Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society [Hardcover]

Akbar Ahmed (Author), Lawrence Rosen (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 5, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0415285240 | ISBN-13: 978-0415285247 | Edition: Revised

Now reissued with a new introduction, Discovering Islam is a classic account of how the history of Islam and its relations with the West have shaped Islamic society today. Islam is often caricatured as aggressive and fanatic. Written in the tradition of Ibn Khaldun, this readable and wide-ranging book balances that image, uncovers the roots of Islamic discontent and celebrates the sources of its strength. From the four "ideal Caliphs" who succeeded the Prophet to the refugee camps of Peshawar, an objective picture emerges of the main features of Muslim history and the compulsions of Muslim society.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Instructive, entertaining and even stimulating.' - Middle East International

'Through an exploration of his experiences as a Muslim and his personal search for understanding, (Akbar Ahmed) sets before us the kindlier face of Islam and the dynamics of its history.' - History Today

'This is a most readable book which will set Muslims and non-Muslims thinking.' - Islam, Christian and Muslim Relations

'An in-depth analysis of Islamic history and society... required reading for students and researchers.' - Colonel Ghulam Sarwar, The Voice of Islam

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; Revised edition (April 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415285240
• ISBN-13: 978-0415285247
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,393,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Analysis About Islam, August 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society (Paperback)

Professor Ahmed provides a very accessible and informative account of Islamic history which is enlightening to the non-Muslim reader as well as the Muslim one. Especially relevant in current times, Professor Ahmed gives context to Islamic history, without which the religion and contemporary issues cannot properly and adequately be understood.

Criticisms in other reviews, such as those levied by Mr. Jehangir, are not to be taken seriously as they carry no demonstrable credibility. Such is to be expected by a follower of a fringe movement in the religion, nowhere near orthodox thought and mainstream practice; it would be akin to Jim Jones being authoritative about Christianity!!

I would recommend this book to anyone seeking an understanding of Islamic history and its proper context. I would also suggest people read some of Professor Ahmed's other books, such as the excellent "Islam Today," one of the best Introduction to Islam books out there, and "Postmodernism and Islam."

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to Islam, October 29, 2001

By 

Saleem Ali (Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society (Paperback)

Professor Ahmed has provided an excellent anthropological introduction to Islam in this book. This book is not meant to be a theological treatise (as the other reviewer tries to belabor), but rather a clear and personable introduction to the Faith and people of Islam.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an anthropologits in Jerusalem, July 18, 2004

By 

M. Fliegelmann - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society (Hardcover)

I have been meaning to read this book for many years and finally got around to it.

So much can be said about it. The most outstandning thing is that the book has withstood the effects of time very well: it is more relevant than ever and even prophetic. Some of Professor Ahmed's concerns have turned out to be extremely topical.

The book obviously has no agenda of being an instance in islamic scholarship and it is not surprising that some of the reviews written by readers take him to task on the detail. That was never the point. I think the purpuse of the book was to take on the "makro" issues and that is where its strength is to be found. Professor Ahmed, though a loyal member of Islam and one that has never failed to live and write and think exhibitin solidarity as such, does have the courage to take on some sore points. He focuses on the very uneasy seam between modern "rational" thought and Muslim thought and is trying to hold on to the good while exposing the harmful. Harmful to Muslim society itself.

Self criticism was not just a Communist mantra. It is such a marvelous tool for renwal and growth of any mode of thought and those who forgo it, harm, not only those they interact with (a thing inevitable in our global age) but much more clearly themselves.

That is the main point that Professor Ahmed Akbar makes and his muslim brethern would be so well advised to listen to him instead of confronting him. He clearly is on their side. His is Constructive Criticism.

The book is very well written and worth reading. It should appeal to specialist and non-specialist alike. Yes there are some inaccuracies but that is not the point.