Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity Among the Daudi Bohras [Hardcover]

Jonah Blank (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 408 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195799208
• ISBN-13: 978-0195799200
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,041,138 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the ..., August 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mullahs on the Mainframe : Islam and Modernity Among the Daudi Bohras (Hardcover)

Jonah Blank's book is well researched and written to appeal to both traditional Bohras and the second generation Daudi Bohras settled in the Western Hemisphere. The initial emphasis on the factual data and the rituals provides a credible introduction to the theme of the book. He discusses with decorum the intellectual controversies that have plagued the sect and exhibits non-judgemental finesse. The glossary, index and elaborate references are very helpful. Although his bias is implicit, he provides the readers with the varying view points. Further, although he worked with the "inner system" to come up with this book, he is limited by the lack of access he had, to the "batin" text. His discussion of the philosophy of the sect in the broader Shiite perspective provides a good balance and allows the readers to think through the nuances of orthropraxy, he frequently alludes to. However, a more in-depth comparison with the orthodox Shiite dogma and more elaborate a description of the Fatmid era and hierarchy would have been more enlightening. Maybe, a topic for future manuscripts!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Amazing and very authentic research, February 6, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the Daudi Bohras (Paperback)

As a Daudi Bohra, I can attest to the quality of research the author has put in to his work to create this really interesting case study on our community. He has done it not from secondary sources but by living within the community, understanding its customs and learning its language.
I found this account very well structured and intellectual and it presents an example of how great leadership can transform a community to live harmoniously in this age and yet value their centuries old religious principles.
Great job Sir.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant, entertaining insight into a neglected area., April 25, 2005

By 

S. Hussein "rubaiyat79" (Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the Daudi Bohras (Paperback)

This is simply The most important recent text on the status of Bohras living today. Jonah does a great service to not just for Bohras but to the study of Shiism in all its rich varients; a much neglected area of study.

I am eager to read more of Jonahs work...he balances the facts and figures well, with a wonderful sense of emotional connection to living people and living communities; characters come alive as part of the fabric of this community.

Simply a must have for those interested in Isma'ilism.