Islam in Historical Perspective

Richly illustrated by quotations and images from Muslim scripture, historical chronicles, artistic works, and theological and juridical treatises, this book provides the student reader with a comprehensive understanding of Islam's evolution from its inception in Arabia to the present day.

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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 struggles and intellectual disputes 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. The pivotal events, trends and personalities of Islamic history are illustrated by witness accounts to demonstrate how they were perceived and interpreted 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 Islamic Studies.