Islam as Political Religion The Future of an Imperial Faith [Hardcover]

This comprehensive survey of contemporary Islam provides a philosophical and theological approach to the issues faced by Muslims and the question of global secularisation. Engaging with critics of modern Islam, Shabbir Akhtar sets out an agenda of what his religion is and could be as a political entity.

Exploring the views and arguments of philosophical, religious and political thinkers, the author covers a raft of issues faced by Muslims in an increasingly secular society. Chapters are devoted to the Quran and Islamic literature; the history of Islam; Sharia law; political Islam; Islamic ethics; and political Islams evolving relationship with the West. Recommending changes which enable Muslims to move from their imperial past to a modest role in the power structures of todays society, Akhtar offers a detailed assessment of the limitations and possibilities of Islam in the modern world.

Providing a vision for an empowered yet rational Islam that distances itself from both Islamist factions and Western secularism, this book is an essential read for students and scholars of Islamic studies, religion, philosophy and politics.

Introduction  Part I: The Prophetic Consummation: Islam as Original and Final Religion  1. A Prophetic Religion  2. A Literary Religion  3. A Universal Religion  Part II: The Twin Birth: Islam as Empowered Religion  4. A Political Religion: Muhammad as Statesman  5. A Secular Religion: Faith or Ideology?  6. A Legal Religion  7. An Imperial Religion  Part III: The Crucible of Reason: Islam as Contemporary Religion  8. A Rational Religion  9. An Ethical Religion  10. A Private Religion  Part IV: Epilogue  11. The Future Scope of an Imperial Faith

Shabbir Akhl#`