This book takes a fresh look at the foundations of modern Islam. Scholars often locate the origins of the modern Islamic world in European colonialism or Islamic reactions to European modernity. This study, however, focuses on the rise of Islamic movements indigenous to the Middle East, which developed in direct response to the collapse and decentralization of the Islamic gunpowder empires. Arguing that the Usuli movement, as well as Wahhabism and neo-Sufism, emerged in reaction to the disintegration and political decentralization of the Safavid, Ottoman, and Mughal empires, this book specifically highlights the emergence of Usuli Shiism in the 18th and 19th centuries. The long-term impact of the Usuli revival was that Shii clerics gained unprecedented social, political, and economic power in Iran and southern Iraq. Usuli clerics claimed authority to issue binding legal judgments, which, they argue, must be observed by all Shiis. By the early 19th century, Usulism emerged as a popular, fiercely independent, transnational Islamic movement. The Usuli clerics have often operated at the heart of social and political developments in modern Iraq and Iran and today dominate the politics of the region.
The only comprehensive introduction to al-Farabi - the first Islamic philosopher to translate the works of Plato and Aristotle. This new survey from a leading scholar documents the philosopher's life, writings and achievements.
A groundbreaking study into the formative role of play in our livesSergio and Vivien Pellis have synthesized three decades of empirical research to create a remarkable work, unequalled in its field. A book that will not only expand our current knowledge of play behaviour, but will inspire change and progress from the laboratory to the playground.
According to Alfred Adler, one of the founding fathers of modern psychoanalysis alongside Freud and Jung, an individual's level of social interest is key to his or her success in solving the problems of life, from forming meaningful relationships to achieving promotion in the workplace.
A unique historical analysis of the concept of 'belief' from a renowned author
Iconoclastic and fiercely rational, the European Enlightenment witnessed the birth of modern Western society and thought. Reason was sacrosanct and for the first time, religious belief and institutions were open to widespread criticism. In this groundbreaking book, Ziad Elmarsafy challenges this accepted wisdom to argue that religion was still hugely influential in the era. But the religion in question wasn't Christianity it was Islam. Charting the history of Qur'anic translations in Europe during the 18th and early 19th Centuries, Elmarsafy shows that a number of key enlightenment figures including Voltaire, Rousseau, Goethe, and Napoleon drew both inspiration and ideas from the Qur'an. Controversially placing Islam at the heart of the European Enlightenment, this lucid and well argued work is a valuable window into the interaction of East and West during this pivotal epoch in human history.
A study of a classic list of Buddhist teachings which includes such familiar items as the four establishings of mindfulness and the noble eightfold path.
This collection examines the roots of the artistic, literary and cultural renaissance of Sufism from the 12th to the 15th centuries. It includes essays on Rumi's poetry and imagery; Sufi music and the idea of ecstacy; sainthood and Neoplatonism; and comparative metaphysics and literature
A literary exploration of the Hebrew Bible focussing on three distinct literary elements: narrative text, direct speech, and themes and motifs.
Acclaimed as the Middle Easts "e;All Quiet on the Western Front"e;The first eye-witness account ever published of the 1948 Israeli War of Independence, this riveting memoir of a young Israeli soldier became an instant bestseller on publication in 1949, and is still recognized as the outstanding book of that war, in the tradition of Erich Maria Remarques All Quiet on the Western Front. First joining the Givati Brigade and later volunteering for "e;Samsons Foxes"e;, the legendary commando unit, Avnery took part in almost all the major battles on the Jerusalem and southern fronts. Written from the trenches, and from a military hospital bed, he offers an extraordinarily detailed account of the war, of fast-paced battles, and acts of extreme bravery, as well as the camaraderie and off-duty exploits of young men and women thrust into the front line. This is a gripping, sensitive, and at times deeply poignant account of the day-to-day brutalities of one of the most significant wars of our times.
Use Ancient Wisdom to revitalise your life!Do you ever get the feeling that something went wrong? What with credit crunches, wars, congestion charges, and unemployment, it is natural to hark back to less complicated times. In this witty and inspiring book, Mark Vernon does just that. However, we are not talking about the 1980s try 400BC! Filled with timeless insight into life, relationships, work and partying, Plato's Podcasts takes a sideways glance at modern living and presents the would-be thoughts of Ancient Philosophers on various topics central to our 21st century existence. From Plato on podcasts to Epicurus on bottled water, this is a funny but profound take on what life means today (and two thousand years ago).
Offers an introduction to Adler's work. This book presents an overview of his main theories: inferiority and superiority complexes; early memories as keys to understanding personality; interpreting dreams; love, marriage and children; and, sexuality and sexual problems.
Offering a unique introduction to the wide-ranging thought of one of the foremost writers on mysticism, this innovative collection of essays brings together some of Evelyn Underhill's most enduringly valuable work.
Wilfred Cantwell Smith investigates and contemplates religious experience in a variety of different traditions. This book is for those who seek understanding and tolerance of others and serves to reaffirm one's own faith, or illuminate one's lack of it, by revealing how others find paths to God.
Aiming to provide clues to the many forms and expressions of mysticism, by considering some of the major religious traditions of both East and West, this book explores two principal areas: monistic mysticism and theistic mysticism. The search for the mystical through other means is also discussed.
The first book to examine the controversial Qur'anic phrase which divides Christianity and Islam.According to the majority of modern Muslims and Christians, the Qur'an denies the crucifixion of Jesus, and with it, one of the most sacred beliefs of Christianity. However, it is only mentioned in one verse - 'They did not kill him and they did not crucify him, rather, it only appeared so to them' - and contrary to popular belief, its translation has been the subject of fierce debate among Muslims for centuries. This innovative work is the first book devoted to the issue, delving deeply into largely ignored Arabic sources, which suggest that the origins of the conventional translation may lie within the Christian Church. Arranged along historical lines, and covering various Muslim schools of thought, from Sunni to Sufi, "e;The Crucifixion and the Qur'an"e; unravels the crucial dispute that separates the World's two principal faiths.
Richard Pennell charts the rich history of Morocco in this accessible account. Tracing the key moments, from the Phoenician invasion in the 12th century BCE to the Saharan conflicts, this narrative examines the many influences that have shaped Moroccan history.
Join the greatest debate in the history of creationDoes God Exist? Without doubt, the greatest question to face humanity in its history, the controversy rages on today with a recent spate of books on both sides of the divide. However, this debate is not a new phenomenon. For centuries, our greatest philosophers, from Aristotle to Nietzsche, have sought to clarify the idea of a Supreme Being and examine the unique conundrums that He raises. Revealing the thoughts of history's biggest philosophers on the biggest question of all, The God Question will help you make your own mind up. Presenting pithy arguments from the faithful, atheistic, and downright heretical, Pessin's light-hearted prose will give you a captivating insight into a wide array of God-related puzzles, whether or not you are religiously inclined.
Offering authoritative coverage of an increasingly popular area, this is a stimulating introduction to both the life and times of the great Sufi thinker, Rab'ia of Basra, and to the contribution made by other women mystics to the rich heritage of Islam.
A brilliant and accessible rebuttal of The God Delusion from one of Christianity's most incisive thinkersLong before the release of The God Delusion, Keith Ward was defending religious belief on all sides from its detractors. In the new paperback edition of this influential bestseller, Keith Ward examines the arguments put forward by a host of scientists, sociologists, and psychologists, who claim that religion is nothing more than a host of nave superstitions and delusions. Exploring the work of thinkers from Sigmund Freud to Emile Durkheim, Ward offers an alternative view, demonstrating religion's key contribution to the human condition and its crucial relevance to the world today.
Indispensable for anyone trying to understand Islam in the WestWhen the Western mass-media talk of conversion to Islam, we are bombarded with accounts of vulnerable people brainwashed into a culture of extremism. However, in reality, the vast majority who convert are well-educated, and doing so as the result of a long-considered and heartfelt decision. What is more, their numbers are multiplying.The only exploration of this unique group in British society, this well-argued and powerful book investigates the fascinating contribution that Western converts to Islam are making to Islamic thought.
A detailed chronological guide, tracing the geographical and social development of Christian communities around the world, covering many key issues, including the Crusades and the fervent evangelism of missionary movements over the last five hundred years.
This last volume of three is devoted to the examination and celebration of the artistic, literary and mystical culture and the intellectual life of 16th, 17th and the first half of 18th century Safavid Iran and Mughal India. The early part of this period marked the peak of Muslim political power.
A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.
The intoxicating message of Khayyam's famous Ruba'iyyat created an image of exotic Orientalism in the West but, as author Mehdi Aminrazavi reveals, Khayyam's achievements went far beyond the intoxicating message within these verses. Philosopher, mathematician, scientist, and mystic - his many different identities are examined here in detail, creating a coherent picture of this complex and often misunderstood figure.
A fresh look at the origins and development of Islam, this is a fascinating reconstruction of the era of the first three generations of Muslims. Using a wealth of classical Arabic sources, it chronicles the lives of the Prophet Muhammad, his Companions, and the subsequent two generations of Muslims, together known as the "e;the Pious Forebears"e;. Examining the adoption in contemporary times of these early Muslims as legitimizing figureheads for a variety of causes, both religious and political, Afsaruddin tries to establish where their sympathies really lay. Essential reading for anyone interested in the inception of the Islam, this important book will captivate the general reader and student alike.
With academic courses either encouraging commercialism, or cultivating zealots, Chittick states that it is impossible to understand classical Islamic texts without the years of contemplative study that are anathema to the modern education system. Insisting upon a return to the ways of the ancient wisdom tradition, which saw the quest for knowledge of the soul, the world, and God as a unifying spiritual discipline, Chittick maintains that the study of Islamic texts cannot be treated separately from self-understanding. Fascinating, radical, and a true challenge to modern trends in academic study, this book opens a new debate in Islamic thought.
A world expert's introduction to the controversial subject of Islamic lawProviding a comprehensive and accessible examination of Shari'ah Law, this well considered introduction examines the sources, characteristic features and various schools of thought of a system often stereotyped for its severity in the West. In a progressive and graduated fashion, Mohammad Hashim Kamali discusses topics ranging from juristic disagreement to independent reasoning. Also broaching more advanced topics such as the principle of legality and the role and place of Shari'ah-oriented policy, Kamali controversially questions whether Islam is as much of a law-based religion as it has often been made out to be. Complete with a bibliography and glossary, and both a general index and an index of Arabic quotations, this wide-ranging exploration will prove an indispensable resource for Islamic students and scholars, and an informative guide to a complex topic for the general reader.
While many in the West regard feminism and Islam as a contradiction in terms, many Muslims in the East have perceived Western feminist forces in their midst as an assault upon their culture. In this career-spanning collection of influential essays, Margot Badran presents the feminisms that Muslim women have created, and examines Islamic and secular feminist ideologies side by side. Borne out of over two decades of work, this important volume combines essays from a variety of sources, ranging from those which originated as conference papers to those published in the popular press. Also including original material written specifically for this book, Feminism and Islam provides a unique and wide-ranging contribution to the field of Islam and gender studies.
A compendium of prominent thinkers' answers to the question: 'What is the future of culture in the age of globalization?'
Jetzt zum Newsletter anmelden und tolle Angebote und Anregungen für Ihre nächste Lektüre erhalten.
Mit Ihrer Newsletter-Anmeldung erklären Sie sich mit unseren Datenschutzbestimmungen einverstanden.
