This fully revised edition of the critically acclaimed book contains a series of essays that explain the misconceptions that lie at the heart of Western attitudes towards Islam. Including a new essay on the role of women in Islam, an updated chapter containing insights into the concept of Jihad, and three fully revised chapters that bring the discussion up-to-date with the current global situation, this book is a must read for anyone interested in Islam and its relation to the West.
Seven years after the horrific attacks of September 11th, misunderstanding and distrust between Islam and the West are still as rampant as ever. In this new and fully revised edition of his critically acclaimed book, Joseph Lumbard collects a series of essays that explain not only the veil of misconceptions which lie at the heart of Western attitudes towards Islam, but also the rise of “fundamentalism” within Islam itself, a phenomenon which most Muslims do not consider a true reflection of their religion. This new edition includes the addition of an essay on the role of women in Islam, an updated chapter containing insight into the concept of Jihad, and three fully revised chapters that bring the discussion up-to-date with the current global situation. A completely modified introduction is also featured. This book is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to see beyond the headlines of hatred and anger which are so common today.
In his foreword to the book, noted Islamic scholar and author Seyyed Hossein Nasr states that “the present work is one of the most significant, timely, and fresh Muslim responses to [the events of September 11], and marks an important step in bringing the deeper resources of the Islamic tradition to bear upon the task at hand, the task to present the authentic teachings of Islam to the West at this difficult moment of history as far as the relations between Islam and the West are concerned.” Nasr goes on to point out that “this groundbreaking volume…presents a new and timely voice of several well-trained and serious engaged scholars writing about major issues that have come to the forefront as a result of the events of the past couple of years, but which of course have their roots in older historical realities. Anyone, whether he or she be a Muslim, a follower of another religion, or more generally anyone who is seriously interested in the relation between Islam and the West and Islam in the West, cannot but be attracted to this volume, which is the fruit of the thought of some of the best minds of the younger generation of Muslim scholars, who are at the same time part of Western society, bearing upon some of the most momentous issues of the day.”
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