The history of Islam runs without a break from its origins to the present. Therefore, understanding medieval Islam gives us a much clearer comprehension of the modern world. First published in 1979, this concise account of the Islamic world in the middle ages covers a vast territory, stretching from Morocco and Spain to India and Turkestan. It discusses the teachings of Islam, its theology, mysticism and philosophy, and examines the relation between Islam and political order, particularly the concepts of power and the organisation of government. It discusses Islam's view of the social order and concludes by looking at the urban centres in which Islamic civilisation developed, describing the towns themselves and the various forms of Islamic art. This book will be of interest to those studying medieval and Islamic history.

The history of Islam runs without a break from its origins to the present. Therefore, understanding medieval Islam gives us a much clearer comprehension of the modern world. First published in 1979, this concise account of the Islamic world in the middle ages covers a vast territory, stretching from Morocco and Spain to India and Turkestan. It discusses the teachings of Islam, its theology, mysticism and philosophy, and examines the relation between Islam and political order, particularly the concepts of power and the organisation of government. It discusses Islam's view of the social order and concludes by looking at the urban centres in which Islamic civilisation developed, describing the towns themselves and the various forms of Islamic art. This book will be of interest to those studying medieval and Islamic history.

This concise, accessible glossary of key Islamic terms is written by two of France's most eminent scholars of Islam. It offers brief explanations of the core background elements required by those beginning the study of Islam and covers the following: * Famous historical figures * Theological schools * Juridicial schools * Qur'anic symbols and themes * Religious rites and institutions Focusing primarily on classical Islam, the historical references are mainly to the Sunni, Arab and Ottoman realms. This short book is an ideal text for those new to the subject of Islamic Studies and Islamic and Middle Eastern History. Key Features * Written by two of France's most eminent scholars of Islam * Offers brief, clear definitions of the key background elements needed by anyone new to the study of Islam: an ideal foundation text * There is no competing text -- glossaries within textbooks are limited in number and definitions in (expensive) encyclopedias are often very long and overly detailed for beginning students * Ideal for exam revision