Understanding Muslim Discourse: Language, Tradition, and the Message of Bin Laden

Understanding Muslim Discourse provides a well-illustrated account of the major ideas currently in use within the Muslim discourse, and also examines the mechanics whereby Bin Laden's message has become popular, legitimate, and one of the most dominant voices in this discourse. The book, therefore, explores the ways in which Bin Laden's popularity and legitimacy are rooted in his eloquence and ability to manipulate the poetic and religious traditions, as well as the collective memories of Islam, in his attempt to disseminate his own vision of the Muslim faith.

Mbaye Lo completed his post-graduate studies in Arabic language and literature at the International University of Africa (IUA), Khartoum, and at Khartoum International Institute for Arabic Language. He also earned a Ph.D. from the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. He has taught and lectured in many universities in the Arab world. His areas of research include socio-linguistics, the sociology of Islam, and theories of civil society. His most notable books are The Intricacy of Power Transfer in Africa (1998; IUA Press), Language and Religious Themes in the African Literature (2 ed. 2001; Arab & African Research Center, Cairo), and Muslims in America: Race, Politics and Community Building (2004; Amana Publications, Maryland). Dr. Lo is an assistant professor of the practice in the Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies at Duke University.