The Pursuit of Learning in the Islamic World, 610-2003 - Softcover

Janin, Hunt

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786429046 ISBN 13: 9780786429042

Publisher: McFarland, 2006

Synopsis

Islam scares the West. Militant conservatism and the horrific acts of violent fundamentalists evoke outrage, but the reprehensible few reinforce a longstanding Western stereotype of all Muslims as "incorrigibly fanatical, violent and morally and culturally different." Overlooked is the long history of Muslim intellectual and cultural achievement, and its potential to flower once again. With about 1.5 billion adherents, Islam is the world's fastest growing religion. An understanding of its past glories, present state and future potential has never been more critical.

This survey of Muslim intellectual and cultural achievements spans 1,400 years. Chapters fall into three sections: fundamentals of Islamic learning; its growth until the present; and its future direction in the face of anti-intellectual fundamentalism. Arranged chronologically within the sections, chapters begin with an historical overview of the time period they encompass, providing context for the subsequent discussion of key intellectual and cultural achievements within that period. Appendices describe decorative and other arts, the requirements for expertise in Islamic thought, Islamic ethical traditions, and list noteworthy personalities and achievements chronologically. Maps and photographs illustrate the text, which also includes a glossary, notes, a bibliography and an index.

About this title

About the Author

Hunt Janin is an American writer living in southwestern France. He has written numerous nonfiction and scholarly books on a range of subjects, including medieval history and cross-cultural studies.

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0786429046
• ISBN 13: 9780786429042
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 235