Hierarchy and Egalitarianism in Islamic Thought

Louise Marlow author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:16th May '02

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Hierarchy and Egalitarianism in Islamic Thought cover

A wide-ranging 1997 study of Arabic and Persian literature, contrasting the egalitarian ideal of early Islam with the hierarchical impulses of the classical period.

By examining a wide range of Arabic and Persian literature from the eighth to the thirteenth century, this 1997 book shows the tension that existed between the traditional egalitarian ideal of early Islam, and the hierarchical impulses of the classical period.By examining a wide range of Arabic and Persian literature from the eighth to the thirteenth century, Louise Marlow shows the tension that existed between the traditional egalitarian ideal of early Islam, and the hierarchical impulses of the classical period. The literature demonstrates that while Islam's initial orientation was markedly egalitarian, the social aspect of this egalitarianism was soon undermined in the aftermath of Islam's political success, and as hierarchical social ideas from older cultures in the Middle East were incorporated into the new polity. Although the memory of its early promise never entirely receded, social egalitarianism quickly came to be associated with political subversion. This 1997 book will be of use to a wide readership of Islamic historians and of scholars assessing the impact of the modern Islamic revival.

'The range of texts and secondary literature used is very impressive.' G. R. Hawting, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society

ISBN: 9780521894289

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 13mm

Weight: 320g

216 pages