Islam in the Digital Age

Bunt, Gary R.

ISBN 10: 0745320988 / ISBN 13: 9780745320984

Published by Pluto Press, 2003

About this Item

'A fascinating exploration of religion and technology as manifested in cyberspace.' Professor Carl Ernst, University of North Carolina Series: Critical Studies on Islam. Num Pages: 248 pages. BIC Classification: HRH; JFSR2; UBJ; UDB. Category: (G) General (US: Trade); (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 216 x 137 x 13. Weight in Grams: 310. . 2003. Paperback. . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9780745320984

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Islam in the Digital Age
• Publisher: Pluto Press
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745320988
• ISBN 13: 9780745320984
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The Internet is an increasingly important source of information for many people in the Muslim world. Many Muslims in majority and minority contexts rely on the Internet -- including websites and e-mail -- as a primary source of news, information and communication about Islam. As a result, a new media culture is emerging which is having a significant impact on areas of global Muslim consciousness. Post-September 11th, this phenomenon has grown more rapidly than ever.

Gary R. Bunt provides a fascinating account of the issues at stake, identifying two radical new concepts:

Firstly, the emergence of e-jihad ('Electronic Jihad') originating from diverse Muslim perspectives -- this is described in its many forms relating to the different definitions of 'jihad', including on-line activism (ranging from promoting militaristic activities to hacking, to co-ordinating peaceful protests) and Muslim expression post 9/11.

Secondly, he discusses religious authority on the Internet -- including the concept of on-line fatwas and their influence in diverse settings, and the complexities of conflicting notions of religious authority.

About the Author

Gary R. Bunt is a lecturer in the Department of Theology, Religious Studies and Islamic Studies, University of Wales, Lampeter, United Kingdom. He has published two related books: Virtually Islamic: Computer-mediated Communication and Cyber Islamic Environments (Cardiff, University of Wales Press, 2000 and The Good Web Guide to World Religions (London: The Good Web Guide, 2001).