Muslim Identities: An Introduction to Islam

by Aaron W. Hughes

Overview

Muslim Identities: An Introduction to Islam (Second Edition) presents a fully updated introduction to the religion of Islam and the various social groups who define themselves as Muslim. Unlike other such works, it presents both insider and outsider accounts with the aim of striking a unique balance between overly apologetical and overly Orientalist perspectives. With the first edition described as a "truly outstanding book", and "the very best introduction currently available in English for non-Muslims seeking a sound approach to Islam" (Journal of Islamic Studies), this new edition offers both students and general readers a comprehensive and balanced introduction to the world's second-largest religion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781800502093
Publisher:	Equinox Publishing
Publication date:	12/10/2022
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.17(h) x (d)

About the Author

Aaron W. Hughes is the Dean's Professor of the Humanities and the Philip S. Bernstein Professor in the Department of Religion and Classics at the University of Rochester.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Religious Studies and the Academic Study of Islam
Part I. Origins
1. Setting the Stage: Pre-Islamic Arabia
2. The Making of the Last Prophet
3. The Quran: The Base Narrative
Part II. Identity Formations
4. Islam Beyond the Arabian Peninsula: A Historical Overview
5. Early Sectarianism and the Formation of Shi'ism
6. Legal Developments and the Rise of Sunni Islam
7. Sufism
Part III. Beliefs and Practices
8. Constituting Identities: Beliefs and Schools
9. The Performance of Muslim Identities
Part IV. Modern Variations
10. Encounters with Modernity
11. Constructing Muslim Women
12. Islam Post–September 11
Glossary
Index

What People are Saying About This

Nerina Rustomji

A welcome addition to religious studies classes.

Paul R. Powers

Hughes's engaging, thorough descriptions of Muslim history, thought, and practice convey a deep appreciation of Muslim self-understanding, balanced with careful scrutiny of historical sources and scholarly methods. Sophisticated yet accessible, this book respects its readers' intelligence as it explores the startling diversity of Islam and the complex and varied motivations, contestations, and experiences that have shaped Muslim lives. This may be the best available introductory text on the topic in helping readers see how their own expectations and perspectives color their understanding of Islam and Muslims. Hughes treats Islam as worthy of a mature conversation about the dynamic nature of religion and its multifaceted role in forming histories and identities.

Herbert Berg

Hughes masterfully avoids the simplistic, monolithic, and normative Islamic identities advocated by various traditionalist, liberal, and Islamist Muslims as well as non-Muslims who seek to disparage most Muslims as enemies of the West. His book is neither an apology for nor a critique of Islam. It is an ideal introduction for those who prefer not to be told what Islam should be yet seek to understand the complex and differing ways Islam has been and is understood by Muslims.

Editorial Reviews

"Muslim Identities by Aaron Hughes is one of the most balanced introductory textbooks for the academic study of Islam that I have read and taught. It is both thorough and scholarly, yet also easily legible. It addresses insider/outsider debates and examines controversial issues, such as "Islam and 9/11," with both boldness and sensitivity." Edith Szanto, Assistant Professor, Religious Studies, University of Alabama "This book is more than just an introduction to Islam. Aaron Hughes provides analytical tools for the reader to understand Islam as a historical and social phenomenon, and not as a static and homogeneous entity. Despite its admirably clear language, accessible to the non-specialist, Muslim Identities is written with utmost scholarly rigor. It keeps complexity and historical change at the forefront of its exposition and steers away from simplistic cliches." Mushegh Asatryan, Associate Professor of Arabic and Muslim Cultures, University of Calgary

From the Publisher

The book...makes a great contribution to the study of Islam, its various beliefs and practices, emergence of different intellectual identities trying to define Islam, and the complex result of twofold process of ‘inheritance and creation’ with a careful examination of historical sources and various approaches and methodologies used.

Contemporary Islam - Mohammad Dawood Sof

An excellent corrective to many other introductions.... Hughes's text has much to recommend it for introductory classes on Islam at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. And it is certain to lead to much productive conversation and debate among scholars of Islamic Studies about the future of the field itself.

Religion - Khurram Hussain

Muslim Identities is a welcome addition to the list of introductory books on Islamic religion.

H-Mideast-Medieval - Christine D. Baker

[A] truly extraordinary book.... the very best introduction currently available in English for non-Muslims seeking a sound approach to Islam.

Journal of Islamic Studies - Murad Wilfried Hofmann