Description
Recipient of the 2004 Bashrahil Prize for Outstanding Cultural Achievement in the Humanities An introduction to Islam, today the faith of more than a billion people, set in the context of world history and of religious studies. Carl Ernst brings together Islamic religious thought and lived experience to examine traditional spirituality and the contentious issues confronting Muslims today. His approach is balanced - both sympathetic and critical. Besides providing a guide to the fundamental aspects of Islam - its sacred sources, ethical systems and spiritual practices - the author encourages the reader to reflect on these topics. This compact introduction appeals to all those who want to understand both the historical aspects of Islam as well as the place of Islam in the contemporary world. Features: *A critical perspective on Western attitudes toward Islam. *A clarification of the contemporary importance of Islam both in Euro-American and in Afro-Asiatic countries and a context for understanding extremist movements like fundamentalism. *Access to the voice of Muslims, through translations of texts into English. *An overview of the critical debates on such important contemporary issues as gender and veiling, state politics, and science and ethics.
About the Author
Carl W. Ernst is a W.R. Kenan Professor of Religious Studies at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Director of the Carolina Center for the Study of Middle East and Muslim Civilizations at UNC Global. He is author of several books including Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World (EUP, 2004), Sufi Martyrs of Love (Palgrave, 2002) and Teachings of Sufism (Shambhala Publications, 1999).
Reviews
A useful and thought-provoking addition by a specialist in the study of Islam. It is full of significant insights ! The book presents an interesting perspective for rethinking how contemporary Islam is taught in undergraduate level courses in the West and it is sufficiently rich in detail to provide a starting point for further reading. In seeking to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the image of Islam for his Western readers, Ernst gives proper weight to the layers of mystical humanism, philosophical speculation and hermeneutical flexibility that are no less a part of the Islamic tradition than the legacies of conquest and militancy. A major contribution to explaining the faith of Muslims to people in the West. -- Professor Francis Robinson, Royal Holloway, University of London It works splendidly as an introduction that can be used both in the classroom and for the general public. -- Professor Michael Sells, Haverford College, PA A useful and thought-provoking addition by a specialist in the study of Islam. It is full of significant insights ! The book presents an interesting perspective for rethinking how contemporary Islam is taught in undergraduate level courses in the West and it is sufficiently rich in detail to provide a starting point for further reading. In seeking to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the image of Islam for his Western readers, Ernst gives proper weight to the layers of mystical humanism, philosophical speculation and hermeneutical flexibility that are no less a part of the Islamic tradition than the legacies of conquest and militancy. A major contribution to explaining the faith of Muslims to people in the West. It works splendidly as an introduction that can be used both in the classroom and for the general public.
Book Information
ISBN 9780748619597
Author Carl W. Ernst
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press
Weight(grams) 297g
Dimensions(mm) 200mm * 138mm * 21mm
About the Author
Carl W. Ernst is a W.R. Kenan Professor of Religious Studies at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Director of the Carolina Center for the Study of Middle East and Muslim Civilizations at UNC Global. He is author of several books including Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World (EUP, 2004), Sufi Martyrs of Love (Palgrave, 2002) and Teachings of Sufism (Shambhala Publications, 1999).
Reviews
A useful and thought-provoking addition by a specialist in the study of Islam. It is full of significant insights ! The book presents an interesting perspective for rethinking how contemporary Islam is taught in undergraduate level courses in the West and it is sufficiently rich in detail to provide a starting point for further reading. In seeking to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the image of Islam for his Western readers, Ernst gives proper weight to the layers of mystical humanism, philosophical speculation and hermeneutical flexibility that are no less a part of the Islamic tradition than the legacies of conquest and militancy. A major contribution to explaining the faith of Muslims to people in the West. -- Professor Francis Robinson, Royal Holloway, University of London It works splendidly as an introduction that can be used both in the classroom and for the general public. -- Professor Michael Sells, Haverford College, PA A useful and thought-provoking addition by a specialist in the study of Islam. It is full of significant insights ! The book presents an interesting perspective for rethinking how contemporary Islam is taught in undergraduate level courses in the West and it is sufficiently rich in detail to provide a starting point for further reading. In seeking to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the image of Islam for his Western readers, Ernst gives proper weight to the layers of mystical humanism, philosophical speculation and hermeneutical flexibility that are no less a part of the Islamic tradition than the legacies of conquest and militancy. A major contribution to explaining the faith of Muslims to people in the West. It works splendidly as an introduction that can be used both in the classroom and for the general public.
Book Information
ISBN 9780748619597
Author Carl W. Ernst
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press
Weight(grams) 297g
Dimensions(mm) 200mm * 138mm * 21mm
