Author: Akbar S Ahmed
Publisher: Sage Publications
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 213
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8178293064
Description
In this groundbreaking book, Akbar Ahmed, one of the world’s leading authorities on Islam who has worked in the Muslim world but lives in the West, explains what is going wrong in his society by referring to Islamic history and beliefs.
Employing theological and anthological perspectives, he attempts to answer the questions that people in the West are asking about Islam: “Why do they hate us?”. “Islam compatible with democracy?’ ‘Does Islam subjugate women?’ ‘Does the Quran preach violence?’
These important questions are of relevance to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This book points out the need for, and provides the route to, the dialogue of civilizations.
September 11, 2001, underlined the role of Islam in our time. In its demographic spread, its political span, and its religious commitment, Islam will be an increasingly forceful presence on the word stage in the twenty-first century. While some scholars predict that there will be a clash of civilizations, other see a need for a dialogue of civilizations.
This book will help students, scholars of politics, sociology, international relations and cultural bodies, and reporters as well as a more general audience interested in some of the most issues of our times.
COMMENTS:
This is the most important book to date on life in the post 9/11 world.
= Professor Tamara Sonn
Islam Under Siege goes beyond assigning guilt, to understanding the world that has produced such hatred and misunderstanding. In this sometimes personal and consistently courageous mediation on the uncertainties of our time, Akbar Ahmed offers hope by focusing on shared notions of honor and human dignity.
= Tamara Sonn, American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies
Akbar Ahmed is one of the wisest and bravest writers on Islam. This work confirms his reputation as a savant in the filed.
= Chris Rojek, Nottingham Trent University
Akbar Ahmed’s understanding of the relationship between politics and culture sets him apart from other analysts of contemporary Islam.
= Louis W Goodman, School of International Service, American University
Contents
Acknowledgements
INTRODUCTION
God’s Gamble
ISLAM UNDER SIEGE
The Return of Anthropology and the Final Crusade
The Sense of Muslim Siege
WHAT IS GOING WRONG
Is it about Islam or is it Globalization?
A Post-Honor World?
IBN KHALDUN AND SOCIAL COHESION
The Khaldunian Breakdown
The Man in the Iron Cage
THE FAILURE OF MUSLIM LEADERSHIP
Muslim Leaders
Veiled Truth: Women in Islam
SEARCHING FOR A MUSLIM IDEAL: INCLUSION
Case Study One: The Scholarship of Inclusion
Inclusivists in America: Islam in Toledo, Ohio
SEARCHING FOR A MUSLIM IDEAL: EXCLUSION
Case Study Two: The Scholarship of Exclusion
Exclusivists in America: The Debate in Cleveland, Ohio
TOWARDS A GLOBAL PARADIGM
The Challenge for Islam
Questions for our Time
Notes
References
Index