This book introduces the literature of Islam as it is presented in English translation. For scholars in other fields who need to understand the vast and complex literary heritage of this erudite and vigorous faith community but are unable to devote years to achieving reading proficiency‘in classical Arabic; for faculty members called upon to teach introductory or survey courses outside their own disciplines; and for graduate students in theology, medieval studies, world religions, or related fields who need access to these translated primary sources, THE LITERATURE OF ISLAM is a welcome resource. In addition, layreaders who are interested in understanding the modern Arab or Islamic world might grasp something of the currents of thought and belief through the centuries that produced these important works, which continue to exert a powerful influence upon Muslims. [From the back cover]
Author(s): Skreslet, Paula Youngman; Skreslet, Rebecca
Series: ATLA Publications Series
Edition: 1
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Year: 2006
Language: English
Commentary: Uploaded by an Astrophel who, despite conditions not ideal, manages to enjoy this summer, on the 12th of July 2023,
Pages: 243
City: Lanham, MD
Tags: Islam: Law, Literature, Philosophy, Religion
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xvii
List of Abbreviations xix
Chapter 1 The Qur’an: Text and Translation 1
Translations of Historical Interest 3
Sectarian Translations 7
Classic Scholarly Translations 12
Modern Scholarly Translations 14
Modern Popular Translations 17
Chapter 2 The Traditions: Hadith 25
Two Important Early Collections 27
The Six Books: The Canonical Collections 30
Anthologies, Selections, and Digests 40
The Shi‘i Collections 44
Hadith Criticism 48
Modern Issues 52
Chapter 3 Exegesis of the Qur'an: Tafsir 55
Two Great Scholars on the Principles of Tafsir 57
The Classical Age of Tafsir 58
Classical Shi‘i Tafsir 65
Modern Qur’an Interpretation 67
Modern Shi‘i Commentary 72
Current Issues in Hermeneutics 74
Chapter 4 Law and Legal Theory: Shari‘a and Fiqh 77
The Hanafi School 79
The Maliki School 83
The Shafi‘i School 88
The Hanbali School 92
The Ja‘fari School 97
Ethics 101
Law and Society in the Modern Era 101
History and Historiography: Ta’rikh 105
The Ottoman Era 121
History and Its Study in the Modern Era 123
Chapter 6 Philosophy: Falsafa 127
Philosophical Study in the Modern Era 146
Chapter 7 Theology: Kalam 149
Shi‘i Theologians 165
Modern Works in Theology 169
Chapter 8 Spirituality and Mysticism: Tasawwuf 173
The Sufi Theologians 175
The Sufi Poets and Ecstatics 186
Mysticism in the Modern Era 194
Appendix: General Anthologies of Primary Literature 197
Glossary/Index of Arabic Terms 199
Bibliography of Works Discussed 205
Name Index 221
Title Index 229
Subject Index 239
About the Authors 243
