Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction

Description

Very Short Introductions have proven to be extremely popular with general readers, as well as undergraduates and their lecturers.

Does history matter? This book argues not that history matters, but that Islamic history does. This Very Short Introduction introduces the story of Islamic history; the controversies surrounding its study; and the significance that it holds – for Muslims and for non-Muslims alike.

Opening with a lucid overview of the rise and spread of Islam, from the seventh to twenty first century, the book charts the evolution of what was originally a small, localised community of believers into an international religion with over a billion adherents.

Chapters are also dedicated to the peoples – Arabs, Persians, and Turks – who shaped Islamic history, and to three representative institutions – the mosque, jihad, and the caliphate – that highlight Islam’s diversity over time.

Finally, the roles that Islamic history has played in both religious and political contexts are analysed, while stressing the unique status that history enjoys amongst Muslims, especially compared to its lowly place in Western societies where history is often seen as little more than something that is not to be repeated.

Some of the questions that will be answered are

• How did Islam arise from the obscurity of seventh century Arabia to the headlines of twenty first century media?
• How do we know what we claim to know about Islam’s rise and development?
• Why does any of this matter, either to Muslims or to non-Muslims?

Adam Silverstein explains its significance and considers its impact on Islamic society today.

• Provides a chronological survey of the origins and subsequent spread of Islam throughout the world
• Demonstrates the cultural and religious diversity of Islamic societies
• Explores the story, sources, and significance of Islamic history and considers the way it shaped the present state of Muslim societies
• Relates the subjects relevance to the modern world

Table of Contents

1. The story of Islamic history
2. Peoples and cultures
3. Institutions
4. The sources
5. Competing approaches
6. Religious significance
7. Political significance
8. Conclusions
9. Further reading

About the Series

Oxford’s Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects – from Public Health to Buddhist Ethics, Soft Matter to Classics, and Art History to Globalization. Each volume provides an authoritative and engaging assessment of a concept, field, or body of work, drawing out the central ideas, themes, and approaches. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, new insights, and enthusiasm to make often challenging topics highly readable to develop your core knowledge. With over 700 titles and many more in development, as well as regularly updated new editions, the series is constantly evolving to reflect a contemporary readership. Whatever your area of study, whatever the topic that fascinates you, the series is an indispensable and accessible guide that will enrich your understanding.

Reviews

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“I love the Very Short Introduction Series as should everyone who is interested in the history of ideas. They manage to straddle that difficult line between making the complex accessible without ever compromising on quality. The sheer range of subjects covered make the series an invaluable asset for anyone trying to understand the development of human thought. They are a must-go-to gateway for those of us keen to know more but needing a steer as to where to start.” – Claire Fox, Director, Institute of Ideas

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“Expert, concise but far from bland, Oxford’s Very Short Introductions series must rank by now as a thinking reader’s Wikipedia” – Boyd Tonkin, The Independent

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“a fascinating series of ‘all you need to know’ introductions by experts to complex topics.” – The Times

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“I am addicted to this series of pocket-portable introductory lectures.” – Guardian Review

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“A thoroughly good idea. Snappy, small format … stylish design … perfect to pop in your pocket for spare moments” – The Times

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“If there’s anything you ever wanted to know more about … grab yourself one of these little beauties.” – Sarky Cutt, Greenwich University

“These perfect books form a solid grounding in various subjects, stretching from the Bible and the Koran, to Social and Cultural Anthropology … interesting, informative and concise, they combine to make a beautiful set. They will broaden your studies, widen your knowledge and maybe give you a chance of winning those pub quizzes once in a while!” – The Beaver, LSE

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Author Biography

Adam J. Silverstein, Senior Lecturer in Jewish Studies and the Abrahamic Religions, King’s College London