Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World - Vol.1-2

Цитата:
After 13 months of war and occupation in Iraq, many Americans are at least aware of the division in Iraq between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. However, few Americans know that this schism in Islam dates back nearly 14 centuries. Nor do most have any inkling as to what their differences entail. Equally perplexing to many are the reasons why the opinions of a local imam, or prayer leader, should stall the search for a political solution in Iraq. Even though the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, dramatically demonstrated our need to better understand the Muslim world, Americans seem no closer to such understanding. Improving Western comprehension of Islam and the Muslim world is the deliberate aim of the editors of this new reference tool.
Their scope is the entirety of Muslim history, from the rise of the prophet Muhammad to the fall of Baghdad. In 504 entries, more than 500 scholars describe not only the confrontations of Islam with the Byzantine Greeks and Christian Crusaders, but also with modernity and globalization. Biographies describe important religious and cultural figures, as well as influential rulers and political leaders. From Timbuktu to Southeast Asia, the development of Islam in different regions is reviewed. However, the focus is not on political history, but the religious and cultural concepts that have shaped Muslim society. These include the Koran, dietary laws and pilgrimage, as well as terrorism, secularization and the Internet. The result is not the exhaustive scholarship of the Encyclopedia of Islam (Brill, 1908-1938 and 1960-2003), but a broadly painted portrait that students and lay readers will find accessible. Students will still find useful guidance for further research in extensive bibliographies and cross references. They will also appreciate the 170 maps, charts and illustrations, as well as the glossary of common terms, the regional timelines and the genealogies of religious leaders. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries.

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