ABSTRACT
In the fifteen years since the first edition of this book appeared, scholarly writing in the field of Islamic Studies has proceeded at a rapid pace. In every aspect of the field – original research, new syntheses of knowledge, and general introductions to Islam – there has been a proliferation of books and articles. This is hardly surprising: the perception that we need to know more about Islam is widespread. The common statement that “Islam is misunderstood” has perhaps become valid more than ever in the wake of the demolition of the World Trade Center towers in New York on September 11, 2001, and the string of other highly destructive events that has followed (and indeed preceded) that single, immensely symbolic act. The impact of those events upon Muslims is especially worthy of note in a number of senses. First, Muslims have clearly felt the implications of the “war on terrorism” championed by the United States and the continued involvement of American interests in the affairs of countries in the Muslim world, culminating in the invasion of Iraq. Furthermore, Muslims have found themselves in a situation in which their religious values are being subjected to scrutiny and attack from within through the actions of those who struggle for political revolution under the banner of Islam. The vast majority of Muslims wish to dissociate themselves from all acts of violence conducted under the guise of religious activism, but they do so while striving to maintain their confidence in the values of their religion. This becomes an increasingly difficult balance when they find their religion constantly the focus of critical attention, especially in the media.
