Islam Dot Com Contemporary Islamic Discourses in Cyberspace [Hardcover]

This book analyzes the discourses and deliberations in the discussion forums of three of the most visited Islamic websites and?investigates the extent to which they have provided a venue for Muslims to freely engage?in discussion among themselves and with?non-Muslims about political, economic, religious and social issues.The Public Sphere in an Islamic Context Religion in the Virtual Public Sphere: The Case of Islam Is the Umma a Public Sphere? The 'Virtual Umma': Collective Identities in Cyberspace Islamic Websites: Divergent Identities in Cyberspace Virtual Islamic Discourses: Platforms for Consensus or Sites of Contention?

'Undoubtedly this book makes an important contribution to the existing literature on Islam and the Internet. Its lucid discussion of theoretical issues will be an indispensible resource for students and researchers in this field.' - Eugenia Siapera, The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences

'Islam dot com provides an account of the virtual Muslim public sphere characterized by unprecedented conceptual and empirical richness. By transcending a narrow focus on the Internet as a space of radical foment and by drawing on a unique combination of English and Arabic source sites, Nawawy and Khamis show that contestation and deliberation over religious authority and Muslim identity constitute the heart of Islam online. Compelling and vital reading.' - Peter Mandaville, PhD, Associate Professor of Government & Politics, Co-Director, Center for Global Studies, George Mason University, USA

'Islamic websites have become a primary vehicle for thinking about Islam in public, and Islam dot com tackles the central issue of how they shape mainstream Muslim thought. Nawawy and Khamis's approach persuasively suggests how to think about 'electronic' Islam for years to come.' - Dale F. Eickelman, co-editor of New Media in the Muslim World: The Emerging Public Sphere (2002)

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