This book provides the first in-depth, wide-scope treatment of da'wa. A term difficult to translate, da'wa covers a semantic field ranging from the call or invitation to Islam, to religious preaching and proselytizing, to the mission and message of Islam. Historically da'wa has been directed outward to nonbelievers, but in modern times it has turned increasingly inward to 'straying' Muslims. While the media and many scholars have focused on extremism and militant groups that have raised the banner of jihad, this volume argues that da'wa, not jihad, forms the backbone of modern Islamic politics and religiosity, and that the study of da'wa is essential for understanding contemporary Islamic politics as well as jihadist activity. Contributors represent a variety of approaches and come from a range of academic, religious, and national backgrounds. In these essays, they analyze the major discourses of da'wa, their embodiment in the major Islamic movements of the twentieth century, and their transformation into new forms of activism through the media, the state, and jihadi groups - including al-Qaeda and ISIS - in the twenty-first century.

About the Author

Itzchak Weismann is associate professor of Islamic studies and former director of the Jewish-Arab Center at the University of Haifa. He has published extensively on modern Islamic thought, Islamic movements, Sufism, and interfaith dialogue.

Jamal Malik is chair of Islamic Studies at the University of Erfurt. He has published widely on Islamic education, religious pluralism, Sufism, and the mobilization of religion.

Reviews

"A massively complex and well-orchestrated volume. It fulfills the promise of its title, presenting but also critiquing Islamic preaching in the modern world. It has no demons or heroes, but many major figures and influential organizations-including states-that no other authors have combined within one volume."
-Bruce Lawrence, author of New Faiths, Old Fears: Muslims & Other Asian Immigrants in American Religious Life

"Weismann and Malik have brought a scattered field of work on da'wa into focus. This collection tips the balance of scholarly and public attention from jihad to da'wa. The Culture of Da'wa makes a clear contribution to understanding contemporary Muslim societies both from without and within. Well written, informative, and well placed."
-Richard C. Martin, author of Islamic Studies: A Twentieth Century Introduction

Book Information
ISBN 9781607817451
Author Itzchak Weismann
Format Paperback
Page Count 325
Imprint University of Utah Press,U.S.
Publisher University of Utah Press,U.S.
Weight(grams) 505g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 25mm