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Theorizing Islam

Disciplinary Deconstruction and Reconstruction

Aaron W Hughes author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:1st Mar '14

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Theorizing Islam cover

The scholarly study of Islam has become ever more insular and apologetic. Academic Islamic Studies has tried to maintain a focus on truth, authenticity, experience and meaning and has effectively avoided discussion of larger social, cultural and ideological issues. Many scholars of Islam have presented themselves to their colleagues, the media and the public as the interpreters of Islam and have done so with an interpretation which tends, almost universally, to the liberal and egalitarian. The ignorance and hostility which the Islamic faith has faced since 9/11 has partly necessitated the taking of such a position. But, as 'Theorizing Islam' argues, the issue remains that only one interpretation of Islam is generally being presented and, as with any interpretation, this has its own assumptions. The aim of 'Theorizing Islam' is to explore the potential for a fuller, more honest and more sophisticated approach to both theory and methodology in the academic study of Islam.

'A short but powerful and professionally quite brave polemic against much of the scholarly literature Hughes offers some timely advice for a future Islamic studies, beginning with a reminder of the responsibilities of a scholar compared to those of a partisan; scholars may have to say things that partisans do not want to hear.' - Anthropology Review Database "Theorizing Islam debunks contemporary, apologetic approaches to the study of Islam and makes a powerful argument for a return to the responsible and critical scholarship of classical Orientalism. This is a courageous book, which should have a significant impact." - Guy G. Stroumsa, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and University of Oxford

ISBN: 9781844657902

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 204g

146 pages