Synopsis

The revised, second edition of this authoritative and accessible text combines the previous two separate volumes, providing a survey of Islamic history and thought, from its formative period to the present day. Many aspects of the discussion are updated and there are two new chapters on intellectual thought and medieval developments. This work sees to redress the lack of critical thought that appears in so many introductory textbooks on Islam, Andrew Rippin examines the elements which come together to form Islam, in particular the Qur'an and the traditions from Muhammad. He traces the way these sources have interacted through history to create the disciplines of theology and law, as well as provide the basis for the alternative visions of Islam found in Shi'ism and Sufism. The trajectory of Muslim interaction with these sources is followed down through the medieval period to contemporary times, with speculation for what the future might hold for Islam. With a combination of well-documented source material, recent research in the field and thorough critical analysis, Andrew Rippin provides an introduction to this important and frequently misunderstood religious group in a concise, challenging and refreshing way. Teachers, students and the interested layperson will find this an invaluable introduction to the subject.