New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys – serie

WINNER OF THE BRITISH-KUWAIT FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY PRIZEThis book presents general readers and specialists alike with a broad survey of Islamic political thought in the six centuries from the rise of Islam to the Mongol invasions. Based on a wide variety of sources, it seeks to bring out the enormous scope and high level of historical (and, in some cases, contemporary) interest of medieval Muslim thinking on this subject.The author aims to make Islamic political thought easier for modern readers to understand by relating it to the contexts in which it was formulated, analysing it in terms familiar to the reader, and, where possible, comparing it with medieval European and modern thought.Guiding the reader through this complex history on a tour of one of the great civilizations of the pre-modern world, the book brings out the fascinating nature of medieval Islamic political thought, both in its own right and as the background to political thinking in the Muslim world today.Key Features* Written by one of the most renowned scholars in the field* All concepts have been glossed and all persons, events and historical developments have been identified or summarised, both on first encounter and in the index (where the number of the page containing the gloss will be emboldened)* Specialists are addressed in the footnotes; non-specialists are free to skip these and read an uncluttered text

The Hadith are believed to be the words of the Prophet, memorised by his followers and written down in the first or second centuries AH. This is a clear introduction to the arguments surrounding both the Hadith and the documents themselves. Comparing the views put forward in the Hadith with those of the Qur'an, it takes the student through all aspects of the Hadith in clear and accessible terms.

There are no official creeds in Islam, but there is broad agreement in mainstream Sunnite Islam about the chief doctrines. Over the centuries these have been expressed in creeds and have been widely recognised and used for instruction. In this book Professor Watt introduces the history of the creeds and takes the student through a selection of the main ones in translation. Explanatory notes and a single Shi’ite creed are also given in this useful and informative survey.

The classic introduction to Islamic law, tracing its development from its origins,through the medieval period, to its place in modern Islam.

In this admirable book Montgomery Watt traces the influence of Islam in medieval Europe, looking in detail at commerce, science and technology, philosophy, and the development of European self-awareness.

Surveying the life, aims, character and inspiration of Muhammad, this classic introduction explains the history, form and chronology of the Qur'an, and gives the views of Muslim and Occidental scholars.

Despite being one of the key Shi'i Muslim communities, the Ismailis were until recently studied primarily on the basis of the accounts of their enemies. This new introduction is the first to be based on modern scholarship, taking account of recently recovered Ismaili texts. It covers all the main developments in the major phases of Ismaili history, from the early formative period, through the Fatamid golden age and the Alamut and post-Alamut periods, to more recent history. Dealing only with the most important historical developments, this is a comprehensive and accessible survey for all newcomers to the subject.

Guiding Western readers through the endlessly fascinating and complicated system of Islamic personal names, Annemarie Schimmel's directory touches upon almost every aspect of Islamic life.

This is the standard general account in English of Islamic philosophy and theology. It takes the reader from the religio-political sects of the Kharijites and the Shiites through to the assimilation of Greek thought in the medieval period, and onto the early modern period. Watt concludes with an analysis of Western influences on modern Islamic theology.

This highly readable survey describes the development of Islamic medicine and its influence on Western medical thought. It explains the main features of Islamic medicine: its system of human physiology; its ideas about the nature of disease; its rules for diet and the use of drugs; and its relationship with astrology and the occult.

Examining the close relationship between religious beliefs and political doctrine in Islamic countries, this introductory book offers a clear account of how Islamic political thought has developed from the politico-religious structure established by Mohammed and his immediate successors.

Winner of the 1999 British-Kuwait Friendship Society Prize in Middle Eastern Studies. Described by the BKFS reviewer as "A ground-breaking work on a subject that has been almost totally neglected.""Why write history in Persian?" Persian historical writing has received little attention as compared with Arabic, especially as seen in the early (pre-Mongol) period. Within the larger context of the development of Islamic historiography from the tenth through the twelfth centuries, the case of Persian historical writing demands special attention. Discussions tend to concentrate on its sources in pre-Islamic Persian and in Arabic works, while the reasons for its emergence, its connections with Iranian and Arabic models, its political and cultural functions, and its reception, have been virtually ignored. This study answers these questions and addresses issues relating to the motivation for writing the works in question; its purpose; the role of the author, patrons and audiences; the choice of language and the reasons for that choice; the place of historical writing in the broader debate over the suitability of Persian for scholarly writing.

This survey of Islamic Law combines Western and Islamic views and describes the relationship between the original theories of Islamic law and the views of contemporary Islamic writers. Covering the key topics in the area – including the history, sources and formation of Islamic Law, the legal mechanisms, and the contemporary context – it is strong in its coverage of the modern perspective, which particularly marks this book out from other texts in this field. The aim is to provide the student with a background understanding of Islamic Law and access to the complexity of the Islamic legal system. The language used is non-technical and understanding is aided with a supplementary detailed glossary and analytical indices.Selling Points *Author is a well-known scholar who is a lawyer by original profession and who has taught Islamic Law for 22 years: ideally placed to write an introductory survey of the field.*No prior knowledge assumed*Uses non-technical language*Includes a glossary of key terms

Reviews of the first edition:"Students of Islam… will find it an invaluable and convenient source of information."Journal of Semitic Studies"A major reference tool for student and teacher for many years to come."Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society"This impressive book… is certain to be kept at the desk where lectures are written."Journal of the American Oriental Society"Endress presents an accurate picture of the interplay of religious inspiration and historical circumstances which shaped Islamic history from its inception… It reflects a distinct sensitivity to the nuances of the subject culture, combined with a clear command of the scholarly sources… It is therefore most appropriate for graduate students beginning a Middle East or Islamic specialization, for professional scholars with other specializations seeking a synoptic treatment of Islamic history, or for teachers in need of an outline for an Islamic survey course."MESA BulletinThis highly acclaimed survey provides a thoughtful and concise account of all aspects of Islam in history. Following an appraisal of the study of Islam, Gerhard Endress guides the reader through key elements:* Religion (including the Revelation of the prophet Muhammad and the development of doctrine in its historical setting)* Law and the state in medieval Islam* Social and economic aspects of medieval Islam* The historical development of each of the main regions of the Islamic world (the Arabian peninsula; Syria and Palestine; Iraq; Spain; North Africa; Egypt; Iran; Anatolia)* The principal trends and major periods of Islamic history* The development of Arabic, Persian and Turkish languages* Names and Titles* The Muslim calendar* A chronology of political and cultural events from the rise of Islam to the twentieth centuryWritten in clear and accessible language, this is the essential introduction to Islamic history and culture. The new edition has bee

Is there something unique about Islamic art? This book argues that there is not – that Islam does not play an leading role in the aesthetic judgements that we should make about objects created in the Islamic world.It is often argued that a very special sort of consciousness went into creating Islamic art, that it is very different from other forms of art, that Muslims are not allowed to portray human beings in their art, and that calligraphy is the supreme Islamic art form. Oliver Leaman challenges all these ideas, showing them to be misguided. Instead he suggests that the sort of criteria we should apply to Islamic art are identical to the criteria applicable to art in general, and that the attempt to put Islamic art into a special category is a result of orientalismKey Features:*Criticises the influence of Sufism on Islamic aesthetics*Deals with issues arising in painting, calligraphy, architecture, gardens, literature, films, and music*Pays close attention to the Qur’an*Argument includes examples from history, art, philosophy, theology and the artefacts of the Islamic worldThe reader is invited to view Islamic art as no more and no less than ordinary art, neither better nor worse than anything else that counts as art. It follows that there are no special techniques required in Islamic aesthetics as compared with any other form of aesthetics.

A new edition of Heinz Halm's comprehensive survey of all the Shi'ite groups. It traces the development of all the individual branches from their common origins to their current status in the modern world.The dogmatic and organisational development of each of the various branches of Shi'ism is discussed and is placed in the context of their particular history.Special attention is given to the emergence of the Imamite 'clergy' and the social and political role which has enabled them to establish a revolutionary regime in Iran, and each chapter contains an invaluable bibliography giving easy access to other books and original sources in translation.Key Features:* each branch of Shi'ism placed in its own historical context* bibliographies at the end of each chapter divided into primary and secondary sources* includes chapters on all varieties of Shi'ism* New edition contains new material on the Shi'a in Iraq and on the Iranian Revolution, and up-dated bibliographies

This book is a comprehensive historical overview of the formative period of Sufism, the major mystical tradition in Islam, from the ninth to the twelfth century CE. Based on a fresh reading of the primary sources and integrating the findings of recent scholarship on the subject, the author presents a unified narrative of Sufism’s historical development within an innovative analytical framework. Karamustafa gives a new account of the emergence of mystical currents in Islam during the ninth century and traces the rapid spread of Iraq-based Sufism to other regions of the Islamic world and its fusion with indigenous mystical movements elsewhere, most notably the Malr cultural context

This significant new work focuses on the formation and fragmentation of an Arab-Muslim state and its society in Sicily and south Italy between 800 and 1300, which led to the formation of an enduring Muslim–Christian frontier during the age of the Crusades. It examines the long- and short-term impact of Muslim authority in regions that were to fall into the hands of European rulers, and explains how and why Muslim and Norman conquests imported radically different dynamics to the central Mediterranean. On the island of Sicily, a majority Muslim population came to be ruled by Christian kings who adopted and adapted political ideologies from Mediterranean regimes, while absorbing cultural influences from the diverse peoples over whom they reigned. This work provides an engaging, expert and wide-ranging introduction to the subject, and offers fresh, clear insights into the evolution of both Europe and the Islamic world.Key Features*An authoritative new book in a field where very little has yet been written*Explores the formation of lasting Muslim-Christian frontiers in medieval Europe. *Covers issues including Muslim-Christian relations, conquest, colonisation, conflict and acculturation, and the transmission and exchange of ideas from east to west*Suitable for a range of readers from the interested public and students to university researchers

The medical tradition that developed in the lands of Islam during the medieval period (c. 650–1500) has, like few others, influenced the fates and fortunes of countless human beings. It is the story of contact and cultural exchange across countries and creeds, affecting caliphs, kings, courtiers, courtesans, and the common crowd. In addition to being fascinating in its own right, it formed the roots from which modern Western medicine arose. Contrary to the stereotypical picture, medieval Islamic medicine was not simply a conduit for Greek ideas, but was a locus for innovation and change.The book is organised around five topics: the emergence of medieval Islamic medicine and its intense cross-pollination with other cultures, the theoretical medical framework, the function of physicians within the larger society, the medical care as seen through preserved case histories, and the role of magic and devout religious invocations in scholarly as well as everyday medicine. A concluding chapter on the ‘afterlife’ concerns the impact of medieval Islamic medicine upon the European medical tradition and its continued practice today. The aim of this book is not to compress the entire history of medieval Islamic medicine into a single small volume. Rather, it presents an overview, highlighted with particular examples.

This book presents a comprehensive survey of Islamic economics in all its diversity and complexity. Divided into four parts, each describes a facet of Islamic political economy: *A general introduction to Islam and Islamic political economy *A brief historical overview *A summary of dominant Islamic political-economic thinking *A look at the 'praxis' of Islamic political economy, exploring the different attempts at Islamicisation. A conclusion looks at the prospects for Islamic political economy in the 21st century. The book incorporates numerous concrete examples and case studies, illustrative quotes from the Qur'an and the Hadith, and from Islamic thinkers past and present. There is also an extensive bibliography, a substantial glossary and a comprehensive list of research institutes and internet resources. Intended for a broad readership, it is accessible enough to be read by non-specialists.

This book presents a comprehensive survey of Islamic economics in all its diversity and complexity. Divided into four parts, each describes a facet of Islamic political economy: *A general introduction to Islam and Islamic political economy *A brief historical overview *A summary of dominant Islamic political-economic thinking *A look at the 'praxis' of Islamic political economy, exploring the different attempts at Islamicisation. A conclusion looks at the prospects for Islamic political economy in the 21st century. The book incorporates numerous concrete examples and case studies, illustrative quotes from the Qur'an and the Hadith, and from Islamic thinkers past and present. There is also an extensive bibliography, a substantial glossary and a comprehensive list of research institutes and internet resources. Intended for a broad readership, it is accessible enough to be read by non-specialists.

Those coming to the study of Islamic history for the first time face a baffling array of rulers and dynasties in the many different areas of Islam. This book provides a comprehensive and reliable reference source for all students of history and culture. It lists by name the rulers of all the principal Islamic dynasties with Hijri and Common Era dates. Each dynastic list is followed by a brief assessment of its historical significance, and by a short bibliography.Fully updated and substantially revised and expanded for a modern audience, this handbook is based upon Bosworth’s renowned The Islamic Dynasties, first published in 1967 and revised in 1980. As well as increasing the number of dynasties covered from 82 to 186, innovations in the new edition include much more extensive listings of honorific titles and of filiations, allowing genealogical connections within dynasties to be made.Key Features:Only reliable chronological and genealogical listing availableCovers all the areas of the Islamic world including Afghanistan, the Arabian peninsula, Central Asia, East Africa, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, North Africa, Persia, South East Asia, Spain, Syria, Turkey and West AfricaIncludes 186 dynastiesRecords those rulers who issued coins – of great interest to Islamic numismatics

This book offers an introduction to the archaeology of the Islamic world. It traces the history of the discipline from its earliest manifestations through to the present and evaluates the contribution made by archaeology to the understanding of key aspects of Islamic culture. The author argues that it is essential for the results of archaeological research to be more fully integrated into the wider historical study of the Islamic world.Organising the book into broad themes allows a focus on issues that are relevant across different regions and periods. Short case studies are included to allow the reader to examine the ways in which archaeologists collect and interpret material in specific contexts. The emphasis is on archaeological work conducted in the area stretching from Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics in the east to Spain in the west. Comparisons are also be drawn with Islamic regions of sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent, reflecting the main focus of archaeological work in the Islamic world to the present day.

This book deals with certain "hot-button" contemporary issues in Islam that are often the focus of public scrutiny, including the Sharia, jihad, the caliphate, women’s status, and interfaith relations. Notably, it places the discussion of these topics within a longer historical framework in order to reveal their multiple interpretations and contested applications over time.Most public and some academic discourses however present the Islamic tradition as unchanging and therefore unable to respond to the modern world. Such an ahistorical approach fosters the belief that Muslim and Western societies are destined to clash with one another. In contrast, this book allows the reader to see the diversity and transformations within Islamic thought over time. Focusing on this internal diversity permits us to appreciate the scriptural and intellectual resources available within the Islamic tradition for responding to the challenges of modernity, even as it interrogates and shapes modernity itself.

Charts the history and development of Twelver Shi'ismAs many as 40 different Shi`i groups existed in the 9th and 10th centuries; only 3 forms remain. Why is Twelver Shi`ism one of them? As the established faith in modern Iran, the majority faith in Iraq and areas in the Gulf and with its adherents forming sizeable minorities elsewhere in the region, it is arguably the most successful branch of Shi'ism. Andrew Newman charts the history Twelver Shi’ism, uncovering the development of the key distinctive doctrines and practices which ensured its survival in the face of repeated challenges. He argues that the key to the faith's endurance has been its ability to institutionalise responses to the changing, often localised circumstances in which the community has found itself, thereby remaining remarkably resilient in the face of both internal disagreements and external opposition.

A comprehensive survey of Muslim Spain from 711-1502. This introduction to Muslim Spain covers the period from 711 to1502, giving readers a substantial overview of what it was that made it a unique and successful society, and of its powerful legacy in the formation of modern Spain. Using a chronological framework and pushing the main historical developments to the forefront, the author keeps in view the shifting social patterns caused by the changing balance between town and country, major and minor dynasties, foreign groupings and repeated invasions from North Africa. He also includes discussion of topics such as inter-faith relations, multi-ethnic competing groups, and how intellectual life was enriched by pluralism and influence from abroad.

This book is an easily accessible one-volume introduction to the whole body of Persian literature.