Following Muhammad : rethinking Islam in the contemporary world / Carl W. Ernst.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ernst, Carl W., 1950-

Series:

Islamic civilization & Muslim networks

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Islam--21st century.

Islam.

Islam--Essence, genius, nature.

Physical Description:

xxv, 244 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm.

Place of Publication:

Chapel Hill : University of North Carolina Press, [2003]

Summary:

A non-Muslim's first resource for understanding Islam. Unlike many "Islam 101" books published since September 11, 2001, Following Muhammad avoids the traps of sensational political expose and specialized scholarly Orientalism. Carl Ernst introduces readers to the profound spiritual resources of Islam while clarifying diversity and debate within the tradition. One out of five people in the world are Muslim; only 18 percent of those, however, are Arab. Ernst moves away from a Middle Eastern bias, addressing the pluralistic nature of Muslim societies and thought. Framing his argument in terms of religious studies, Ernst describes how Protestant definitions of religion and anti-Muslim prejudice have affected views of Islam in Europe and America. Ernst also covers the contemporary importance of Islam in both its traditional settings and its new locations and provides a context for understanding extremist movements like fundamentalism. With translations of selections from Islamic texts, some appearing in English for the first time, Ernst offers access to Muslim voices and key themes, particularly the central role of the Prophet Muhammad. He concludes with an overview of critical debates on important contemporary issues such as gender and veiling, state politics, and science and religion. A concise selected reading list provides a helpful guide for future study. This engaging introduction to Islam should be every non-Muslim's first resource for learning about a religion that is a major presence in the world.

Contents:

Islam in the eyes of the West

Approaching Islam in terms of religion

The sacred sources of Islam

Ethics and life in the world

Spirituality in practice

Reimagining Islam in the twenty-first century.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [215]-232) and index.

ISBN:

0807828378

OCLC:

52269942