Research Catalog

Title

The Word of Islam / edited by John Alden Williams.

Publication

Austin : University of Texas Press, [1994], ©1994.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Additional Authors

Williams, John Alden.

Description

viii, 232 pages; 23 cm

Summary

• Since the 1970s, Islam has been undergoing a tremendous resurgence throughout the world. Indeed, it is now the fastest-growing religion in the United States, as well as in other parts of the world. This resurgence has often been labeled "Islamic fundamentalism" by the media, but it includes believers of every persuasion, from the most conservative to the most liberal. Given these facts, it is vital for the West to understand the terms in which Islam thinks and to communicate effectively with Muslims.
• This anthology includes writings central to Islamic thought, some translated earlier but here redone, and others which have never before appeared in any Western language.
• The selections include an interpretation of the Quran, as well as portions of the Hadith, or sayings and actions of the Prophet; Islamic law; mysticism (Sufism); theology; and sectarian writings. A final essay on Islam today places these writings in their contemporary context and shows the breadth and variety of Islamic belief and practice.
• Compiled with the intention of letting Islam describe itself in its own words, the book will be an important source for all students of Muslim culture and world religions. This book is similar in scope to Williams' well-known 1961 George Braziller publication, but freshly written and much improved.

Subject

Islam

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents

Guide to Pronunciation of Arabic Terms -- 1. The Word of God: The Quran. God Speaks to Humankind. He Speaks through the Prophets. God Reveals Himself. He Commands. He Rewards and Punishes -- 2. The News of God's Messenger: The Hadith. The Beginnings of the Revelation. The Founding of the Community. Muhammad as Legislator and Founder. Muhammad as Model and Guide. The Science of Hadith -- 3. The Law of God: Sharia and Fiqh. The Acts of Servanthood. Family Law. Government of the Community. Ritual Slaughter and Animal Sacrifice. Things Disliked and Things Forbidden. Enjoining Good and Preventing Wrong (Hisba). The Interpretations of the Jurisconsults -- 4. Interior Religion: Sufism. Ascetics. Ecstatics. Antinomians. Poets. Dervishes -- 5. The Statements of Theologians: Kalam. Aba Hanifa. al-Maturidi. al-Ashari. al-Juwayni. al-Ghazali. Ibn Taymiya -- 6. Sectarian Movements. Kharijis and Ibadis. Zaydi Shiis. Twelver Shiis: Ithnaasharis. Sevener Shiis: Ismailism and Developments -- Afterword: Islam Today.

ISBN

• 0292790759 (alk. paper)
• 0292790767 (pbk.)

LCCN

93004676

OCLC

• 28183102
• ocm28183102

Owning Institutions

Columbia University Libraries