Islam

Description

This exceptionally successful survey text introduces the teachings and practice of Islam from its earliest origins up to its contemporary practice. John L. Esposito, an internationally renowned expert on Islam, traces the development of Islam and its impact on world history and politics.

• New discussion questions appear at the end of each chapter
• Chapter 2, "The Muslim Community in History," now includes extensive coverage of Islam in the West
• Chapter 5, "The Resurgence of Religion in Politics," incorporates coverage of the unexpected and stunning Arab Spring
• Chapter 6, "The Struggle for Islam in the Twenty-First Century," now discusses a selection of major religious scholars, intellectuals, and popular preachers who address critical questions and issues of Islamic reform
• Revisions and updates to the map of the Muslim world, the chronological timeline, and the bibliography

About the Author(s)

John L. Esposito, Georgetown University

John L. Esposito is University Professor, Professor of Religion and International Affairs and of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. He is the author or editor of more than 45 books, including What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam and The Future of Islam and is Editor in Chief of Oxford Islamic Studies Online.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Muhammad and the Quran: Messenger and Message
Muhammad and the Muslim Community
Muhammad and the West
The Quran: The Word of God
Conclusion
2. The Muslim Community in History
Muhammad and the Medinan State
The Caliphate (632-1258)
Islam and the West: The Crusades and Muslim Response to Militant Christianity
The Sultanate Period: Medieval Muslim Empires
Islam in the West
3. Religious Life: Belief and Practice
Theology
Islamic Law
4. Modern Islamic Reform Movements
From Imperial Islam to Islamic Revivalism
Revivalism in Islam
Modern Islamic Movements
Conclusion
5. Religion & Politics
The Islamic Resurgence
A Quiet Revolution
Global Terrorism
The Globalization and Hijacking of Jihad
Sayyid Qutb: Martyr of Islamic Radicalism
The Making of a Terrorist and his Global Jihad
Terrorists and Suicide Bombing
Democratic Transition in Tunisia
Conclusion
6. The Struggle for Islam in the Twenty-First Century
The Bifurcation of Society
The Ulama and Reform
Tradition: Anchor or Albatross?
A Spectrum of Reformers and Approaches
Cyberspace and High-Tech Islam
Critical Areas of Islamic Reform
The Challenge of Religious Pluralism
Global Muslim Multifaith and Intercivilizational Initiatives
The Challenge of Pluralism for Western Secular Democracies
Conclusion
, Timeline
, Glossary
, Select Bibliography
Index

Reviews

"This is the answer to every teacher's prayer for an informed and balanced introductory book. It is elegantly written, beautifully synthesized, and helpful." - Leila Fawaz, Tufts University

"Islam: The Straight Path is a remarkable testament to the author's breadth of scholarship and descriptive and explanatory economy." - Peter Matthews Wright, The Colorado College

"Esposito's work in modern Islam gives him a rich perspective for introducing readers to the main modern strands of reform and revivalism, moderation, and extremism that shape the Islamic worldview in the twenty-first century." - Seth Ward, University of Wyoming