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.
Introduction
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
Bibliography
Index
Biography
Alexander Knysh is Professor of Islamic Studies in the Department of Middle Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Director of an Islamic studies project at St. Petersburg State University, Russian Federation.
Praise for the previous editions:
"Authoritatively written and astutely arranged, Islam in Historical Perspective provides a comprehensive, historically contextualized narrative of the development of the Islamic tradition from its origin to the present day."
Erik S. Ohlander, Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne, USA.
"An intellectually stimulating, lucidly written work with excellent discussion questions at the end of each chapter. I look forward to assigning the second edition to my students."
Younus Mirza, Allegheny College, USA.
