This author delves into the intricate connections between Islam and international affairs, focusing on political Islam and its global ramifications. Their work is characterized by a commitment to fostering understanding and building bridges between Muslim and Christian communities. With extensive expertise on Islamic movements across continents, they provide insightful analyses valuable to both academic circles and the general public. They are a recognized voice in promoting the public understanding of religion.
This book could not be more timely. It provides a clear, lucid and scholarly guide to Shariah which should shatter the ignorant myths that surround it with an aura of evil. If we wish to win hearts and minds it is essential that we learn what is actually in them and not rely on what we imagine might be there. This eminently accessible introduction will help people to do just that. Karen Armstrong, author of Islam: A Short History
The book offers a comprehensive overview of Islam, exploring its teachings and practices from their inception to modern-day interpretations. Renowned expert John L. Esposito examines the evolution of the religion and its significant influence on global history and politics, providing readers with insights into the complexities and richness of Islamic faith and culture.
This book analyzes the nature of the relationship between religion and politics by using democracy in the Muslim world and the phenomenon of the Arab Spring as a case study.
In this brilliant portrait of Islam today—and tomorrow—John L. Esposito draws on a lifetime of thought and research to sweep away the negative stereotypes and provide an accurate, richly nuanced, and revelatory account of the fastest growing religion in the world. Recent decades have brought extraordinary changes in the Muslim world, and in addressing all of these issues, Esposito paints a complex picture of Islam in all its diversity—a picture of urgent importance as we face the challenges of the coming century.
The exploration of the contributions is made with regards to the title in hand by the thought and practice of the global movement associated with the Turkish Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen. The importance and distinctiveness of teaching of Gulen and the practice of the movement is that it is rooted in a confident Turkish Islamic heritage while being fully engaged with modernity. It offers the possibility of a contextualised renewal of Islam for Muslims in the modern world while being fully rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. It advocates the freedom of religion while making an Islamic contribution to the wider society based on a commitment to service of others.
Based on the largest ever study of its kind, this book is the first to present the fascinating findings of the Gallup Poll of the Muslim World.
Addressing the complex issues surrounding the Islamic world post-September 11, 2001, this insightful book provides clear answers to pressing questions. Written by a prominent expert, it delves into the factors that contribute to misunderstandings and conflicts, offering a nuanced perspective that aims to foster better comprehension of Islam and its diverse cultures.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, there has been an overwhelming demand for information about Islam. As a leading expert, John Esposito has found himself called upon to speak to a wide range of audiences, including members of Congress, the Bush administration,government agencies, the military, and the media. Out of this experience, he has identified the most pressing questions people consistently ask about Islam.In What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam , Esposito presents in question-and-answer format the information that most people want to know. Esposito provides succinct, accessible, sensitive, and even-handed answers to questions that range from the general--"What do Muslims believe?" and "Whowas Muhammad?"--to more specific issues like Is Islam compatible with modernization, capitalism and democracy? How do Muslims view Judaism and Christianity? Are women second-class citizens in Islam? What is jihad? Does the Quran condone terrorism? What does Islam say about homosexuality, birthcontrol, abortion, and slavery?The editor of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Modern Islam and The Oxford History of Islam , and author of Unholy War and many other acclaimed works, John Esposito is one of America's leading authorities on Islam. This brief and readable book is the first place to look for information on the faith,customs, and political beliefs of the more than one billion people who call themselves Muslims.
The book explores how global change is reshaping the traditional role of the state in international relations, emphasizing the impact of economic and technological advancements alongside the spread of Western consumerist values. It highlights the often-overlooked consequences for religion, examining how these changes affect not just institutions but also collective values and beliefs, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of globalization and spirituality.