Description

This unique reference is a comprehensive encyclopedia dedicated to the institutions, religion, politics, and culture in Muslim societies throughout the world. Beginning coverage in the sixth century and extending it to the present day, the Encyclopedia covers Muslims in the Arab heartland as well as South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

An invaluable resource, The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World offers extensive comparative and systematic analyses of Islamic beliefs, institutions, movements, practices, and peoples on an international scale. The articles range from brief 500-word essays to major interpretive and synthetic treatments of topics such as the Islamic state, pilgrimage, law, marriage, and foreign relations. Related entries cover areas of general interest such as social and political movements, women, Muslim minorities, human rights, Islam in the West, and interreligious affairs. Prominent figures that had a lasting impact on Islam are also explored, including Muhammad, Aga Khan, Malcolm X, Muhammad Iqbal, 'Ali Shari 'ati, Ayatollah Khomeini, and Hasan al-Turabi.

Features

• More than 1,000 A-Z articles written by leading scholars make this the authoritative resource on the subject
• Each article is fully cross-referenced and accompanied by an up-to-date bibliography to provide additional paths of inquiry
• More than 350 black and white illustrations and 34 maps offer visual and geographic perspectives on global Islam
• Covers Islamic history in all areas of the world from the sixth century to the present

Reviews

"Written in clear, jargon-free language, this is a balanced, well-rounded, and evenhanded resource for both scholars and general readers interested in understanding Islam and its place in the world . . . Highly recommended for all academic and public libraries; essential for religion collections."--Amanda K. Sprochi, Library Journal

"The topics are well chosen and highly informative, offering lucid analyses of complex concepts that many users will be unfamiliar with."--College & Research Libraries News

"An outstanding feature is the encyclopedia's accessibility to the educated general public. In four volumes, with entries arranged alphabetically, we have a clear overview of the whole edifice of modern Islam. Another merit is the comprehensive coverage of Islamic movements worldwide, for the first time....A virtually comprehensive reference work enabling the reader to understand the current Muslim predicament as it has been shaped by events in the past three centuries."--The Times Higher Education Supplement

" . . . a valuable resource for both the specialist as well as the general reader. I would recommend it to not only libraries, but also to individuals engaged in serious research on contemporary Islam and Muslims."--Muhammed Hassanali, American Reference Books Annual

Product Details

2976 pages; Over 300 black and white images; 8-1/2 x 11; ISBN13: 978-0-19-530513-5ISBN10: 0-19-530513-2

About the Author(s)