Mohammedanism [Paperback]

H. A. R. Gibb (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195002458 | ISBN-13: 978-0195002454 | Publication Date: December 31, 1962 | Edition: (W/Revisions)

Combining a scholar's command of fact with a narrator's ease of style, the noted scholar H.A.R. Gibb presents an historic survey of Islam, from the days of the prophet, through the religion's spread in Asia and Africa, to its confrontation with the modern world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gibb has done a great service to students of Islam as well as general readers in the field of the history of religions."--Harvard Divinity School Bulletin

"This classic remains one of the best introductions to Islam available."--Valerie J. Hoffman, University of Illinois

"This highly reputed scholar offers us an historical synopsis of the inception and development of Islam....A concise yet sensitive treatment of the third great Semitic tradition."--New Review of Books and Religion

"Still one of the clearest introductory texts for this Religion of Islam. Reflects a deep respect for this religion."--Jonathan Brockopp, Bard College

"Gibb is a first-rate scholar who writes with imagination on a religion just about as widespread as Christianity."--The New York Times Book Review

About the Author

H.A.R. Gibb is at Harvard University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; (W/Revisions) edition (December 31, 1962)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195002458
• ISBN-13: 978-0195002454
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #376,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Model Introduction to Islam, December 2, 2001

By 

J-Mul "J. Mul." (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Muhammadanism (Opus Books) (Paperback)

This survey is a model of fine scholarship and brevity. In less than 200 pages Gibb provides an appreciation of Islam and describes the major sects and movements.

The survey suffers only from its age (otherwise 5 stars). It was written in 1947 and revised a few times, lastly in 1970. The author died shortly thereafter. Some terms are outdated, not the least of which is the title "Mohammedanism". Some Muslims may regard the title offensive since it implies primacy of Mohammed rather than God. Gibb is aware of this and speaks to it. Perhaps owing to the less charged environment of his day he stuck with this western term on the basis that some muslim sects described themselves as followers of Mohammed.

Today's reader should not infer from the title that the book is an oafish, chauvinistic view. Gibb communicates the compelling message of early Islam and illuminates the remarkable development of Islamic law and culture. The Shi'ia split and Sufism are explained in clear but nuanced treatments.

I have read more recent and lengthier texts on Islam and the Arab world. Few have demonstrated the admirable qualities of Islam as effectively as this short book.

The vision of the muslim past is a source of enormous power and inspiration in the Arab world today. The vast majority harness it to positive ends to shape their everyday conduct. But it clearly can be husbanded for evil purposes - just read bin Laden's fatwas.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Model Introduction to Islam, December 2, 2001

By 

J-Mul "J. Mul." (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Muhammadanism (Opus Books) (Paperback)

This survey is a model of fine scholarship and brevity. In less than 200 pages Gibb provides an appreciation of Islam and describes the major sects and movements.

The survey suffers only from its age (otherwise 5 stars). It was written in 1947 and revised a few times, lastly in 1970. The author died shortly thereafter. Some terms are outdated, not the least of which is the title "Mohammedanism". Some Muslims may regard the title offensive since it implies primacy of Mohammed rather than God. Gibb is aware of this and speaks to it. Perhaps owing to the less charged environment of his day he stuck with this western term on the basis that some muslim sects described themselves as followers of Mohammed.

Today's reader should not infer from the title that the book is an oafish, chauvinistic view. Gibb communicates the compelling message of early Islam and illuminates the remarkable development of Islamic law and culture. The Shi'ia split and Sufism are explained in clear but nuanced treatments.

I have read more recent and lengthier texts on Islam and the Arab world. Few have demonstrated the admirable qualities of Islam as effectively as this short book.

The vision of the muslim past is a source of enormous power and inspiration in the Arab world today. The vast majority harness it to positive ends to shape their everyday conduct. But it clearly can be husbanded for evil purposes - (...).

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introductory work, October 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Mohammedanism (Paperback)

This is a concise and easily accessible introduction to early Islamic political history. While not the most nuanced or up-to-date work, it's a good general survey for the layperson. It may serve as a springboard for more complex and in-depth works. I must say, however, that the title is unfortunate.