"Max Weber and Islam" is a major effort by Islamic-studies specialists to reexamine and appraise Max Weber's perspectives on Islam and its historical development. Eight specialists on Islam and two sociologists explore many dimensions of Weber's comments on Islam, along with Weber's conceptual framework. The volume's introduction links the discussions to contemporary issues and debates. Wolfgang Schluchter reconstructs Weber's conceptual apparatus as it applies to Islam and its historical development. In subsequent chapters, Islamic specialists consider such major topics as the developmental history of Islam, Islamic fundamentalism, Islamic reform, Islamic law and capitalism, secularization in Islam, as well as the value of attempting to apply Weber's concept of sects to Islam. While some authors find flaws in Weber's factual knowledge of Islam, they also find considerable merit in the kinds of questions Weber raised. Contributors to the volume include highly respected contemporary international scholars of Islam: Ira Lapidus, Nehemia Levtzion, Richard M. Eaton, Peter Hardy, Rudolph Peters, Barbara Metcalf, Francis Robinson, Patricia Crone, Michael Cook, and S.N. Eisenstadt. Toby Huff's introduction not only knits the thematics of the separate essays together but adds its own stresses while engaging the contributors in dialogue and debate about fundamental issues. This acute collective analysis establishes a new benchmark for understanding Weber and Islam. This book also provides an up-to-date overview of the developmental history of many aspects of Islam. A major reappraisal of the entire span of Max Weber's sociological thought on Islam, this book will appeal to a wide range of scholars and laymen interested in the Islamic world. It will be of particular interest to sociologists specializing in religion and Middle East area specialists.

This second volume of studies by the late Nehemia Levtzion pursues the themes covered in his previous collection, Islam in West Africa; it also maintains a particular interest in the history of Africa while including broader chronological and geographic perspectives. It includes four new papers, delivered by the author in the years before his death, specially prepared for publication in this volume. In the first part, there is an emphasis on processes of conversion and Islamization, but the studies also cover Islamic perceptions of and presence in Africa; the second focuses on Islamic movements of revival and renewal, Sufism and fundamentalism.

Comparative discussions of Islam as lived religion in areas close to its heartland as well in distant parts where Islam meets and interacts with other religious and cultural traditions, moving beyond Orientalist notions of an unchanging world of Islam to a focus on the diversity of Muslim experiences.

The ideology of Islamic fundamentalists is of central importance in the modern world, but it is often distorted or misunderstood by the international media. This study provides an analysis of the Palestinian Hamas movement's world-view, and shows how the theoretical framework developed by thinkers like Hassan al-Banna, Sayyud Qutb and al-Mawdudi is applied to a specific political, social and economic context. Dr Nusse explains the fundamentalist position on recent events, such as the Gulf War, the Madrid peace negotiations, and the Hebron masscre, and helps to dissipate myths surrounding modern fundamentalist movements and their overwhelming success as opposition forces in the Islamic world. Using source material in Arabic - particularly the magazine "Filastin al-Muslima" - a case study of fundamentalist thought is compiled. By exploring the means by which the Hamas presents such "alien" ideas as democracy and nationalism as authentically Islamic concepts, this book provides insights into the flexibility and pragmatism of fundamentalist thought, and how well it fits with the actual problems and desires of the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories.

The ideology of Islamic fundamentalists is of central importance in the modern world, but it is often distorted or misunderstood by the international media. This study provides an analysis of the Palestinian Hamas movement's world-view, and shows how the theoretical framework developed by thinkers like Hassan al-Banna, Sayyud Qutb and al-Mawdudi is applied to a specific political, social and economic context. Dr Nusse explains the fundamentalist position on recent events, such as the Gulf War, the Madrid peace negotiations, and the Hebron masscre, and helps to dissipate myths surrounding modern fundamentalist movements and their overwhelming success as opposition forces in the Islamic world. Using source material in Arabic - particularly the magazine "Filastin al-Muslima" - a case study of fundamentalist thought is compiled. By exploring the means by which the Hamas presents such "alien" ideas as democracy and nationalism as authentically Islamic concepts, this book provides insights into the flexibility and pragmatism of fundamentalist thought, and how well it fits with the actual problems and desires of the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories.

This book presents a socio-historical analysis of the Somali Muslim diaspora in Johannesburg and its impact on urban development in the context of Somali migrations in the Southern African Indian Ocean region from the end of the 19th Century to today. The author draws on a combination of archival and ethnographic research to examine the interlocking processes of migration, urban place-making, economic entrepreneurship and transnational mobility through the lens of religious practice and against the background of historical interactions between the Somali diaspora and the British and Ottoman Empires. Comparison with other Muslim diasporas in the region, primarily Indians, adds further depth to an investigation which will shed new light on the Somali experience of mobility and the urban development of South Africa across its colonial, apartheid and democratic periods. The politics of race, imperial and post-imperial identities, and religious community governance are shown to be key influencing factors on the Somali diaspora in Johannesburg. This sophisticated analysis will provide a valuable resource for students and scholars of urban geography, the sociology of religion, and African, race, ethnic and migration studies.

This study of the Qur'an arises from an interest in a pressing contemporary issue, the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, 'the Ummah and the Other'.

Most of the articles in this volume belong to what can be described as the preparatory work which is prerequisite to the study of pre- and early Islamic history. Lecker's interests include tribal Arabia (including tribes in the Yemen and Hadramawt), the history of the Arabian Jews, the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, and early Islamic literature in general. While the studies are based on a wide range of sources, they often focus on illuminating small accounts which are analyzed and placed in their historical context. The comprehensive index renders the articles easily accessible.

Questions the accepted classical Muslim view and current revisionist western view on the development of Islamic law. The first study in English to deal with the early development of the Maliki school of jurisprudence, and to demonstrate the methods used, linguistic and otherwise, in interpreting the Qu'ran.

"The Sage in Jewish Society of Late Antiquity" explores the social position of rabbis in Palestinian (Roman) and Babylonian (Persian) society from the period of the fall of the Temple to late antiquity. Author Richard Kalmin argues that ancient rabbinic sources depict comparable differences between Palestinian and Babylonian rabbinic relationships with non-Rabbis." The Sage in Jewish Society of Late Antiquity" provides a cultured and stimulating analysis of the role of the sage in late antiquity and sheds new light on rabbinic comments on such diverse topics as biblical heroes and genealogy and lineage.

This introduction to Islam includes: the development of Islamic institutions in the classical period; the problems raised by Western perceptions of Islam; a brief account of Islamic history up to the present; and a description of Islam as a living faith. Chapter 1 tackles the negative image of Islam, the history of misrepresentation, and continued obstacles to understanding. Chapter 2 offers an initial attempt at defining Islam. Chapters 3 and 4 give a brief history of the Muslim world and attempt to break that history into periods. Chapter 5 introduces the Quran. Chapters 6 and 7 deal respectively with Muslim attitudes to God and Muhammad, stressing the diversity of belief. Chapters 8 to 11 discuss the principal elements in Islamic worship from the viewpoint of the history of religions as well as that of the participants. Chapter 12 is an introduction to Islamic law. Chapter 13 discusses Shiism and sects. There are two appendices explaining the structure of Muslim names and the Islamic calendar.

Taha Husein is rightly regarded as the father of modern Arabic literature and his work is widely used as introductory texts for students of the language. In this highly original book, Dr Mahmoudi describes Husein's cultural and intellectual journey through his education in Egypt and France. Husein's humanism and modernism can be traced from his time at the al Azhar through his time in the influential circle of Ahmad Lutfi al-Sayyid to his famous study mission to France, where he witnessed the twilight of positivism. Taha Husein's Education will add to our understanding of this great Egyptian author and the contexts that shaped and informed his thought.

The past few decades have seen a burgeoning interest in the manuscript cultures of the Muslim world. The study of manuscripts has brought to light new perspectives on the transmission of texts and larger questions of cultural practices passed down within the learned circles of premodern Muslim societies. The intellectual and literary heritage of Ismaili communities, who form a branch of Shi'i Islam, has until recently been preserved in private and largely inaccessible libraries. This open access volume brings together studies offering insights on different aspects of the manuscript cultures nurtured by Ismaili communities until well after the widespread dissemination of printed books. The range of materials transmitted via these manuscripts in Arabic, Persian and Indic languages also reflects the doctrinal and literary preoccupations of Muslims at large and of other groups from the societies in which Ismailis lived. Hence, the manuscripts bear the imprint of their respective cultural contexts, namely a number of regions from the Near East to Central and South Asia. In addition to engaging with multifaceted problems surrounding the processes of textual transmission, the chapters in this book deal with other connected aspects like codicology, scribal and reading practices, educational and social history, authorship, communal script, religious identity and interactions of ideas across ideological denominations. With contributions from specialists and early-career scholars, the volume will be of interest to those working on textual scholarship, manuscript and literary cultures and Islamic studies. The eBook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. Open access was funded by Islamic Publications Ltd.

Islam in Transition focuses on the ways in which Islamic religion still engenders powerful loyalties within what is now a predominantly secular society and how, in their continual adherence to their religion, many young British Pakistanis find a welcome sense of stability and permanence. By presenting material collected in field-work study and by using extensive quotations from interviews, the author argues that in a world where concepts of identity are always being challenged traditional sources of authority and allegiance still survive.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203011449

This work brings together contributions which examine various Islamic and selected Jewish writings, analyzing their ideas, methods, sources and meanings while relating them to new historical and political societies as well as to ancient and medieval writings for comparative purposes. Writings are based on primary sources representing significant contributions to religious and intellectual trends within the two traditions.

This work brings together contributions which examine various Islamic and selected Jewish writings, analyzing their ideas, methods, sources and meanings while relating them to new historical and political societies as well as to ancient and medieval writings for comparative purposes. Writings are based on primary sources representing significant contributions to religious and intellectual trends within the two traditions.

Middle East Sources provides an invaluable resource for the busy librarian, student or scholar with Middle Eastern interests. It aims to guide readers to the major collections of books and other materials on the subject in the UK and Ireland, as well as to some lesser known but nonetheless interesting collections in smaller libraries. Entries are fully up to date and include information on addresses (including telephone, fax and e-mail details), brief descriptions of collections held, along with references to relevant catalogue material and other directories.
The guide also highlights the extent of collections and gives help in accessing. The MELCOM Area Specialisation Scheme (MASS) designation of the collections is also included where relevant.

The current Islamic revival is frequently associated with fundamentalism and radical politics. This reinforces Western perceptions of Islamic women as victims of a sexist and reactionary rule. What many outsiders fail to realize is that quite a number of Muslim women are ardently embracing their religion as a means through which they can express gender identity, power and creativity.
In overturning ingrained notions of Muslim women's subjugation, this timely book situates Islam as a religion undergoing reinterpretation and change -- especially in relation to gender identities -- rather than as a monolithic movement reacting against westernization and modernization. Through their political, educational, and recreational activities, more and more Muslim women are setting agendas of their own and are actively redefining the role of women in Muslim society.

First published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This work is both a dictionary and a glossary of terms. It attempts to cover the entire field of Islam - religious, ethical and philosophical - and the terms chosen are those which the reader is to find, and those most likely to be encountered in current reading. In addition, there are brief biographies of eminent Muslim and Islamic scholars throughout the ages, enabling an easy reference to authorities normally cited. The author, Ian Richard Netton, is also editor of "Golden Roads: Migration, Pilgrimage and Travel in Medieval and Modern Islam".

This volume takes a unique and challenging look at how money has operated in Islamic society and at how Islamic theoretical frameworks have influenced perceptions of money.
The author draws upon historical, data and policy analysis to present a comparative study of monetary theories, including recent treatment of money by Islamic economists. Discussion also covers the nature of joint venture, stock markets, banks and financial intermediaries, price stability and international trade. This work sheds pioneering light in this area, and will be of interest to academics, graduates and researchers internationally.

Is it possible to ignore the rules of the world and still enjoy the protection of the international community? Does the West need the Saudis more than they need us? This study seeks to answer these and other questions on the political and social development of Saudi Arabia in the seven years since the Gulf War. The book examines the ruling family's self-awarded birthright to wealth and power, and discusses the questions of Royal Law, human rights, censorship, the fear of radical Islam, and gender in the kingdom.

Is it possible to ignore the rules of the world and still enjoy the protection of the international community? Does the West need the Saudis more than they need us? This study seeks to answer these and other questions on the political and social development of Saudi Arabia in the seven years since the Gulf War. The book examines the ruling family's self-awarded birthright to wealth and power, and discusses the questions of Royal Law, human rights, censorship, the fear of radical Islam, and gender in the kingdom.

Muslims first appeared in the early seventh century as members of a persecuted religious movement in a sun-baked town in Arabia. Within a century, their descendants were ruling a vast territory that extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indus River valley in modern Pakistan. This region became the arena for a new cultural experiment in which Muslim scholars and creative artists synthesized and reworked the legacy of Rome, Greece, Iran, and India into a new civilization. A History of the Muslim World to 1405 traces the development of this civilization from the career of the Prophet Muhammad to the death of the Mongol emperor Timur Lang. Coverage includes the unification of the Dar a1-Islam (the territory ruled by Muslims), the fragmentation into various religious and political groups including the Shi'ite and Sunni, and the series of catastrophes in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries that threatened to destroy the civilization. Features: Balanced coverage of the Muslim world encompassing the region from the Iberian Peninsula to South Asia. Detailed accounts of all cultures including major Shi'ite groups and the Sunni community. Primary sources. Numerous maps and photographs featuring a special four-color art insert. Glossary, charts, and timelines.

This book is a welcome addition to an all too scant literature on the Ismaili communities of Syria. In addition to a wide reading of Arabic sources and a deep familiarity with the existing scholarly literature, Professor Mirza also brings to light new manuscripts illuminating this history.
Syrian Ismailism tells the little-known story of the adaptability and survival of Ismailis in Syria in an era which seems as complex and difficult as our own. The late eleventh and twelfth centuries brought severe troubles, including the decline of the Fatimids, divisions among the Ismailis, the Saljuq-Sunni conquest of much of the Middle East, and the Crusades.