An Introduction to Islam in the 21st Century

This engaging introduction to Islam examines its lived reality, its worldwide presence, and the variety of beliefs and practices encompassed by the religion. Featuring essays from acclaimed scholars that are richly global in approach, the content explores the similarities and diversity of Islam across countries and regions in the present day. A central theme of this book is the deep contrast that exists between the commonly held images of Islam and the reality of how this religion is lived and practiced. While Islam is often thought of as a static and monolithic tradition, it is in fact fluid, dynamic, and characterized by enormous variety. By examining trends across different countries and regions, including Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, it provides an accurate depiction of Islam in the 21 st century. The book also addresses the historical context in which Islam emerged and its core elements, but then moves beyond this to include areas less typically covered, including the geographical diversity of the religion, the phenomenon of militancy, Islamophobia, and the teaching of Islam in the West. This combination of global, historical, and interdisciplinary coverage makes this the ideal text for courses focusing on the political, social and lived reality of Islam today.

Notes on Contributors xv Acknowledgments xviii Part I Overview: Islam: Image and Reality 1 1 Introduction 3 Aminah Beverly McCloud, Scott W. Hibbard, and Laith Saud 2 The Historical Context 13 Aminah Beverly McCloud, Scott W. Hibbard, and Laith Saud 3 Religious Structures: Tawhid 31 Laith Saud 4 Islamic Beliefs: The Development of Islamic Ideas 51 Laith Saud 5 Islamic Political Theology 81 Laith Saud Part II Islam and the Modern World 109 6 Islam and the State: Part I 111 Scott W. Hibbard 7 Islam and the State: Part II 135 Scott W. Hibbard 8 Muslims as Minorities in the West 157 Aminah Beverly McCloud Part III Regional Studies 171 9 Islam in Africa 173 Babacar Mbengue 10 Islam in South Asia 203 Saeed A. Khan 11 Islam in Central Asia 217 Maria Louw 12 Islam in Indonesia and Malaysia 233 Aminah Beverly McCloud 13 Muslim Histories in Latin America and the Caribbean 249 John Tofik Karam Part IV Islam in a Globalized World 269 14 The Ecology of Teaching about Islam and Muslims in the 21st Century 271 Aminah Beverly McCloud 15 Terrorism, Islamophobia, and the Media 285 Scott W. Hibbard Conclusion: Image and Reality Reconsidered 309 Aminah Beverly McCloud, Scott W. Hibbard, and Laith Saud Index 315

Aminah Beverly McCloud is Professor of Islamic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University and the Director of the Islamic World Studies Program. Scott Hibbard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at DePaul University, where he teaches courses on Middle East Politics, International Relations, and Religion and Politics.  Laith Saud is Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University, and an expert on Middle East politics.

“This unique and challenging textbook describes the historical background and present diversity of political and intellectual currents in Islam in its various forms. . . This is a compact and sophisticated text, suitable for graduate students seeking to understand the roots and development of modern Islamic movements and contestations.”  ( Religious Studies Review , 1 December 2013) "Designed as a student–friendly textbook, Brown explores Islam′s origins, major features, and lasting influence. Brown, who has lived and taught in Egypt and Pakistan, offers both a sympathetic description and a critical analysis." ( Islamic Horizons , November 2009)