Sherman A. Jackson is a distinguished American scholar whose work delves deeply into the intersection of Islamic thought and American culture. His writings explore the intricate relationships between religious tradition and social reality, particularly within the context of the African American experience. Jackson's essays and books offer profound insights into theological matters and legal jurisprudence within Islamic scholarship, providing readers with fresh perspectives on Islamic philosophy and its place in the contemporary world. His analytical approach and ability to bridge seemingly disparate cultural currents make his contributions essential to the study of religion and social sciences.
This book explores the distinct meanings of "secular" in the West and Islam, presenting the Islamic secular as a complement to religion rather than a rival. Sherman Jackson argues it emerges from Islam's pre-modern legal traditions and influences the dynamics between Islam and the modern state, including the Islamic State.