Islam in Historical Perspective (3rd Edition)

Alexander Knysh
Paperback, 666 pages
9780367715809

Islam in Historical Perspective is a general introduction to Islam and the history of Muslim societies. Richly illustrated by quotations and images from Muslim scripture, historical chronicles, artistic works, and theological and juridical treatises, it invites the reader to examine this evidence and to form a comprehensive understanding of Islam’s evolution from its inception in Arabia to the present day.

Combining chronological and thematic principles, this book examines Muslims’ political and intellectual struggles over the meaning and practical implications of their faith. Treating Islam as a language that various factions and generations of Muslims have used to express their grievances, aspirations, and personal experiences and preferences, the book shows the religion’s remarkable potency as a social, political, and cultural force and source of identity. It also describes and analyses Muslim devotional practices, emotional responses to the revelation, artistic and intellectual creativity, and patterns of everyday existence. The goal of this book is to help the reader to develop personal empathy for the subject by showing the relevance of the dilemmas faced by Muslims in different epochs and geographical locations to the burning issues of today’s world. A thorough analysis of pivotal events, trends, and personalities of Islamic history is accompanied by witness accounts showing how they were perceived by Muslims themselves.

This new edition features a thoroughly revised text, updated bibliography, new illustrations, study questions and chapter summaries, and is an outstanding resource for students of Islam and Muslim civilization.

Contents
1. Arabia: The Cradle of Islam

2. Muhammad and the Beginnings of Islam: The Making of the Muslim Community

3. After Muhammad: The Righty Guided Caliphs and the Conquests

4. The Murder of ‘Uthamn, the Fitna Wars, and the Rise and Consolidation of the Umayyad Dynasty

5. The Principal Source of Islam: The Qur’an

6. The Prophetic Hadíth and Sunna and the Emergence of the Shari‘a

7. The Problem of the Just Ruler and the First Divisions

8. The ‘Abbásid Revolution and Beyond

9. Islamic Scholarship Under the Umayyads and ‘Abbásids: The Rise and Development of the Schools of Law

10. Islamic Scholarship Under the ‘Abbásids: Theological Debates and Schools of Thought

11. Twelver Shi‘ism and Zaydism

12. Shi‘ism as a Revolutionary Movement: The Isma‘ilis

13. Ascetic and Mystical Movement in Islam: Sufism

14. Intellectual Struggles in Premodern Islam: Philosophy Versus Theology

15. Transmission and Conservation of Knowledge: ‘Ulamá’, Mádrasas, and Sufi Lodges

16. The Basic Beliefs and Practices of Islam: Islamic Life Cycle

17. Islamic Art and Religions Architecture (Mosque)

18. Women in Islamic Societies

19. Islam and the West

20. Islam in the Gunpowder Empires: The World of Islam Faces Modernity and European Colonialism

21. Renewal and Reform in Islam: The Emergence of Islamic Modernism and Reformism

22. Islam as a Political Force and Vehicle of Opposition

23. Islam Reinterpreted: Major Trends in Islamic Thought Today

24. The Ideology and Practice of Globalized Jihadism