Reformation of Islamic Thought A Critical Historical Analysis [Paperback]

After September 11, Islam became nearly synonymous with fundamentalism in the eyes of Western media and literature. However widely held this view may be, it is at odds with Islam’s rich political history. Renowned Egyptian scholar Nasr Abû Zayd here considers the full breadth of contemporary Muslim writings to examine the diverse political, religious, and cultural views that inform discourse in the Islamic world. 

Reformation of Islamic Thoughtexplores the writings of intellectuals from Egypt to Iran to Indonesia, probing their efforts to expand Islam beyond traditional and legalistic interpretations. Zayd reveals that many Muslim thinkers advocate culturally enlightened Islam with an emphasis on individual faith. He then investigates the extent of these Muslim reformers’ success in generating an authentic renewal of Islamic ideology, asking if such thinkers have escaped the traditionalist trap of presenting a negative image to the West. 

A fascinating and highly relevant study for our times,Reformation of Islamic Thoughtis an essential analysis of Islam’s present and future.

Nasr Abû Zaydis professor of Islamic studies at the University of Leiden. This title was commissioned by the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR).

 

 

2.1  Introduction

2.2  Cultural Diversity

2.3  The Paradigm of Sharia

2.4  Revivalism

2.5  Conclusion

 

3.1  Introduction

3.2  The Challenge of Modernity

3.3  Rethinking Consensus:  The Emergence of New Ulama

3.4  Al-Afghani:  The PlCb