“This unique and challenging textbook describes the historical background and present diversity of political and intellectual currents in Islam in its various forms. . . This is a compact and sophisticated text, suitable for graduate students seeking to understand the roots and development of modern Islamic movements and contestations.” (Religious Studies Review, 1 December 2013)
“Designed as a student-friendly textbook, Brown explores Islam’s origins, major features, and lasting influence. Brown, who has lived and taught in Egypt and Pakistan, offers both a sympathetic description and a critical analysis.” (Islamic Horizons, November 2009)
“This exceptional book constructs a uniquely comprehensive and dynamic global and historical discourse for defining, interpreting, understanding and appreciating the rich diversity of Islam and Muslims in today’s world. The contributors represent a refreshing range of academic discourses (Political Science, Islamic and Middle East History, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies, African and Asian Studies) which give the book its illuminating contextual and topical authenticity. In addition to its accessibility for the general reading public, it is an ideal textbook for a wide range of academic courses in the social sciences, humanities and beyond, such as geopolitics and environmental studies.”―Frederick Mathewson Denny, University of Colorado at Boulder
“Dynasties, crusades, empires, colonial encounters, state polities and global commerce blend evenly with topics on Islamic thought, jurisprudence, tradition, ethics, and belief and practice. Readers have long awaited such a judicious treatment in a manageable format. And its coverage of Islam in regions like Latin America, Africa, and Central Asia, alongside its discussions on terrorism and violence, Islamophobia, women and human rights, the media and the global expanse of Muslim cultures, easily makes it a major resource both inside and outside the classroom.”―Zain Abdullah, Temple University
From the Inside Flap
This engaging introduction to Islam examines its lived reality, its worldwide presence, and the variety of beliefs and practices encompassed by the religion. Featuring essays from acclaimed scholars that are richly global in approach, the content explores the similarities and diversity of Islam across countries and regions in the present day.
A central theme of this book is the deep contrast that exists between the commonly held images of Islam and the reality of how this religion is lived and practiced. While Islam is often thought of as a static and monolithic tradition, it is in fact fluid, dynamic, and characterized by enormous variety. By examining trends across different countries and regions, including Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, it provides an accurate depiction of Islam in the 21st century. The book also addresses the historical context in which Islam emerged and its core elements, but then moves beyond this to include areas less typically covered, including the geographical diversity of the religion, the phenomenon of militancy, Islamophobia, and the teaching of Islam in the West. This combination of global, historical, and interdisciplinary coverage makes this the ideal text for courses focusing on the political, social and lived reality of Islam today.
From the Back Cover
This engaging introduction to Islam examines its lived reality, its worldwide presence, and the variety of beliefs and practices encompassed by the religion. Featuring essays from acclaimed scholars that are richly global in approach, the content explores the similarities and diversity of Islam across countries and regions in the present day.
A central theme of this book is the deep contrast that exists between the commonly held images of Islam and the reality of how this religion is lived and practiced. While Islam is often thought of as a static and monolithic tradition, it is in fact fluid, dynamic, and characterized by enormous variety. By examining trends across different countries and regions, including Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, it provides an accurate depiction of Islam in the 21st century. The book also addresses the historical context in which Islam emerged and its core elements, but then moves beyond this to include areas less typically covered, including the geographical diversity of the religion, the phenomenon of militancy, Islamophobia, and the teaching of Islam in the West. This combination of global, historical, and interdisciplinary coverage makes this the ideal text for courses focusing on the political, social and lived reality of Islam today.
About the Author
Aminah Beverly McCloud is Professor of Islamic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University and the Director of the Islamic World Studies Program.
Scott Hibbard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at DePaul University, where he teaches courses on Middle East Politics, International Relations, and Religion and Politics.
Laith Saud is Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University, and an expert on Middle East politics.
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