Introduction To Islamic Civilization

"Based on a successful series of adult-education programmes broadcast on Canadian radio, organised by members of the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Toronto."--P. [4] of cover.

Studies in Islamic Civilization draws upon the works of Western scholars to make the case that without the tremendous contribution of the Muslim world there would have been no Renaissance in Europe. For almost a thousand years Islam was arguably one of the leading civilizations of the world spanning a geographic area greater than any other. It eliminated social distinctions between classes and races, made clear that people should enjoy the bounties of the earth provided they did not ignore morals and ethics, and rescued knowledge that would have been lost, if not forever, then at least for centuries. The genius of its scholars triggered the intellectual tradition of Europe and for over seven hundred years its language, Arabic, was the international language of science. Strange then that its legacy lies largely ignored and buried in time. In the words of Aldous Huxley, “Great is truth, but still greater, from a practical point of view, is silence about truth. By simply not mentioning certain subjects... propagandists have influenced opinion much more effectively than they could have by the most eloquent denunciations.” Studies in Islamic Civilization is a compelling attempt to redress this wrong and restore the historical truths of a “golden age” that ushered in the Islamic renaissance, and as a by-product that of the West. In doing so it gives a bird’s eye view of the achievements of a culture that at its height was considered the model of human progress and development. (2010).

The Muslims, History and Civilization provides modern perspective of the religion, culture and history of the Islamic world, at a time when that world is undergoing considerable change and is a focus of international study and debate. Most perceptions of Islam have often tended to be dominated by selective focus on few parts of Islamic history by biased media interpretations of events. Many people are unaware of the depth and variety of Islamic history and civilization, and had no opportunity to have a look at the bigger picture with all parts of the puzzle before their eyes. At the same time, many who have had a formal training in Islamic studies have tended to concentrate on the traditional, to the exclusion of modern overview. The Muslims, History and Civilization covers the full range of Islamic history and thought, in historical depth, but it also provides substantial coverage of contemporary trends across the Muslim world. It doesn't speak only from the mouth of select few. It presents views of all great thinkers, historians, scholars and writers irrespective of their religious affiliations. With well over a thousand entries on Islamic theology, history, arts, scientific achievements, Muslim leaders, law and institutions, crusades, Caliphate, and coverage of Islam in various places around the world, and short historical backgrounds of all Muslim countries, the Muslims, History and Civilization provides an extremely rich resource for students and researchers in religious studies and Middle Eastern studies. This book underlines and deepens the Muslim identity amidst fast changing concepts and ideologies. This book is a wide-ranging and general introduction to Islamic civilization from its origins to the present day. Writing in clear and non-technical language, Ehsanul Karim seek answers to broad and important questions. It begins with the history of the Prophet Muhammad (P), and provides a compilation of all the contributions, achievements, and major events of every Muslim region that has made a significant impact on Muslim history and civilization, continues with an historical résumé of the Islamic period, and moves on to the core chapters on the religious, philosophical and legal foundations of Islamic society and its contributions to world civilization in the fields of literature, art, science and medicine.

Muslims have been present in South Asia for 14 centuries. Nearly 40% of the people of this vast land mass follow the religion of Islam, and Muslim contribution to the cultural heritage of the sub-continent has been extensive. This textbook provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as the general reader, with a comprehensive account of the history of Islam in India, encompassing political, socio-economic, cultural and intellectual aspects. Using a chronological framework, the book discusses the main events in each period between c. 600 CE and the present day, along with the key social and cultural themes. It discusses a range of topics, including: How power was secured, and how was it exercised The crisis of confidence caused by the arrival of the West in the sub-continent How the Indo-Islamic synthesis in various facets of life and culture came about Excerpts at the end of each chapter allow for further discussion, and detailed maps alongside the text help visualise the changes through each time period. Introducing the reader to the issues concerning the Islamic past of South Asia, the book is a useful text for students and scholars of South Asian History and Religious Studies.

The Encyclopedia of Islamic Civilization and Religion provides scholarly coverage of the religion, culture and history of the Islamic world, at a time when that world is undergoing considerable change and is a focus of international study and debate. The non-Muslim world's perceptions of Islam have often tended to be dominated by unrepresentative radical extremist movements and media interpretations of events involving such movements, to the extent that many people are unaware of the depth and variety of Islamic thought. At the same time, many who have had a formal training in Islamic studies have tended to concentrate on the traditional, to the exclusion of the contemporary. The Encyclopedia of Islamic Civilization and Religion covers the full range of Islamic thought, in historical depth, but it also provides substantial coverage of contemporary trends across the Muslim world. With well over a thousand entries on Islamic theology, history, arts, science, law and institutions, and coverage of Islam in individual countries and cities around the world, the Encyclopedia of Islamic Civilization and Religion provides an extremely rich resource for students and researchers in religious studies and Middle Eastern studies. Entries are cross-referenced and bibliographies are provided. There is a full index. Routledge published The Qura'n: An Encyclopedia in 2005, an excellent companion to the Encyclopedia of Islamic Civilization and Religion.

For a thousand years the Islamic civilisation was the central light, the rays illuminated the entire world. It was the mother of European culture, for men reared in this civilisation were the masters in the Middle Ages at whose feet the Spaniards, the French, the English, the Italians and the Germans sat to learn philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, physics, medicine and industrial techniques. This book covers the glorious Islamic past when Islam reached its peak in terms of justice, peace, and prosperity. Learn about Islam's contribution to science, medicine, mathematics, human rights, animal rights, race relations and astronomy.

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