Islamic History (Paperback)

Adam J. Silverstein

ISBN 10: 0199545723 / ISBN 13: 9780199545728

Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010

About this Item

Paperback. 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 wasoriginally 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 Islamichistory, 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 berepeated.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? Howdo 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?ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to makeinteresting and challenging topics highly readable. How did Islam arise from the obscurity of seventh century Arabia to the headlines of the twenty first century? This Very Short Introduction answers that question; exploring the cultural and religious diversity of Islamic history. Adam Silverstein explains its significance and considers its impact on Islamic society today. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780199545728

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Islamic History (Paperback)
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, Oxford
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199545723
• ISBN 13: 9780199545728
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Opening with a lucid overview of the rise and spread of Islam, from the seventh to the twenty-first century, this Very Short Introduction introduces the story of Islamic history, charting the evolution of what was originally a small, localized community of believers into an international religion with over a billion adherents. The book examines how Islam rose from the obscurity of seventh-century Arabia to the forefront of modern global concerns, and it highlights how we know what we claim to know about Islam's rise and development. Historian Adam J. Silverstein also discusses the peoples--Arabs, Persians, and Turks--who shaped Islamic history, and sheds light on three representative institutions--the mosque, jihad, and the caliphate--that highlight Islam's diversity over time. Finally, the book analyzes the roles that Islamic history has played in both religious and political contexts, while stressing the unique status that history enjoys among 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.

About the Author

Adam J. Silverstein is University Research Lecturer in Near and Middle Eastern Studies and Fellow of The Queen's College, University of Oxford.