This new book takes a literary approach in its study of Sayyid Qutb, one of the most significant political thinkers for contemporary Islamists and who has greatly influenced the likes of Osama Bin Laden. Executed by the Egyptian state in 1966, his books continue to be read and his theory of jahiliyya 'ignorance' is still of prime importance for radical Islamic groups.

Through an examination of his thoughts and theories, the book explores the main concepts that are used by today's radical fundamentalist movements, tracing the intellectual origins, as well as the conceptual and methodological thinking of radical Islamist movements in the modern world. The book sheds light on Islamic radicalism and its origins by presenting new analysis on the intellectual legacy of one of the most important thinkers of the modern Islamic revival. This is an invaluable new book for our time.

About the Author

Dr Sayed Khatab is a researcher in the School of Political and Social Inquiry at Monash University. His research interests focus on the politics in the Middle East, and Islamic political thought and movements in the modern world. Among his publications: 'Arabism and Islamism in Sayyid Qutb's Thought on Nationalism1, The Muslim World, 94, 2 (2004), 217-244

Reviews

"Sayed Khatab should be commended for having taken up the responsibility of introducing Sayyid Qutb and his theory of Jahiliyyah, through this book, to the English-speaking world... The book is worth reading to know and understand a prominent ideologue of Islamic socio-political and the evolution of his thought process. The book highlights the need for an objective critique of Qutb's ideas, its conformity or otherwise with the basic philosophy of Islam, its applicability to the modern world and its implications." - Ather Zaidi, Islamic Studies, Vol: 4, Winter 2010

"I highly recommend this well-researched book to scholars and student of Islamic studies and political islam. I agree with the author that to date there has been no in-depth study of this important concept. Thus, this work is a welcome contribution to the field" - Hussam S. Timani, Newport University, International Journal of Middle East Studies, 2008

Book Information
ISBN 9780415553834
Author Sayed Khatab
Format Paperback
Page Count 258
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 500g