect predawn meals for Suhoor, to hearty and satisfying meals for Iftar, as well as dishes made for celebrating with friends and family during Eid al-Fitr, and all the accompanying salads, chutneys, breads, drinks and desserts you'll need, this book has all the most popular Ramadan dishes covered.Accompanied by gorgeous photographs throughout, these recipes from much-loved food blogger Anisa Karolia are for anyone looking to eat well before and after fasting.Trade ReviewThis Ramadan book is a lifeline for anyone who is fasting over this spiritual time and needs inspiration and trusted recipes. I know I will be reaching for this book each year. -- Shelina Permalloo, Masterchef winner & cookbook author

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Book Synopsis'A masterful, must-read contribution to conversations on power, justice, healing, and devotion from a singular voice I now trust with my whole heart'GLENNON DOYLE, author of Untamed**Roxane Gay's Book Club March 2023 Pick**When Lamya is fourteen, she decides to disappear. It seems easier to ease herself out of sight than to grapple with the difficulty of taking shape in a world that doesn't fit. She is a queer teenager growing up in a Muslim household, a South Asian in a Middle Eastern country. But during her Quran class, she reads a passage about Maryam, and suddenly everything shifts: if Maryam was never touched by any man, could Maryam be... like Lamya?Written with deep intelligence and a fierce humour, Hijab Butch Blues follows Lamya as she travels to the United States, as she comes out, and as she navigates the complexities of the immigration system - and the queer dating scene. At each step, she turns to her faith to make sense of her life, weaving stories from the Quran together with her own experiences: Musa leading his people to freedom; Allah, who is neither male nor female; and Nuh, who built an ark, just as Lamya is finally able to become the architect of her own story.Raw and unflinching, Hijab Butch Blues heralds the arrival of a truly original voice, asking powerful questions about gender and sexuality, relationships, identity and faith, and what it means to build a life of one's own.Trade ReviewAs funny as it is original. -- New York TimesA masterful, must-read contribution to conversations on power, justice, healing, and devotion from a singular voice I now trust with my whole heart, Lamya H.'s gorgeously written and life-affirming debut Hijab Butch Blues traces the intertwining of faith and doubt, and invites us all to a deeper, more loving way to live -- Glennon Doyle, author of UNTAMEDWith a supple skill, Hijab Butch Blues treats gender and devotion with a thrilling sense of multiplicity and expansiveness. This is a book attentive to the fullness of being human. Among the meshes of power and orthodoxy, Lamya H. moves with curiosity, humour and vulnerability, divining new sources of hope and of life. -- Seán Hewitt, author of ALL DOWN DARKNESS WIDEA singular memoir about identity, queerness, racism and resistance which engages with the Islamic faith in open, nuanced and quietly radical ways. I love Lamya's intimate, intelligent and honest voice -- Arifa Akbar, author of CONSUMEDA gracefully-wrought memoir about the importance of community, faith and family in a world that is so often unwilling to accept and celebrate each of us in our beautiful complexity -- Eleanor Bally * Skinny *Exploring the strength and stories of the Quran that inform her own experience and celebrating how we move forwards to accept different viewpoints and ideas while telling the tale of her life, this is a brilliant read to savour -- Francesca Brown * Stylist *A moving reconciliation of identity and faith -- Katie Goh * i-D Magazine *Lamya H has accomplished in words all the tenderness, defiance, and nuance that their story demands. To be invited into the richness of their interior world - the beauty of childhood skepticism, the complexity of Muslim storytelling, and the glory of life in a queer body - is no minor gift. Hijab Butch Blues is for anyone coming home to themselves in a world content to disorient us. Lamya H will show us the way -- Cole Arthur Riley, author of This Here FleshHIjab Butch Blues is a revelation, an emotional journey of faith, family, community and sexuality. With precision, compassion, and deeply observed storytelling, Lamya H - a new, distinctive voice - navigates the fault lines of life and love in a queer Muslim body -- Linda Villarosa, author of UNDER THE SKINA richly textured and deeply moving testament to the power of faith - not only in the divine, but in the human spirit. In spare yet poetic prose, the author gifts us with stories from her quest to find belonging as a queer hijabi immigrant in America. Leaping effortlessly from the personal to the political, Hijab Butch Blues is one of those rare texts that seamlessly weaves trenchant social analysis with gorgeous storytelling skill. This book is sure to become a queer classic -- Kai Cheng Thom, author of FIERCE FEMMES AND NOTORIOUS LIARSDespite contending with secrets and silence and shame, Lamya H has been brave enough and bold enough to live her own dynamic life: Muslim, queer, politically radical, devoted to her faith. Using memoir, theological discussions of Quranic surahs, and critical reflection on American culture and society, Lamya has fashioned in this book what I never thought possible: she describes a world in which I could live -- Kazim Ali, author of FASTING FOR RAMADAN

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Book SynopsisText and Interpretation examines the main characteristics of the legal thought of Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq, preeminent religious scholar jurist of Medina in the first half of the second century of the Muslim calendar. This book presents an intellectual history of how the Jaʿfarī school began and examines the scholar’s interpretive approach.Trade ReviewScholars of Islamic legal studies can only be grateful for the continued presence and energy of [Modarressi]…In a nonornate style, Modarressi provides an account of the life and views of the eponym of one of Islam’s longest traditions of legal reasoning, and of how his example served as a basis for a school of law that can claim 200 million followers today—in Islam’s fifteenth century. -- Ahmad Atif Ahmad * Journal of the American Oriental Society *Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq is a key figure in the formation of Shīʿī law, Hossein Modarressi’s expertise in the field is legendary, and the book brings together a trove of information that is otherwise scattered in a plethora of arcane sources. -- Michael Cook, Princeton UniversityThis study constitutes an impressive and significant contribution to Islamic legal studies. It provides an unparalleled insight into the legal thought of the founder of the Jaʿfarī school, and can also serve as a reliable introduction to major aspects of Twelver Shīʿī law. The novelty of the approach, the wealth of information provided, the fine rendition of judiciously chosen texts, and the masterful elucidation and analysis of legal terms and concepts will all be of great value to students of the Islamic legal tradition. -- Etan Kohlberg, The Hebrew University of JerusalemThis book represents a lifetime’s research and thinking about the legal thought of Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq, one of the most important figures in the history of the Shīʿī tradition. Most broadly, it is a major contribution toward a better understanding of the formative history of Shīʿism, on the one hand, and of Islamic law in its first centuries, on the other. It will be the standard work of reference on early Shīʿism for many years to come. -- M. Qasim Zaman, Princeton University

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Book SynopsisExplores changing attitudes to the holy through a study of five centuries of Bosnian Hajj literature

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Book SynopsisThe foremost U.S. authority on Islam and, Seyyed Hossein Nasr discusses today’s hot button issues—including holy wars, women’s rights, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, and the future of Moslems in the Middle East—in this groundbreaking discussion of the fastest-growing religion in the world. One of the great scholars in the modern Islamic intellectual tradition, and the acclaimed author of books such as The Garden of Truth and The Heart of Islam, Nasr brings incomparable insight to this exploration of Muslim issues and realities, delivering a landmark publication promoting cross-cultural awareness and world peace.

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Book SynopsisIn literature and popular imagination, the Bauls of India and Bangladesh are characterized as musical mystics: orange-clad nomads of both Hindu and Muslim backgrounds who wander the countryside and entertain with their passionate singing and unusual behavior. Although Bauls claim to value women over men, little is known about the individual views and experiences of Baul women. Based on ethnographic research, this book explores the everyday lives of Baul women. Knight demonstrates that Baul women respond to the conflicting expectations imposed on them in various ways, sometimes adopting and other times subverting local gendered norms to craft meaningful lives. More so than their male counterparts, Baul women feel encumbered by norms. But rather than seeing Baul women''s normative behavior as indicative of their conformity to gendered roles (and, therefore, failures as Bauls), Knight argues that these women creatively draw on societal expectations to transcend their social limits and create new paths.Trade ReviewThe dominant tropes imagined for the Baul tradition of eastern India and Bangladesh are constructed around male models: the wandering mistrel carrying his ektara instrument who engages in esoteric ritual practices. Lisa Knight's sensitive ethnography, however, fills in the significant lacunae of the lives and practices of Baul women. She artfully analyzes the ways in which these women bridge the contradictory expectations of Baul traditions as 'wanderers' and those of the non-Baul communities as respectable, settled Bengali householders. This study will significantly impact the ways in which readers understand Baul traditions, asceticism, boundaries of religious identities, and women's agency and performance in South Asia. * Joyce Burkhalter Flueckiger, author of In Amma's Healing Room: Gender & Vernacular Islam in South India. *Table of ContentsNote on Diacritics, Transliteration, and Names ; List of Maps and Figures ; Part 1: Multiple Sites ; 1. Finding Baul Women ; 2. "Real Bauls Live under Trees:" Imaginings and the Marginalization of Baul Women ; 3. "I've Done Nothing Wrong:" Feminine Respectibility and Baul Expectations ; Part 2: Negotiations ; 4. Negotiating between Paradigms of the Good Baul and the Good Woman ; 5. "Do Not Neglect This Golden Body of Yours:" Personal and Social Transformation through Baul Songs ; 6. Renouncing Expectations ; Concluding Thoughts ; Glossry ; Notes ; Bibliography ; Index

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Book SynopsisRaises questions about what is distinctive about veiling in Africa and what religious histories or practices are reflected in particular uses of the veilTrade Review[T]he value of this volume is in its detailed coverage of veiling manifestations in Africa, which indeed fills a descriptive gap. It also explores diverse meanings of veiling, which are added to our understanding of the phenomenon. May 2016 * Africa *This is an exciting and strong collection of original research on women's—and men's—veiling practices in a range of African Muslim settings and the social and religious discourses that accompany changes in dress over time. Taken as a whole, it offers a fascinating overview of African Muslim interpretations of theological debates about 'the veil' and gender relations in Muslim societies while illustrating some of the particular accommodations adopted by African women. * International Journal of African Historical Studies *Overall, Veiling in Africa represents a valuable perspective on a less investigated topic that could be very interesting and novel for Western audiences. And, finally, it should be mentioned that in addition to the general readers, this volume could be of interest to anthropologists, psychologists, and sociologists as well as students of these fields who are interested in both African studies and Islamic cultural practices. * African Studies Quarterly *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Veiling/Counter-Veiling in sub-Saharan Africa Elisha Renne Part I. Veiling Histories & Modernities1. Veiling, Fashion and Social Mobility: A Century of Change in Zanzibar Laura Fair 2. Veiling Without Veils: Modesty and Reserve in Tuareg Cultural Encounters Susan Rasmussen 3. Interwined Veiling Histories in Nigeria Elisha Renne Part II. Veiling & Fashion4. Religious Modesty, Fashionable Glamour, and Cultural Text: Veiling in SenegalLeslie Rabine 5. Modest Bodies, Stylish Selves: Fashioning Virtue in Niger Adeline Masquelier 6. "Should a Good Muslim Cover Her Face?" Pilgrimage, Veiling, and Fundamentalisms in Cameroon José C. M. van Santen Part III. Veiling/Counter-Veiling7. Invoking Hijab: The Power Politics of Spaces and Employment in NigeriaHauwa Mahdi 8. "We Grew Up Free but Here We Have to Cover Our Faces": Veiling among Oromo Refugees in Eastleigh, Kenya Peri M. Klemm 9. Vulnerability Unveiled: Lubna's Pants and Humanitarian Visibility on the Verge of Sudan's Secession Amal Hassan Fadlalla List of Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisVeils, Turbans, and Islamic Reform in Northern Nigeria tells the story of Islamic reform from the perspective of dress, textile production, trade, and pilgrimage over the past 200 years.Trade ReviewRenne has written an exciting albeit challenging book. Readers unfamiliar with Nigeria and its complex history may feel overwhelmed at times by the sheer multitude of references to historic events and personalities. This notwithstanding, the book has a great many insights to offer to scholars of religious reform, Islamic dress and northern Nigeria. Everyone with an interest in these topics should read it. -- Hannah Hoechner * Islamic Africa *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments1. Introduction: Material Religion and Islamic Reform in Northern Nigeria 2. Islamic Dress, Textile Production, and Trade in the Time of the Sokoto Caliphate 3. Muslim Identity, Islamic Scholarship, and Cloth Connections in Ilorin 4. The Sardauna's Turbans 5. Veiling, Gender, and Fashion 6. Performing Pilgrimage: Worship and Travel, Textiles and Trade 7. Marks of Progress: Islamic Reform and Industrial Textile Production in Kaduna 8. Failures of Modernity and Islamic Reform: Dress and Deception in Northern Nigeria in the 21st Century9. Epilogue. Moral Imagination, Material Things, and Islamic Reform Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewRemaking Islam in African Portugal highlights what being Muslim means in urban Europe and how Guinean migrants' relationships to their ritual practices must change as they remake themselves and their religion. * Portuguese American Journal *Grounded in rich fieldwork in both Guinea-Bissau and Portugal conducted across 20 years, this book is an ethnographer's dream. Oozing with gorgeous ethnographic details, the book at the same time tackles all the issues one could hope to think about concerning West African Muslims' lives in Europe. Challenges of racism. Challenges of Islamophobia. Challenges by mainstream Muslims of heterodox practices. All these big-picture issues frame the stories Michelle Johnson exquisitely tells. -- Alma Gottlieb * AlmaGottlieb.com *Table of Contents1. Faith and Fieldwork in African Lisbon Part 1: Remaking Islam through Life Course Rituals 2. Name-Giving and Hand-Writing: Childhood Rituals and Embodying Islam 3. Making Mandinga, Making Muslims: Initiation, Circumcision, and Ritual Uncertainty 4. Distant Departures: Funerals, Post-Burial Sacrifices, and Rupturing Place and Identity Part 2: Remaking Islam through Rituals Beyond the Life Course 5. Reversals of Fortune: From Healing-Divining to Astrology 6. "Welcome Back from Mecca!": Reimagining the Hajj Epilogue: Faith, Food, and Fashion: Religion in Diaspora BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewRemaking Islam in African Portugal highlights what being Muslim means in urban Europe and how Guinean migrants' relationships to their ritual practices must change as they remake themselves and their religion. * Portuguese American Journal *Grounded in rich fieldwork in both Guinea-Bissau and Portugal conducted across 20 years, this book is an ethnographer's dream. Oozing with gorgeous ethnographic details, the book at the same time tackles all the issues one could hope to think about concerning West African Muslims' lives in Europe. Challenges of racism. Challenges of Islamophobia. Challenges by mainstream Muslims of heterodox practices. All these big-picture issues frame the stories Michelle Johnson exquisitely tells. -- Alma Gottlieb * AlmaGottlieb.com *Table of Contents1. Faith and Fieldwork in African Lisbon Part 1: Remaking Islam through Life Course Rituals 2. Name-Giving and Hand-Writing: Childhood Rituals and Embodying Islam 3. Making Mandinga, Making Muslims: Initiation, Circumcision, and Ritual Uncertainty 4. Distant Departures: Funerals, Post-Burial Sacrifices, and Rupturing Place and Identity Part 2: Remaking Islam through Rituals Beyond the Life Course 5. Reversals of Fortune: From Healing-Divining to Astrology 6. "Welcome Back from Mecca!": Reimagining the Hajj Epilogue: Faith, Food, and Fashion: Religion in Diaspora BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"In this penetrating ethnography of religious television in Pakistan, Taha Kazi challenges basic assumptions in the study of the relationship between media and religion. Most importantly, Kazi questions the notion that religious programming in Muslim societies inevitably results in the cultivation of pious Muslim sensibilities, and, instead, brings attention to its contradictory and ambivalent outcomes. Her subtle consideration of the irreverent and critical engagements with Islam that arise from religious programming in Pakistan are based on carefully conducted in-depth fieldwork in Karachi. Religious Television and Pious Authority brings much-needed attention to aspects of Islam's role in Pakistan and the wider world that have been neglected in recent work in the social sciences."—Magnus Marsden, Professor of Social Anthropology, Director of Sussex Asia Centre, University of Sussex"This book is a careful and persuasive account of the way we should be thinking about relations between religion and media. In Taha Kazi's telling, Pakistan demonstrates how the boundaries between these two domains are today blurred, and the substance of contemporary religion emerges somewhere in between them."—Stewart Hoover, Director, Center for Media, Religion and Culture and Professor of Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder"In this pioneering book Kazi analyses the impact of the religious television shows which have proliferated in Pakistan since 2002 when President Musharraf liberalised the media. She demonstrates how these shows led to a reduction in the authority of the ulama, the rise of the non-madrasa trained scholar of Islam, and an audience, often faced by conflicting opinions, which increasingly came to make its own decisions about religious belief and practice. This is an important example of how technological change is bringing about religious change in the Muslim world."—Francis Robinson, Professor of the History of South Asia, Royal Holloway, University of LondonTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsNote on TransliterationIntroduction1. A Background of Religious Programming in Pakistan2. The Production, Ownership, and Control of Religious Television Shows3. Doctrinal Activism and Religious Television4. Religious Authority and Control over Religious Knowledge5. Self-styled Scholars and Religious Show Hosts: Emerging Sources of Religious Authority6. Changing Viewer Assessments of Religious Authority7. Redefining the Boundaries for Critical Deliberation in Islamic Public DebateConclusionGlossary of Arabic TermsReferences

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"In this penetrating ethnography of religious television in Pakistan, Taha Kazi challenges basic assumptions in the study of the relationship between media and religion. Most importantly, Kazi questions the notion that religious programming in Muslim societies inevitably results in the cultivation of pious Muslim sensibilities, and, instead, brings attention to its contradictory and ambivalent outcomes. Her subtle consideration of the irreverent and critical engagements with Islam that arise from religious programming in Pakistan are based on carefully conducted in-depth fieldwork in Karachi. Religious Television and Pious Authority brings much-needed attention to aspects of Islam's role in Pakistan and the wider world that have been neglected in recent work in the social sciences."—Magnus Marsden, Professor of Social Anthropology, Director of Sussex Asia Centre, University of Sussex"This book is a careful and persuasive account of the way we should be thinking about relations between religion and media. In Taha Kazi's telling, Pakistan demonstrates how the boundaries between these two domains are today blurred, and the substance of contemporary religion emerges somewhere in between them."—Stewart Hoover, Director, Center for Media, Religion and Culture and Professor of Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder"In this pioneering book Kazi analyses the impact of the religious television shows which have proliferated in Pakistan since 2002 when President Musharraf liberalised the media. She demonstrates how these shows led to a reduction in the authority of the ulama, the rise of the non-madrasa trained scholar of Islam, and an audience, often faced by conflicting opinions, which increasingly came to make its own decisions about religious belief and practice. This is an important example of how technological change is bringing about religious change in the Muslim world."—Francis Robinson, Professor of the History of South Asia, Royal Holloway, University of LondonTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsNote on TransliterationIntroduction1. A Background of Religious Programming in Pakistan2. The Production, Ownership, and Control of Religious Television Shows3. Doctrinal Activism and Religious Television4. Religious Authority and Control over Religious Knowledge5. Self-styled Scholars and Religious Show Hosts: Emerging Sources of Religious Authority6. Changing Viewer Assessments of Religious Authority7. Redefining the Boundaries for Critical Deliberation in Islamic Public DebateConclusionGlossary of Arabic TermsReferences

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