Hughes - Muslim identities: an introduction to Islam

Rather than focus solely on theological concerns, this introduction takes an expansive view of Islamic ideology, culture, and tradition, sourcing a range of historical, sociological, and literary perspectives. Neither overly critical nor apologetic, this book reflects the rich diversity of Muslim identities across the centuries and counters the unflattering, superficial portrayals of Islam that are shaping public discourse today. The author traces the development of Islam in relation to historical, intellectual, and cultural influences, enriching his narrative with the findings, debates, and methodologies of related disciplines, such as archaeology, history, and Near Eastern studies. His work challenges the dominance of traditional terms and concepts in religious studies, recasting religion as a set of social and cultural facts imagined, manipulated, and contested by various actors and groups over time. Making extensive use of contemporary identity theory, he rethinks the teaching of Islam and religions in general and helps facilitate a more critical approach to Muslim sources. For readers seeking a non-theological, unbiased, and richly human portrait of Islam, as well as a strong grasp of Islamic studys major issues and debates, this textbook is a productive, progressive alternative to more classic surveys. --Publishers website.;Introduction : Religious studies and the academic study of Islam -- pt. 1. Origins -- Setting the stage : pre-Islamic Arabia -- The making of the last prophet -- The Quran : the base narrative -- pt. 2. Identity formations -- Islam beyond the Arabian peninsula : a historical overview -- Early sectarianism and the formation of Shiism -- Legal developments and the rise of Sunni Islam -- Sufism -- pt. 3. Beliefs and practices -- Constituting identities : beliefs and schools -- The performance of Muslim identities -- pt. 4. Modern variations -- Encounters with modernity -- Constructing Muslim women -- Islam post-September 11.