The Word of Islam [Paperback]

John Alden Williams (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0292790767 | ISBN-13: 978-0292790766 | Publication Date: 1994 | Edition: 1

Since the 1970s, Islam has been undergoing a tremendous resurgence throughout the world. This resurgence has often been labeled "Islamic fundamentalism" by the media, but it includes believers of every persuasion, from the most conservative to the most liberal. Given this fact, it is vital for the West to understand the terms in which Islam thinks and to communicate effectively with Muslims. This anthology includes writings central to Islamic thought, some translated earlier but here redone, and others which have never before appeared in any Western language. The selections include an interpretation of the Qur'an, as well as portions of the Hadith, or sayings and actions of the Prophet; Islamic law; mysticism (Sufism); theology; and sectarian writings. A final essay on Islam today places these writings in their contemporary context and shows the breadth and variety of Islamic belief and practice. Compiled with the intention of letting Islam describe itself in its own words, the book will be an important source for all students of Muslim culture and world religions. This book is similar in scope to Williams' well-known 1961 George Braziller publication, but freshly written and much improved.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This work is destined to be treated as a pioneer and a classic in its field.... It offers a highly readable, lively, and proportionate examination of the Islamic canon and its various internal currents. (American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences )

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; 1 edition (1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292790767
• ISBN-13: 978-0292790766
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shows Islam, doesn't talk about it, August 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Word of Islam (Paperback)

Any one interested in Islam should have this book. So many books try to tell you what Islam is. This anthology *shows* you Islam through classic works from within the tradition. It has elegant translations for important passages from the Quran, and extensive excerpts from the hadith of the Prophet (anecdotes about him that are normative for Muslims, as a kind of scripture). There is an excellent chapter on Islamic Law displaying the logic and content of that complex field. There is a generous and appealing section on Sufism (Islamic mysticism). And finally, theology and minoritarian movements are both explored through wide-ranging excerpts that discuss predestination, the role of dissent, and the significance of the Prophet's son-in-law, Ali. Unlike the textbooks that abound, Word of Islam helps the reader not just to understand, but to appreciate these sometimes complex topics through careful choices of material and through lucid and sympathetic introductions. And the translations are both accurate and very sensitive.. I've given away several copies and everyone who has received one has loved it. It's also a wonderful classroom text, and discussion-group support.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Still helpful, February 10, 2004

By 

Grahame Fallon (Woody Point near Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Word of Islam (Paperback)

"The Word of Islam" (1994) is a watered-down version of "Islam" also edited by J.A.Williams and published in 1963 by the Washington Square Press in New York. This version seems to have been revised not out of "fear of the Jews" but out of fear of the Moslems. What was "The Cosmic Man" in "Islam"(p.139) is "The Great Man" in "The Word of Islam"(p.125). Likewise "God" is mostly replaced by "Reality." However, the Evening Prayer of Rabi'a of Basra (d.801) is retained intact on p.114. That is possibly the most beautiful prayer that I [a Catholic] know.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rough, November 2, 2009

By 

J. Geske "Shasta" (Minnesota, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Word of Islam (Paperback)

i had to get this book for class, And for me in particular it was a hard read. i highly recommend getting "Key words in Islam" by Ron Greaves to compliment the book.