Awaiting product image
Awaiting product image

The Word of Islam

The Word of Islam

$24.95

In stock
0 out of 5

$24.95

SKU: 9780292790766 Category:
Title Range Discount
Trade Discount 5 + 25%
Add to wishlist

Description

Since the 1970s, Islam has been undergoing a tremendous resurgence throughout the world. This resurgence has often been labeled "Islamic fundamentalism" by the media, but it includes believers of every persuasion, from the most conservative to the most liberal.

Given this fact, it is vital for the West to understand the terms in which Islam thinks and to communicate effectively with Muslims. This anthology includes writings central to Islamic thought, some translated earlier but here redone, and others which have never before appeared in any Western language.

The selections include an interpretation of the Qur'an, as well as portions of the Hadith, or sayings and actions of the Prophet; Islamic law; mysticism (Sufism); theology; and sectarian writings. A final essay on Islam today places these writings in their contemporary context and shows the breadth and variety of Islamic belief and practice.

Compiled with the intention of letting Islam describe itself in its own words, the book is an important source for all students of Muslim culture and world religions. This book is similar in scope to Williams' well-known 1961 George Braziller publication, but freshly written and much improved.

This anthology includes writings central to Islamic thought, some translated earlier but here redone, and others which have never before appeared in any Western language.
John Alden Williams is the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Humanities in Religion at the College of William and Mary.

    Introduction

    Guide to Pronunciation of Arabic Terms

    1. The Word of God: The Qur'an

      God Speaks to Humankind

      He Speaks through the Prophets

      God Reveals Himself

      He Commands

      He Rewards and Punishes

      2. The News of God's Messenger: The HadithThe Beginnings of the Revelation

      The Founding of the Community

      Muhammad as Legislator and Founder

      Muhammad as Model and Guide

      The Science of Hadith

      3. The Law of God: Shari'a and FiqhThe Acts of Servanthood

      Family Law

      Government of the Community

      Ritual Slaughter and Animal Sacrifice

      Things Disliked and Things Forbidden

      Enjoining Good and Preventing Wrong (Hisba)

      The Interpretations of the Jurisconsults

      4. Interior Religion: Sufism

        Ascetics

        Ecstatics

        Antinomians

        Poets

        Dervishes

        5. The Statements of Theologians: KalamAbu Hanifa

        al-Maturidi

        al-Ash'ari

        al-Juwayni

        al-Ghazali

        Ibn Taymiya

        6. Sectarian Movements

          Kharijis and Ibadis

          Zaydi Shi'is

          Twelver Shi'is: Ithna'asharis

          Sevener Shi'is: Isma'ilism and Developments

          Afterword: Islam Today

          Notes

          Index

          This work is destined to be treated as a pioneer and a classic in its field…. It offers a highly readable, lively, and proportionate examination of the Islamic canon and its various internal currents.

Additional information

Dimensions 2 × 6 × 9 in