Customer Reviews:
Excellent work from an historical perspective.......2007-08-12
Dr. Momen wrote an excellent illustrated book. Even the printing layout is very good with a rather large typeface readable even by oldies.
Dr. Momen gave due attention to details like exact transliteration, differences between Arabic and Farsi spellings and pronunciations, careful complete footnotes, glossary and reference lists, etc.
The book also contains several charts that make it much easier to gain an overview of the subject matter, in particular of politico-historic events compared to theological developments.
Dr. Momen does not claim to be an esoterist but rather has chosen an historic (zahiri) viewpoint without at all closing the door to the esoteric side (batini).
Dr. Momen makes it clear and plausible how Twelver Shi'ism has especially since Safavid rule in Iran moved towards a concentration on exoteric law with the legal experts gradually assuming several prerogatives original held reserved to the occulted 12th Imam. In other words, it seems that the Sunni Al-Azhar University's published opinion considering 12er Shi'a a 5th school of orthodox Islamic jurisprudence in addition to the four still extant Sunni schools is factually based. In all fairness, however, we should bear in mind that tendencies towards legalism are currently not restricted to Shi'i Islam but, alas, observable worldwide.
The more esoterically minded (batini) amongst the 12er ulama (doctors of theology) who do not share the view that jurisprudence (fiqh) is the central theme of Islamic knowledge have apparently gradually withdrawn and gone underground in a kind of relative occultation.
This reviewer heartily thanks Dr. Momen and hopes he is alive and well and will soon publish a second updated edition of his excellent work.
good study of evolution of shiaism.......2007-07-13
good for explaining the convuluted history of shiaism and as an ex-12 Imami shia I found the argument convincing that the 12er shiaism is a invention of much later age ....almost no details on origins of shias though for that we need more details of first fitna
Excellent resource for beginners.......2007-03-18
A good place to begin the study of Shi'ism. Very readable. Well referenced. Lacks in detail though. Particularly useful are the chapters related to contemporary marjaes and the Iranian revolution.
One of the best books I've ever read on Shia Islam.......2007-01-04
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to Shia parents wishing to explain Shia Islam to their children. The book is easy enough for a high-schooler and up to read. As someone who grew up in a relatively small Shia community in the United States, this book was especially helpful in educating me over the years. Recently, many of my friends (who are of the college and professional school age) and who have not necessarily grown up in a household that stresses Shia Islam but who want to learn more about the area, have also turned to this book for understanding.
Classic introduction to Shiism.......2006-10-23
I got this book when it first came out almost 20 years ago. it has helped me to understand the religious underpinnings of the feelings of people in iran and the shiites of iraq as well as the shiite minorities of pakistan and arabia. The author assumes no knowledge of islamic history or religion, so it is just what it says-- an "introduction" for the non muslim to shiite history and theology. A highly recommendedbook for someone just starting their studies of iran or middle east nations with shi'a minorities. And contrary to what an earlier reviewer said, it is an easy read for anyone with an eight grade education.
Average customer rating:
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Jews, Christians, Muslims: A Comparative Introduction to Monotheistic Religions
John Corrigan ,
Frederick M. Denny ,
Martin Jaffee ,
Martin S. Jaffee , and
Carlos M. N. Eire
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Readings in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
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ASIN: 0023250925 |
Book Description
This book compares Judaism, Christianity, and Islam using seven common themes, which are equally relevant to each tradition. Provoking critical thinking, this book addresses the cultural framework of religious meanings. It explores similarities and differences among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as it explains the ongoing process of interpretation in each religion. A comparative view of monotheistic religions showing the manor in which each has influenced and responded to the others. Provides readers with an opportunity to appreciate how religious change takes place and how traditions are shaped and reshaped including popular religion. Combines a focus on specific themes (scripture, ritual, ethics) with a strong narrative about the historical developments of these themes. Lets the reader see the enduring aspects of each tradition alongside of the changes. A discussion of material culture is presented.. Including an analysis of art and architecture, food, dress, and the organization of space. Written in crisp, clear prose, with a non-technical, casual approach. Includes illustrations, maps, timelines, and glossary.
Customer Reviews:
A gem of a book.......2000-06-14
A tour de force. Corrigan manages to provide literary, historical, mythological themes and contexts that illuminate current practice and belief.I found the details of this book enlarged my understanding of why and how these religions have many common strains and where they depart from one another.It also explains how the traditions of each,along with the practice,ethics and politics keep each vital enough in different countries and changing times to keep them going. A very weighty and multidimensional subject written with much grace. It's not only excellent as a reference book, it also holds up as a fascinating read.
Book Description
The book provides readers with a thorough and unified topical introduction to the global religious community of Islam.
KEY TOPICS: The book examines is connections with Judeo-Christian morals. The integration of the doctrinal and devotional elements of Islam enables readers to see how Muslims think and live. It also reviews pre-Islamic history so readers can see how Islam developed historically.
Customer Reviews:
excellently presented.......2007-01-29
I bought this book because my knowledge of Islam was minimal and I wanted something thorough, but not scholarly. This book was perfect. It's laid out as an undergrad textbook, with the sort of logic we westerners expect to see when being introduced to something. The chapters each have an over-view, then break into well-defined sections. If there are four important things about something, Denny gives four section headings. He also reviews information, where needed.
The best thing about the text is Denny's strategy of leaving many words in Arabic (after he has explained the terms); that means you won't learn about an idea under a name specific this translator. Sometimes there's a longish space between iterations of a term - 50 pages, for example - but the excellent glossary and the very thorough index make it possible to recover the information easily.
The only fault I could find - aside from the somewhat self-satisfied tone of his first-person plural narrative style - is that he never addresses the way he sets up the book. Does Islam naturally lend itself to western academic organization? Did the author impose this organization on the material in the service of his readers? If so, what would a Muslim text look like? Or did the western academy get this principle of organization from the Arab world, as we got our number system?
The second edition is MUCH cheaper than the third edition - the post-9/11 edition - but the history of Islam hasn't changed. Save your money and get the second edition.
Iran.......2006-03-25
This text book is great for someone who wants to learn about Islamic doctrines. The author of the book is mostly discussing Sunni sect and at some point referes to Shi'ite Muslim in Iran.
Admirable.......2005-12-22
Denny does a great job of explaining what can be a very complex topic. I used this as a textbook for a history course, but it is still very readable for personal enjoyment. It is clear that Denny is very passionate about his work. Although the book is not a chronological history of Islam, the knowledge gained from it is useful when trying to understand that type of study.
Mature Introduction to Islam.......2005-06-02
"An Introduction to Islam" by Frederick Denny, First edition in 1985, Second edition in 1994 (paperback ISBN 0-02-328519-2), 405 pgs. Although a medium-size paperback, a book actually worthy of being called a college-level textbook. Chapter 1: Early Civilizations: Egypt & Mesopotamia; 2: The Jews (10 pages); 3: Christianity (8 pages); 4: Pre-Islamic Arabia - Beliefs (10 pgs); 5: Muhammad and the Early Muslim Community (20 pages); The Arab Conquest (20 pages); 7: The Basic Beliefs and Worship Practices of Islam (40 pages); 8: The Nature and Function of the Quran - format, recitation, nature, interpretation, the Inimitability (15 pgs); 9: The Prophets' Sunna as Preserved in the Hadith (10 pgs); 10: Muslim Creeds and Theologies - the place of reason, Mutazilited, three Muslim creeds, Kalam, the challenge of philosophy (20 pgs); 11: Law and the State in classical Islamic Formulations - Shari'a, Fiqh, schools of law, political institutions (10 pgs); 12: Sufi Way of Mysticism - tariqa, al-Junayd & sober Sufism, antinomian, intoxicated al-Hallaj, al-Ghazali (20 pgs); 13: Master and Disciples of Sufi orders - Shaykhs, Faqirs, Qadiri, Jalal al-Din al-Rumi, Mawlawis, Silsila, Dhikr, Sama, Ibn Arabi (15 pgs); 14: The Islamic Life Cyle and the Family - rites, ceremonies, customs, infancy, childhood, marriage, divorce, inheritance, property, interest, food, clothing, death rituals (20 pgs); 15: Ideals and realities of Islamic community life - the mosque, marketplace, public behavior, recreation, veneration of saints (20 pgs); 16: Islam in the Modern World - Wahhabis, Islam and nationalism (13 pgs), 17: Three forms of Islamic Revival - fundamentalism, feminism, the Umma in North America (10 pgs). Besides presenting Islamic views in the Middle East, it also covers the Far East, also. One of the more informative books of its era.
Alright, but challenging if you don't know Arabic.......2005-04-26
This is overall a very informative book, but it bogs down greatly with the inclusion of hundreds of Arabic terms and people that are not defined or explained. If you don't have any knowledge of Arabic, or the historical people related with the Middle East, you might spend hours of additional time researching on the internet and in other books.
Book Description
Wael B. Hallaq is already established as one of the most eminent scholars in the field of Islamic law. In his latest book, he traces the history of Islamic legal theory from its beginnings until the modern period. The book is the first of its kind in organization, approach to the subject, and critical apparatus, and as such will be an essential tool for the understanding of Islamic legal theory in particular and Islamic law in general. Its accessibility of language and style guarantees it a readership among students and scholars, as well as anyone interested in Islam and its evolution.
Customer Reviews:
Extremely Well Written.......2003-01-09
In addition to the existing comments:
This book is extremely well written. Although it reads like a textbook, this merely reflects the high level of scholarship the author brings to his subject. The analysis is precise, thorough, and clearly explained. He touches a point once, addresses it completely, and then moves on. An essential read.
A good introduction.......2001-03-18
This book is more than a History, it basically defines the Usul al-fiqh terms and their development and historically how the concept were being developed, changed and added on. For being about only Sunni Usul al-fikh the scope is limited to a certain sect. Author takes you through early years when he claims no methodology were existed than to Imam Shafii whom he does not put as a founding father in the field of fikh, continues with some quranic concepts like clear/ambigious ayats, foundations of hadits, abbrogation and than into tools of the law, concensus, ijma, qiyas, istihsan, istishab,ijtihad etc. The best part of the book is that author provides examples of each concept for illustration, explains opinions of known mujtehits on the subjects. The book closes with modernist efforts by F.Rahman and especially the author have high regards for Shahrur. The book shows although not in broad acceptance by everybody, the change in methodology from using Quran and Sunna of the Prophet(pbh) to Quran only and socio/politic conditions of the current times and elimination of Ijma or ancient ijtihads.
A Wonderful (and the only) English Work on the Subject.......2000-10-24
Hallaq's book is excellent in that it manages to capture the essence of each epoch which he covers. Particularly interesting in this book is Hallaq's treatment the birth of usual al-fiqh and its modern interpretations. Reading about the pre-modern zenith of Islamic jurisprudence, which Hallaq completely identifies with the work of al-Shatiby, one becomes totally skeptical to the applicability of Islamic law beyond the realm of religious ritual. However, Hallaq captures well continuity and ingenuity represented in recent reforms achieved by two groups which he will label in the last chapter of his work as the utilitarians and the liberals.
The weakness of Hallaq's work is that its contents are unbalanced. I wish more time was spent on the formation of fiqh and the justification of its existence. Nonetheless, his treatment of these topics is solid. This work can be a little tedious @ times, but usul al-fiqh is itself tedious. In the whole spectrum of the book, one realizes that this itself is part and parcel to the reform occuring today. Excellent work but by no means a decisive study to answer all questions-too short.
Introduction to the Islamic legal theory.......2000-06-01
It is a great book which summarizes the Islamic jurispedence, not in a whiggish style looking back to the medieval ages, but locating the theological essence of fikh, which is not only a meaningless study on Quran but a compilation of hundreds of years which has its ortodoxy established in 10th century.
Average customer rating:
- very good introduction to quran/koran
- Magnificent Overview in Small Size
- More Literal than Spiritual...
- Scholarly Work But Not Much Help In Understanding The Ideas Of The Koran
- a very densely packed book
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The Koran: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
Michael Cook
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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ASIN: 0192853449 |
Book Description
The Koran has constituted a remarkably strong core of identity and continuity for a religious tradition that is now in its fifteenth century. This Very Short Introduction explores the significance of the Koran both in the modern world and in traditional Muslim culture. Michael Cook provides a lucid and direct account of the Koran as codex, as scripture, as liturgy, and as the embodiment of truth, and examines its means of formation and dissemination. He also discusses issues of interpretation for certain key verses, demonstrating that fecundity of the text for readers throughout the world.
Customer Reviews:
very good introduction to quran/koran.......2007-09-16
This is a good history and a high level overview of the Quran. Author brings academic and historical context to the Quran. Readers looking to prove or disprove the authenticity of the holy book will be disappointed. Those looking for a scholarly perpective will enjoy it.
Magnificent Overview in Small Size.......2007-07-18
Magnificent overview of the Quranic text, some thoughts on how it is interpreted, and also on the different styles of Quranic recitation. The book's scope is impressive for its small size.
More Literal than Spiritual..........2007-07-16
This is a great book for anyone looking for a very scholarly look at the Koran and the world of Islam. It must be said that this is a brief overview of a very complex subject. The book it jam-packed with information 'about' the Koran, but does not spend much time on 'explaining' the beliefs behind the Koran. This is in no way a substitute for study of the Koran, if that is what the reader is looking for. As a very educated text, this book stands far above many others. It was not what I was personally seeking, but that does not take away from the quality of this text.
Scholarly Work But Not Much Help In Understanding The Ideas Of The Koran.......2007-05-13
Awhile back I attempted to read the Koran, translated into English, and found it be one the most difficult and incomprehensible texts I have ever encountered. I was hoping this book might improve my ability to understand it. But actually it is more concerned with other aspects. For example, the book includes sections with titles like "The dissemination of the Koran," "The Koran as codex," and "The collection of the Koran." In addition, Michael Cook is a professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton and writes in the sort of academic language that many readers will find difficult.
One important point the book does make is that attempts to interpret the Koran are highly subjective and both moderate and extremist Muslims can find passages to justify their beliefs. For example, one sura emphasizes that there is "no compulsion in religion" while another, often known as the "sword verse," says that Muslims are allowed to commit acts of violence against those who are unwilling to convert to Islam.
Of course, the Bible also contains many contradictory statements and is very much open to subjective interpretation as well. In fact, while Christian Europe languished in the Dark Ages, Muslim civilization flourished from Spain to India and made signicant advances in philosophy, science and math. Even when Christian Europe started to once again advance invasions and atrocities, such as the Crusades and the Inquisition, still did occur.
The Islamic world remained militarily strong, including the advance of the Turkish Ottoman Empire all the way to the gates of Vienna. But it also became highly insular, rejecting important Western technological innovations such as the printing press. Meanwhile, the Europeans were exploring and colonizing the Western Hemisphere, not only building wealth but also exposing themselves to new ideas and new food resources, such as the potato and corn. In addition, the Europeans had, starting with the Renassaince, begun to reaquaint themselves with their Greco-Roman heritage. By the 1700's the Enlightenment had also began to spread, including its emphasis on rational thought and personal freedom that would lead to Western based modernism and secularism.
The Muslim world, in contrast, remained highly religious and focused on past glories. Of course, by the 20th century many Muslim leaders, such as Ataturk in Turkey, had become interested in bringing the advantages of modernization to their countries and by the 1960's you could even find some modern Muslim women who wore short skirts and high heels in public. But the Iranian Revolution of 1979 marked a return to fundamentalist Islam and during the subsequent decades extremist Muslims began to assert their influence both politically and culturally. Eventually this all helped to lead to the rise of terrorists such as Bin Ladin and the tragedy of 9/11.
Basically, this book will be of most use to scholarly types who wish to increase their knowledge of how of the Koran was formed and how it has been perceived and used by Muslims in both the past and the present. Those seeking a thorough interpretation of the Koran or even a basic introduction to the beliefs and practices of Islam will need to look elsewhere.
a very densely packed book.......2007-03-26
Published in 2000, this is a very interesting and useful book. I expected a brief introduction to the tenets of Islam. But this is actually a history of the Koran as a book. A great deal of noteworthy and even rare information is packed into this mini-encylopedia.
The tenets of Islam are discussed, but only as they relate to the sacredness of the Koran as a scripture. Chapter titles are: The message of the Koran, The dissemination of the Koran, The interpretation of the Koran, The very idea of scripture, The Koran as codex, text, worship, truth, and dogma. (The latter comprising five chapters under the various headings.)
The final section of the book discusses The collection of the Koran, The Koran in the lifetime of the Prophet, and Doubts and Puzzles. The illustrations are plentiful and excellent throughout. There are many examples of various Arabic script. Also included are photographs, a diagram of the physical motions of the believer in prayer, and a very good map showing places mentioned in the text.
Michael Cook is a scholar of Islamic history, educated at Cambridge and the University of London. He has been Professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton since 1986. Since "The Koran: A Very Short Introduction" he has published four major studies of Islamic dogma, culture and tradition.
Professor Cook's attitude toward the Koran will not be appreciated by Islamists. His approach is from the standpoint of logic, reason and history. He occasionally writes with tongue in cheek as he pokes some gentle fun at the casuistry that Muslims resort to in order to reconcile the incongruities contained in the Koran. Of course to Muslims, Allah is above logic and reason. Allah is omnipotent and does as he pleases. (There is an amusing section on how the Koran is recited in a rhythmical singsong - including the musical notation for the recitation. This, in spite of the fact the Koran forbids any form of music.)
Thankfully Michael Cook is rational and lives in the West. He has the freedom to think logically; therefore we can understand Professor Cook. Through the words of the Koran, Allah will continue his semi-coherent rantings and half-thoughts. These diatribes will live on through his followers, as they have since Muhammad started hearing the voice of the Angel Gabriel in a cave early in the 7th Century. Allah doesn't require understanding, just submission; submission to The Koran.
Book Description
Islamic Thought is a fresh and contemporary introduction to the philosophies and doctrines of Islam. The author traces the development of religious knowledge in Islam, from the pre-modern to the modern period. Exploring the influences of Islamic Art and Culture, and the Islamic texts of the Qur'an, and hadith, as well as Sufism, Islamic laws, and politics, Islamic Thought is ideal for anyone who wants to understand more about Muslims and the Islamic faith.
Book Description
"Many books have been written on Islamic financial markets but this is the first book to introduce all of the essential topics in one volume. The authors, two of the best known authorities in Islamic economics, finance and banking, also incorporate valuable examples and practical discussions that will offer better understanding of this emerging market. They should be congratulated for providing students and practitioners with a text that places Islamic finance and banking squarely within the context of Islamic teachings and modern finance and banking practices."
--Hossein Askari, Iran Professor of International Business and International Affairs, George Washington University
"An Introduction to Islamic Finance is an excellent introduction to the principles of Islamic finance. The authors provide necessary background to the subject, as well as succinct description of the main products and processes. This book will be of value to anyone looking to invest or issue in the Islamic finance markets."
--Professor Moorad Choudhry, Department of Economics, London Metropolitan University
"Islamic financial markets have made remarkable progress during the last two decades and this burgeoning growth has increased the appetite for financiers and bankers to understand more of this emerging market. Incorporating useful references to historical practices and financial instruments used by Muslim societies, An Introduction to Islamic Finance will serve as a very useful resource for anyone interested in the subject. The authors should be congratulated for their insightful and practical contribution."
--Professor Rifaat Ahmed Abdel Karim, Secretary-General, Islamic Financial Services Board
"Considerable experience in dealing with finance and its role in development have gone into this timely publication. The insights offered by the authors should be especially helpful to Islamic banks and financial institutions in redesigning risk-management and diversification of portfolios. This makes An Introduction to Islamic Finance one of the best books on the topic so far."
--Dr. Mohammad Nejatullah Siddiqi, Professor of Economics, Islamic Economics Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah (Retired)
Customer Reviews:
Book Assessment.......2007-02-08
The book does not provide deep enough background on the origins and philosophy of so called Islamic banking, particularly since banking as we know it did not exist in the days of the Prophet.The extrapolation from financing camel caravans to managing mutual funds just stretches credibility
As for the modern part, it strives to give an Islamic gloss to what are purely Western banking and financial concepts.
All in all, a disappointing book
Book Description
The first such work in English by a western Muslim, Lex Hixon's poetic translations of selected Quranic passages make the mystical teachings of Islam clear and accessible to the Western reader.
Customer Reviews:
A 'must-read" for all.......2006-10-12
Having read its most unimpressive sister book, "Introduction to Islam for Jews" by Duran, I approached this book with trepidation but I was soon pleasantly proven wrong!
Firestone's work clearly shows his grasp of Islam by liberal and appropriate use of quotes from the Quran; his compassionate and intellectual approach when making comparisons between the two faiths and his grasp of Hebrew and Arabic etymology, is refreshing and inspiring. He demonstrates that teaching Muslims about Judaism goes much further if one draws from both faiths and Firestone does this very well. Indeed, the parallels between the two faiths and their common origins are wonderful and instructive!
Firestone's approach to faith, Judaism and Islam, showed a rare, admirable spirituality that is seldom found even in books about faith. He easily managed to expound on Judaism without going into the quagmire of Israel politics; this helped me study the subject without defensiveness.
One issue I have with the book is the note on "The Pact of Umar". According to Firestone, this was a treaty between Caliph Umar and some unknown but presumably Jewish leaders. Apparently, this so-called "Pact" put Jews in a menial position, forcing them to be abjectly fawning towards Muslims as well as banning them from holding any key public offices or even repairing their synagogues.
In reality the earliest and only known example of this "Pact" is a translation of a supposed early letter from some unknown person who wrote a letter to some European figure. This unearthing came in the form of a hand-out by a Professor in Edinburgh in the 1970s; the origin of this letter still remains unknown. Even in this first exposure to the "Pact", it is a treaty between Caliph Umar and Christians of Syria...no mention of Jews at all.
The "Pact" also fails the logic test. In Firestones excellent book, Jews are described as holding many public offices even to the rank of Vizier (Prime Minister). The "Pact" also cannot explain why Muslim houses of worship were in the same state of repair or disrepair in the early 20th Century, as those of Judaism and Christianity. Nevertheless, mention of this "Pact" was the only distraction in an otherwise superb work.
Throughout the book, Firestone teaches an immense amount about Judaism without preaching, a virtue that is a rare gift. He reserves the final section ("Chronology") on listing significant events in the history of Jews and Israelites. Regardless of how one may feel about the politics of Israel and Palestine, one cannot finish reading this book without developing a deep understanding and respect for the seemingly endless string of persecutions that Jews suffered and an admiration of how Judaism overcame all of it while maintaining a compassionate outlook towards the world.
In any study of Judaism or comparisons of Judaism with Islam, this book has to be on the "must read" list. Even for Christians, this is most valuable.
Very well done indeed!
Book Description
The Koran is one of the most influential works in the history of literature, and the greatest literary masterpiece in Arabic. It is the supreme authority and living source of all Islamic teaching, the sacred book that lays out all of Islam’s creeds, rituals, ethics, and laws. Revealed to the Prophet Mohammed by the angel Gabriel, it has been called “a glorious symphony” that moves men and women to ecstasy and awe. E. H. Palmer’s superb translation brings unsurpassed clarity to the text, while R. A. Nicholson’s erudite but accessible introduction places Mohammed’s story in a historical, religious, and social context that illuminates the Koran’s sometimes conflicting dictates and revelations.
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- Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living
- Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends
- Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know
- Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)
- Confessions (Oxford World's Classics)
- Contacting Your Spirit Guide
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- Crisis in Masculinity
- Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Professional and Personal Life
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